Legislation recently introduced in the state House would extend a federal tax holiday and payroll tax exemption introduced in the GROCER Act to the food and agriculture industry.
The Assistance and Gratitude for Coronavirus Heroes in Agribusiness who are Invaluable to the Nation (AG CHAIN) bill would use Department of Homeland Security guidance to determine all essential employees.
Individuals must make less than $75,000 annually to be eligible.
The tax holiday would be for the timeframe Feb. 15 through June 15. The bill would also give the Pennsylvania State Treasury discretion to extend this benefit for an additional three months.
The bill was introduced by Reps. Dwight Evans (D-Center City) and Glenn Thompson (R-Warren County).
“Food security is national security, and employees in the supply chain are working overtime to ensure crops are harvested, shelves and coolers are stocked, and Americans have food on the table,” Thompson said. “These men and women provide a critical service day in and day out, and we are particularly grateful for their commitment to feeding and fueling the nation as we continue to address the challenges associated with COVID-19.”
The bill has the support of several organizations, including the National Grocers Association, the Food Industry Association, and the American Bakers Association.