National Federation of Independent Business members testify against Pennsylvania utility tax increases

Several National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) members testified before the Pennsylvania House Taxpayer Caucus in opposition of a bill that would increase taxes on natural gas, electricity, freight transportation, and telecommunications services.

Under the bill, HB 542, natural gas would be taxed at 5.7 percent and taxes on freight transportation and telecom services will increase by one percent.

“Low natural gas prices have been a bright spot in Pennsylvania’s grim economy over the past few years for these businesses,” Warren Hudak, chairman of NFIB’s State Leadership Council and president of Hudak and Company, said. “Losing this competitive advantage may force these businesses to move elsewhere, along with the jobs and economic impact they bring.”

The bill would also reduce the tax appeal period from 90 to 60 days and grants the Department of Revenue unilateral authority to hold cases in abeyance.

“The focus now should be on growing Pennsylvania’s economy, not on raising taxes and tax burdens for job creators,” Hudak said. “Jobs and tax revenues will follow when the economy grows. In order to grow the economy, the state’s tax policy should be competitive with other states, conform to federal standards when possible, and remove barriers to growth and investment.”