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Capitol Report
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#Listrak\DateStampLong#
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The latest news from the State Capitol
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Please do not reply directly to this email, as it returns to an unmanned account.
You are welcome to contact me through this link.
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Lawmakers Convene in Cumberland County to Discuss Growth and Affordability
On Tuesday, I hosted a hearing of the House Republican Policy Committee focused on strategies to lower costs for families and strengthen Commonwealth’s economic competitiveness. Held in Silver Spring Township, the hearing, titled “Closing the GAP: Making Pennsylvania More Affordable,” brought together lawmakers and industry leaders to discuss the Pennsylvania Growth and Affordability Plan (GAP).
My 10-bill package would:
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Lower the Personal Income Tax (PIT) in two phases: from 3.07% to 2.85% and then to 2.49%. It would also trigger an automatic refund when state surpluses — apart from the Rainy Day Fund — exceed $1 billion, ensuring excess revenue is returned directly to taxpayers. |
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Exempt materials used in common home improvement projects such as roofing, HVAC upgrades, windows, electrical and plumbing improvements, energy efficiency projects, and accessibility upgrades, from the Sales and Use Tax. |
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Exempt fitness equipment, sports and recreation equipment, and fitness technology items from the Sales and Use Tax to encourage preventive health. |
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Eliminate the Gross Receipts Tax on utilities. |
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Allow families to save their money tax free for major expenses such as childbirth, fertility treatment, adoption, childcare, and parental leave. Remaining funds could be rolled into a PA 529 account or Roth IRA. |
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Double available Child and Dependent Care Enhancement Tax Credits and add a new tier for families with three or more children. |
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Remove the cap on deductions for PA 529 contributions and student loan interest, helping young adults and families planning for their children’s futures to manage educational costs and build financial stability. |
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Eliminate the state portion of the Realty Transfer Tax for residential homes only, reducing closing costs and removing barriers to homeownership. |
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Reduce Pennsylvania’s Corporate Net Income Tax to 2.25%, matching the lowest rate in the nation. |
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Allow small businesses subject to Pennsylvania’s PIT to deduct net losses in future tax years, giving them a financial tool like that long afforded to corporations and helping owners better manage cash flow during challenging periods. |
A panel of experts offered perspectives from key sectors across the state’s economy. Neal Lesher, vice president of government affairs for the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry, discussed the business community’s outlook on affordability and economic growth. Shelby Linton-Keddie, senior director of government, regulatory policy, and external affairs at PPL Electric Utilities, provided insight into energy costs and regulatory impacts. Matt Madden, operating principal at Keller Williams of Central PA, spoke about housing market concerns and barriers facing homebuyers.
I was grateful for the opportunity to get feedback from expert testifiers, so we can implement their ideas in the drafted legislation.
To watch the hearing in its entirety, please click here.
To listen to my comments following the hearing, click here.
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Celebrating a Community Servant
After 34 years of dedicated service, Chief Andrew Parsons retired from the Upper Allen Township Police Department. I appreciated the opportunity to thank him for his years of leadership, commitment, and contributions to the community.
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House to Convene in Philadelphia’s Congress Hall
On Wednesday, Sept. 9, I will take part in an historic session of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.
In honor of the nation’s 250th birthday – and the foundational role Pennsylvania has played in our nation’s development – the House will convene legislative session in Philadelphia’s historic Congress Hall. The hall once served as the meeting place of the United States Congress, from 1790-1800.
In conjunction with the America250PA organization, the day’s events also include a full-day civic learning experience for students. I am pleased to host Jordyn Nailor, a junior at Cumberland Valley High School.
The legislative session will be livestreamed here starting at 5:45 p.m.
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Join Us for a Veterans Breakfast
Veterans, active-duty military personnel, and their families who live in the 87th District are invited to join me for a free Veterans Breakfast as we honor your service and sacrifice.
This year's keynote speaker will be Rep. Joe Kerwin (R-Dauphin), a Pennsylvania Army National Guard officer and Operation Enduring Freedom–Horn of Africa veteran.
The breakfast will be held from 8:30-11 a.m. at Kimberly Ann Fahnestock-Voelz Memorial Post 7530, 4545 Westport Drive, Mechanicsburg.
Please RSVP by calling 717-975-2235 or visiting www.RepKutz.com/Events. I hope you'll join us for this special morning of fellowship and appreciation!
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Save the Dates: Pre-Game Legislative Outreach Events
This fall, my office will host three Pre-Game Legislative Outreach events at local high school football games. Stop by before kickoff to grab some food, meet our team, and learn more about the services available through my office.
To RSVP, please click here.
Mechanicsburg Area High School – Salute to Service Game*
Friday, Sept. 18, from 5:30–7 p.m.
Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Park
1 Memorial Park Drive, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
*Join us as we honor our veterans ahead of MASD's Salute to Service Game. This tailgate is complementary for veterans, service members, first responders, and their families.
Cumberland Valley High School
Friday, Oct. 9, from 5:30–7 p.m.
Search Dental
17 Waterford Drive, Mechanicsburg, PA 17050
Boiling Springs High School
Friday, Oct. 16, from 5:30–7 p.m.
Citizens Fire Co. Station 2
405 Forge Road, Boiling Springs, PA 17007
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Thanking Our Workers
This Monday, Sept. 7, is Labor Day, a day set aside to recognize the achievements of American workers and the vital role they play in shaping the nation’s strength and prosperity. The holiday emerged in the late 19th century as states began adopting a day to honor workers; by 1894, Congress officially established Labor Day as a federal holiday.
Today, Labor Day serves as a moment to pause and appreciate the dedication, innovation and hard work that drive progress in every community. Whether marked with gatherings, parades or a well-earned day of rest, it’s a celebration of the people whose contributions continue to move our country forward.
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PennDOT Driver License, Photo Centers Closed for Labor Day Holiday
All PennDOT driver license and photo centers, including the Riverfront Office Center in Harrisburg, will be closed Saturday, Sept. 5, through Monday, Sept. 7, in observance of Labor Day.
Customers may still obtain a variety of driver and vehicle products and services online through PennDOT's Driver and Vehicle Services website, www.dmv.pa.gov.
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Remembering September 11, 2001
Next Friday marks the 25th anniversary of one of the worst days in our nation’s history. On Sept. 11, 2001, nearly 3,000 men and women were killed in devastating terrorist attacks in New York; Washington, D.C.; and Pennsylvania. Among the dead were more than 400 first responders who ran toward the danger, rather than away, in the effort to save the lives of others.
In addition to the annual remembrance events, special programming is planned at the National September 11 Memorial and Museum in lower Manhattan and Pennsylvania’s own Flight 93 Memorial to help ensure the 100 million Americans who are too young to remember 9/11 learn about the significance of the day and the stories of bravery, compassion, unity and service it produced. To further the educational effort, on Sept. 10, officials will break ground for construction of a Visitor Education Center adjacent to the 9/11 Pentagon Memorial in Washington, D.C.
It is important we remember this horrible tragedy and honor those who lost their lives that day and in the aftermath. Share your memories and perspectives with those who did not experience it firsthand to ensure these men and women are never forgotten.
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