May. 26, 2023

HARRISBURG – Rep. Marla Brown (R-Lawrence) cast a “no” vote for legislation Democrats have dubbed the “Keystone Saves Program.”

House Bill 577 passed the House of Representatives by a 106-95 vote. Brown, who serves as the the subcommittee chairman for local business under the House Commerce Committee, said this bill would hurt small businesses that are still suffering from the COVID-19 pandemic and inflation by creating unnecessary mandates. She issued the following statement:

“This legislation would make it harder to do business in Pennsylvania. Employers would be required to prove if they have an existing retirement savings program and are responsible for registering new employees. Businesses must manage certain portions of the program, including varying contribution percentages, workers’ anniversaries and tax filings. In addition, they could be subject to penalties should they not be able to keep up with the demands of the new program.

“The legislation would cover profit and nonprofit businesses. From pizza and barber shops to American Legions – any business that employes more than five people must comply with this measure.

“According to the National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB), 84% of all small businesses in Pennsylvania oppose this legislation.

“An alternative would have provided tax credits to companies that provide private retirement plans to their employees. This would have helped to ease the burden on employers by removing mandates while incentivizing retirement savings without government penalties.”

House Bill 577 now moves to the Senate for consideration.

Representative Marla Brown
9th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives

Media Contact: Rick Leiner
717.260.6437 (office), 717.497.8478 (cell)
Rleiner@pahousegop.com
repmarlabrown.com/ / Facebook.com/RepMarlaBrown
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