As Pennsylvania faces ongoing economic challenges, House Republican policymakers are advocating for significant tax reforms aimed at providing immediate relief and fostering long-term growth. On May 8, 2025, the House Policy Committee convened a public hearing titled “Cutting Costs, Creating Commerce” in Gettysburg at the Adams County Economic Alliance. The event was chaired by Rep. David H. Rowe and hosted by Rep. Torren Ecker.
Several representatives attended the hearing, including Barb Gleim, Valerie Gaydos, Kate Klunk, John Lawrence, Robert Leadbeter, and Dave Zimmerman. The discussion focused on tax policy solutions designed to promote growth. Key topics included expanding Net Operating Loss carryforwards and ending Pennsylvania’s Accelerated Sales and Use Tax to support small business investment and job creation.
Stephen Kelly from government affairs, Isaac Bucher as a business owner and operator, and Robin Fitzpatrick participated as testifiers during the hearing. A proposal for tax rebates using the state’s budget surplus was also considered to return funds directly to taxpayers.
Rep. Ecker highlighted the needs of local business owners: “Adams County is home to hardworking small business owners who want government to get out of the way… This hearing put a spotlight on solutions that will empower our job creators and give working families a fighting chance against inflation.”
Chairman Rowe emphasized economic growth over governmental expansion: “Rather than grow government, we should grow the economy—and that starts by letting Pennsylvanians keep more of what they earn… If we want Pennsylvania to be competitive, Harrisburg must listen to what Pennsylvania businesses are asking for and enact meaningful, permanent tax relief—not temporary gimmicks.”
