It seems unlikely that policymakers in Harrisburg will support a prominent feature of Governor Josh Shapiro’s initial budget, namely a tax credit aimed at new police officers, teachers, and nurses.
Shown is the Pennsylvania House of Representatives on Jan. 5, 2021, at the state Capitol in Harrisburg, Pa. Six weeks after Pennsylvania state representatives elected a Democratic speaker and have not returned to session, the Republican leader on Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2023, warned of chaos when they reconvene next week. (AP Photo/Laurence Kesterson, File)
Legislators Seem To Dislike Tax Break
Tax credits, which enable individuals or corporations to pay reduced amounts to the government, have gained prominence in the economic policy agenda of the General Assembly in recent years.
However, state Senate Republicans voiced opposition to Shapiro’s plan with their recent public statements, asserting the need to lower corporate and personal income taxes in Pennsylvania for the benefit of all industries. They also expressed a desire to expand corporate tax credits as a means to attract major businesses to the state, according to WHYY. Â
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How Gov. Josh Shapiro wants to fund PA State Police (Source: Spotlight PA).
In past budget agreements between former Democratic Governor Tom Wolf and Republican majorities in the state legislature, significant tax breaks worth hundreds of millions of dollars were created by either expanding existing programs or establishing new ones.
Shapiro emphasized the importance of believing in people and investing in those on the front lines of educating children and safeguarding communities.
Under the proposed plan, newly certified members of these three professions would be eligible for up to a $2,500 reduction in their state income taxes, according to Spotlight PA. Â
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