Pennsylvania House Republican Caucus
03/25/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 03/25/2026 13:45
Brown Backs ‘Freedom Through Affordability’ Plan, Introduces Targeted Tax Relief for Families
Mar. 25, 2026
HARRISBURG - As Pennsylvanians continue to face rising costs on everyday essentials, Rep. Marla Brown (R-Lawrence) today voiced her support for the House Republican "Freedom Through Affordability" initiative, a comprehensive effort to deliver meaningful tax relief and make life more affordable across the Commonwealth.
Unveiled at a Capitol press conference, the initiative includes a package of temporary tax cuts and targeted sales tax holidays designed to provide immediate financial relief to families, workers and small businesses struggling with higher prices.
"As families across Pennsylvania work to keep up with rising costs, we have a responsibility to act," said Brown. "The Freedom Through Affordability plan is about putting more money back into people's pockets and giving them the breathing room they need to manage their daily lives."
As part of the broader initiative, Brown has introduced two pieces of legislation aimed at easing costs during key seasons for Pennsylvania families.
One proposal would establish a six-month sales tax holiday on prom-related purchases, helping offset the growing expense of dresses, tuxedos, shoes and other costs associated with this milestone event. The tax holiday would run from April 1, 2026, through Sept. 30, 2026.
"Prom is a special moment for students and families, but the cost can be overwhelming," said Brown. "This is a simple way to make that experience more affordable while also supporting the small businesses that rely on prom season."
Brown has also introduced legislation to create a six-month sales tax holiday on home gardening and lawn supplies, including seeds, tools and equipment. The proposal is designed to help families save money while encouraging gardening, outdoor activity and self-reliance. The tax holiday would run from April 22, 2026, through Sept. 22, 2026.
"People in Lawrence County take a lot of pride in their homes and yards. Gardening and lawn care are not just hobbies, they are part of how families invest in their property and their community," said Brown. "This tax holiday helps lower the cost of those everyday items, giving families a break while supporting something that really matters to them. It is a practical way to help people save money and take care of the places they call home."
Brown noted her legislation is part of a larger package of affordability measures being advanced by House Republicans, including temporary tax relief on income, energy and other everyday expenses.
"Taken together, these proposals reflect a broader commitment to making Pennsylvania a more affordable place to live, work and raise a family," said Brown.
In addition to the legislative package, House Republicans also announced the launch of the "Affordability Starts Here" tour, which will bring lawmakers across the state to hear directly from residents, workers and employers about the challenges they face and the solutions they want to see.
Representative Marla Brown
9th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Rick Leiner
717.260.6437 (office), 717.497.8478 (cell)
[email protected]
RepMarlaBrown.com / facebook.com/RepMarlaBrown
Unveiled at a Capitol press conference, the initiative includes a package of temporary tax cuts and targeted sales tax holidays designed to provide immediate financial relief to families, workers and small businesses struggling with higher prices.
"As families across Pennsylvania work to keep up with rising costs, we have a responsibility to act," said Brown. "The Freedom Through Affordability plan is about putting more money back into people's pockets and giving them the breathing room they need to manage their daily lives."
As part of the broader initiative, Brown has introduced two pieces of legislation aimed at easing costs during key seasons for Pennsylvania families.
One proposal would establish a six-month sales tax holiday on prom-related purchases, helping offset the growing expense of dresses, tuxedos, shoes and other costs associated with this milestone event. The tax holiday would run from April 1, 2026, through Sept. 30, 2026.
"Prom is a special moment for students and families, but the cost can be overwhelming," said Brown. "This is a simple way to make that experience more affordable while also supporting the small businesses that rely on prom season."
Brown has also introduced legislation to create a six-month sales tax holiday on home gardening and lawn supplies, including seeds, tools and equipment. The proposal is designed to help families save money while encouraging gardening, outdoor activity and self-reliance. The tax holiday would run from April 22, 2026, through Sept. 22, 2026.
"People in Lawrence County take a lot of pride in their homes and yards. Gardening and lawn care are not just hobbies, they are part of how families invest in their property and their community," said Brown. "This tax holiday helps lower the cost of those everyday items, giving families a break while supporting something that really matters to them. It is a practical way to help people save money and take care of the places they call home."
Brown noted her legislation is part of a larger package of affordability measures being advanced by House Republicans, including temporary tax relief on income, energy and other everyday expenses.
"Taken together, these proposals reflect a broader commitment to making Pennsylvania a more affordable place to live, work and raise a family," said Brown.
In addition to the legislative package, House Republicans also announced the launch of the "Affordability Starts Here" tour, which will bring lawmakers across the state to hear directly from residents, workers and employers about the challenges they face and the solutions they want to see.
Representative Marla Brown
9th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Rick Leiner
717.260.6437 (office), 717.497.8478 (cell)
[email protected]
RepMarlaBrown.com / facebook.com/RepMarlaBrown
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Pennsylvania House Republican Caucus published this content on March 25, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on March 25, 2026 at 19:45 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]