Kutz, House Republicans Announce 10 Bills Targeting Affordability, Economic Growth

October 5, 2026

HARRISBURG - Rep. Thomas Kutz (R-Cumberland) today joined fellow members of the House Republican Caucus to announce the introduction of the Pennsylvania Growth and Affordability Plan (GAP). This is a comprehensive 10 bill legislative package designed to lower costs for families, strengthen the state's economic climate and ensure Pennsylvania remains a competitive place to live, work and do business.

Speaking at a press conference in the Capitol, Kutz highlighted the growing pressures facing Pennsylvanians as costs continue to rise for everyday essentials, including groceries, utilities, childcare and housing. He emphasized how these challenges are affecting families and local employers alike, making affordability a central priority for the Commonwealth.

"Across Pennsylvania, families are feeling strain on their household budgets, and employers are questioning whether they can grow here when other states offer a more competitive environment," said Kutz. "The GAP legislative package is our response to the cost-of-living crisis, an attempt at delivering meaningful relief for Pennsylvanians."

The GAP package includes targeted tax relief, measures to reduce energy and housing costs, support for working parents, and reforms aimed at strengthening business competitiveness. For example, one of the bills would lower the Personal Income Tax (PIT) in two phases and trigger an automatic refund when state surpluses, apart from the Rainy Day Fund, exceed $1 billion.

Kutz noted the plan was crafted through collaboration among lawmakers, community leaders and stakeholders across the Commonwealth.

"Our work on affordability doesn't happen in isolation," Kutz continued. "It comes from listening to Pennsylvanians and recognizing that while our challenges are shared, so too are our solutions. This package is a forward looking strategy to foster long term prosperity across Pennsylvania."

During the press conference, Kutz introduced fellow legislators who contributed to developing the bills. Rep. David Rowe (R-Snyder/Union/Mifflin/Juniata), chairman of the House Republican Policy Committee, spoke on affordability and economic competitiveness following a recent hearing on the bill package in Cumberland County.

"Stakeholders agree on the challenges facing Pennsylvania families and business owners," said Rowe. "Their insight gave us the opportunity to fine-tune our response to the affordability crisis and shape the GAP legislative package into a potentially transformative initiative that would cut taxes for all Pennsylvanians, so they can keep more of their hard-earned money in their own pockets.

"It's about more than creating wiggle room in household budgets today. It's about fostering economic growth long into the future, so Pennsylvania attracts families and businesses to stay and prosper in our great state."

A video of the full press conference is available here.

Representative Thomas Kutz
87th District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Katelin Morrison
717.260.6502
[email protected]
RepKutz.com / Facebook.com/RepKutz