I plan to re-introduce legislation that will mirror the federal tax treatment of income that is received by members of the clergy.

As some of you may know, the federal government provides a tax exclusion on income that is received by members of the clergy for certain housing allowances. Unfortunately, as a result of the global health pandemic, places of worship across the Commonwealth continue to struggle to simply keep their doors open and halls attended, which has led many to face difficult financial decisions.

In an effort to help alleviate these burdens, my legislation will align our state tax laws with the federal tax treatment of income received by members of the clergy and, in effect, protect and expand religious liberty inside the Commonwealth. Currently, Pennsylvania is one of only a handful of states across the country that does not mirror this federal tax treatment. I believe this crucial change will not only create a clearer set of rules for affected taxpayers but, more importantly, provide meaningful tax relief for a sector of our population that time and time again provides invaluable services to our constituents and local municipalities.

I respectfully ask for your consideration to join me as a co-sponsor of this important legislation.

Statutes/Laws affected:
Printer's No. 0112: P.L.6, No.2