According to the US Census, Pennsylvania’s population growth has stagnated and increasingly, younger Pennsylvanians are choosing to set their roots outside of our Commonwealth.

Homeownership has become largely out of reach for younger Pennsylvanians. Many have conceded this component of the American Dream as unachievable. Finding ways to support these potential first-time homebuyers by helping them get on the asset ladder, and encouraging them to start families here, is critical to the long-term health of the Commonwealth.

When a buyer sits down at the closing table, the costs associated with that transaction are often the very barrier that keeps individuals from being able to purchase a home. One of those closing costs is the Realty Transfer Tax (RTT).

I’ll be introducing legislation that will reduce the tax burden at the closing table by providing an exclusion from the state’s portion of the RTT for first-time buyers. This exclusion will provide vital assistance to hardworking Pennsylvanians and their families, the very people that will help drive future economic growth and competitiveness for our great Commonwealth.

Please join me in co-sponsoring this important legislation to help revive the American Dream.