Tools are not a luxury, they are essential capital for work. Whether it’s a contractor on a job site, a mechanic in a garage, or a small business owner serving their community, tools are how Pennsylvanians earn a living and keep our economy moving.
 
Yet today, Pennsylvania imposes a sales tax on these essential items effectively taxing work itself. For those in the trades and small business community, tools are not a one time expense. They are a constant investment replacing broken equipment, upgrading to stay competitive, and purchasing the right tools to take on new jobs. These costs add up quickly, especially at a time of rising prices and tight margins.

This tax increases the cost of doing business, strains cash flow, and creates unnecessary barriers for those entering high-demand, family sustaining careers in the skilled trades. It also puts Pennsylvania at a disadvantage as other states continue to adopt pro-growth policies that attract skilled workers and small business investment.

At a time when we should be supporting workforce development and economic growth, we should be removing barriers not adding to them.

To address this, I will be introducing legislation to exempt the purchase of tools from the state sales tax. This targeted, commonsense reform delivers immediate, real-world relief where it matters most.

 This legislation will:

    •    Lower everyday operating costs for small businesses, contractors, and tradespeople

    •    Improve cash flow and allow reinvestment into hiring, equipment, and growth
    •    Reduce the cost of tool replacement and startup investment for those in the trades
    •    Encourage entry into high-demand skilled trades careers
    •    Strengthen Pennsylvania’s competitiveness in attracting and retaining jobs and investment

By eliminating the sales tax on tools, we are making a direct investment in the people who build, fix, and maintain our communities without creating new programs or expanding government.

This is a practical, pro-worker, pro-small business reform that recognizes a simple truth: tools are essential to earning a living and growing our economy.

Please join me in sponsoring this important legislation.