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Philadelphia, PA, June 28, 2024 – Legislators in Pennsylvania are considering bipartisan legislation that would provide tax relief to millions of Pennsylvania cell phone consumers. The U.S. Black Chambers (USBC) is the global voice of Black Businesses and a top advocate for policies that address the challenges of Black Business Owners. Locally, The USBC Chamber Affiliate, the African-American Chamber of Commerce of PA, NJ and DE (AACC) has a primary goal to further the interests of businesses by responding to the needs of the business community and serving as an advocate for the purpose of increasing economic opportunities for the Black American community.

Efforts like this legislation, that would eliminate unreasonable taxes, are essential for growth in the Black community. Black-owned businesses benefit from policies that reduce the tax burden on small businesses. This legislation would eliminate both the sales tax and the gross receipts tax on wireless services, alleviating barriers that disproportionately affect black businesses and families. Providing Pennsylvania consumers with tax relief in a state where they currently face the 8th highest taxes and fees in the country on their wireless service would be a benefit throughout the community.

Consumers across Pennsylvania are currently facing price increases for food, shelter, and other necessities, and Black consumers are no exception. During this time, cell phone service has provided increased access and affordable offerings for minority businesses and families across the Commonwealth. In the last 10 years, wireless prices have declined by nearly 20% while the cost of other consumer goods and services has increased by over 30%. The proposal to provide tax relief on wireless services is a vehicle to further growth in Black-owned small businesses and investing in the community and economy.

The approval of this legislation in Pennsylvania can reduce wireless taxes and fees to a more reasonable level giving millions of Pennsylvanians, and thousands of Black families and businesses some much needed relief. This would be a meaningful step to help residents cope with the rising cost of living and alleviate barriers that disproportionately affect Black families.