Dec. 15—WILKES-BARRE — Governor Josh Shapiro visited small businesses in downtown Scranton this week during the holidays to highlight his administration’s efforts to cut taxes, provide real economic relief to Pennsylvania families and invest in the main streets and small businesses that fuel economic growth in communities across the Commonwealth.
The governor was joined by Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti and Scranton Tomorrow President and CEO Leslie Collins, along with lawmakers and small business owners, who shared how these initiatives are making a difference in their communities.
Since taking office, Governor Shapiro said he has focused on creating economic opportunity, reducing red tape for businesses and supporting families and seniors across Pennsylvania.
“As the holidays approach, we are providing real relief to Pennsylvanians by cutting taxes and putting more money back in their pockets,” said Governor Shapiro.
“We’re excited to spend the holidays celebrating everything that makes downtown Scranton so special: our vibrant shopping scene, great restaurants and bars, and the vibrant activities that bring people together,” said Mayor Cognetti.
Stimulating economic growth and reducing costs for families
This holiday season, Pennsylvanians are feeling the impact of Governor Shapiro’s tax cuts – aimed at lowering costs and putting more money back in their pockets.
Under his leadership, Shapiro said that Pennsylvania:
– Secured more than $3 billion in private sector investment by cutting red tape and making the Commonwealth a top destination for business growth. For example, the administration has reduced the processing time for company files from eight weeks to just two days.
– Expanded the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit, providing $136 million in savings to more than 218,000 families, and established an Employer Child Care Tax Credit, allowing companies to support employee child care costs.
– Increased the property tax/rent rebate program, which will benefit more than 550,000 seniors and people with disabilities this year, with more than $311 million in assistance.
– Introducing the student loan interest deduction, which will help college graduates deduct up to $2,500 in student loan interest from their taxable income.
Build stronger main streets
Governor Shapiro prioritized revitalizing main streets and small businesses across the Commonwealth in his 2024-2025 budget, including through significant new investments:
—$20 million in the Main Street Matters Program to support small businesses and commercial corridors. This program builds on and modernizes the Keystone Communities Program, which has already supported neighborhoods and districts across Pennsylvania.
– $500 million to support economic development, including $400 million to establish the Pennsylvania Strategic Investments to Enhance Sites (PA SITES) program to develop competitive, turnkey locations for business expansion or relocation across the Commonwealth .
Small business support and workforce development
Governor Shapiro’s tax reforms have also created opportunities for Pennsylvania businesses to grow, create jobs and invest in their employees:
—The 529 Savings Account Employer Matching Contribution Tax Credit encourages companies to match employee contributions with tuition savings, making higher education more affordable for families.
—The increase in the Net Operating Loss Deduction Limit will allow businesses to reduce taxable income by as much as 80 percent by 2029, keeping Pennsylvania competitive with other states.
—Launching innovative programs like PAyback.pa.gov, the nation’s first online money-back guarantee system, brings accountability and transparency to the licensing process.
—The creation of the PA Fast Track Program through Executive Order 2024-04 makes Pennsylvania the first state in the nation to implement a streamlined, project-based permitting system for major economic development and infrastructure projects.
“Our Main Streets reflect our shared values: hard work, determination and community spirit,” said Senator Flynn. “The Main Street Matters program is a lifeline that will help small businesses thrive and local economies thrive.”
Representative Meuser is co-sponsoring legislation to implement the overthrow of the Chevron deference
U.S. Rep. Dan Meuser, R-Dallas, this week co-sponsored HR 10300 – legislation aimed at codifying the Supreme Court’s recent decision to overturn the Chevron Doctrine.
For decades, Meuser said federal agencies have overstepped their constitutional authority, and this ruling represents a crucial step toward curbing bureaucratic overreach.
In June, Meuser said the Supreme Court’s decision in Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo ended the four-decade precedent of “Chevron deference,” which allowed federal agencies to interpret ambiguous statutory language within their authority. Under the new standard, federal judges – not agencies – will interpret and apply the meaning of our nation’s laws.
Chevron deference, established decades ago by the Supreme Court, followed a two-step process. First, judges examined the wording and context of a statute to determine whether Congress’ intent was clear. If so, agencies had to follow the written law. However, when intent was ambiguous, courts relied on agency expertise to interpret and enforce the statute.
“The Supreme Court’s decision to reverse Chevron’s deference was a victory for accountability and the rule of law,” Meuser said. “For too long, unelected federal bureaucrats have exercised unchecked power to interpret ambiguous laws as they see fit. Returning this responsibility to the judiciary ensures that agencies remain within the limits of their authority and that Congress, as the voice of the people, retains its voice. Legislature I strongly encourage my colleagues to support this common sense legislation.”
H.R. 10300 has been referred to the Judiciary Committee, the Committee on Oversight and Accountability, the Rules Committee, and the Budget Committee for further consideration.
Reach Bill O’Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.
