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Senate Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
Senate of Pennsylvania
Session of 2019 - 2020
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | March 30, 2020 03:25 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Senator Anthony H. Williams |
| To: | All Senate members |
| Subject: | Creating the “Pennsylvania Common Wealth Fund" |
| In the near future, I will be introducing legislation to create a “Pennsylvania Common Wealth Fund” restricted account overseen by the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue. This legislation will provide an additional option to Pennsylvanians who wish to voluntarily give back all or part of the federal stimulus money they receive to help those less fortunate. While many working Pennsylvanians are suffering from the COVID-19 pandemic, facing lost hours or even complete unemployment, others who find themselves in more fortunate circumstances have expressed a desire to help their fellow citizens by either donating to a local charity or patronizing local businesses. By establishing the “Pennsylvania Common Wealth Fund” restricted account, taxpayers could redirect all or a portion of their stimulus check to the state, which in turn would be authorized to direct those funds into programs which help the neediest Pennsylvanians – property tax & rent rebates, temporary assistance for needy families, CHIP or medical assistance. In past times of plenty, similar proposals have been made to accept additional voluntary tax revenues for high-income earners who believe their tax burdens to be too low. In times of crisis like this, it is my hope that such a fund would inspire Pennsylvanians to consider those who are not able to weather an economic shock like that which we are all facing. Please join me in co-sponsoring this important legislation. Questions or concerns may be addressed to my Legislative Director, Kyle Miller, at 717-787-5970 or kyle.miller@pasenate.com. |