Rep. Rothman introduces legislation to prohibit commuter tax

Rep. Greg Rothman (R-Cumberland) recently introduced legislation that would prohibit the imposition of a commuter tax, while allowing Harrisburg to exit Act 47 receivership and “distressed” status.

Specifically, House Bill 2557 would prohibit the imposition of a tax or fee on the earned income of non-residents.

“I spent my entire career, in the private sector and now in the House of Representatives, working to revitalize the city of Harrisburg for its residents and the more than 40,000 commuters who work in the city,” Rep. Rothman said. “The City of Harrisburg is the heart of the region. We need a healthy city. However, we don’t need a commuter tax levied on the workers in Harrisburg and its imposition would be devasting to attracting and maintaining private investment to the city.”

Rothman noted that a commuter tax would disincentivize commuters, including those from his own district, from continuing to work in the city of Harrisburg. This would limit their contributions to Harrisburg’s local businesses.

“The economy of Harrisburg affects the surrounding suburbs and we should work to ensure that it is healthy for the long term,” Rep. Rothman said.

Rothman will testify at a joint public hearing with the House Finance, Local Government and Urban Affairs committees on Act 47 on Sept. 25.