Lawrence Times

Rep. Marla Brown (R-Lawrence) has introduced legislation aimed at supporting small businesses in Pennsylvania by expanding start-up fee exemptions. The bipartisan bill, co-sponsored by Rep. Arvind Venkat (D-Allegheny), seeks to provide relief to a wider range of small businesses in the Commonwealth.

Brown, who serves as the chairman of the Subcommittee on Small Business for the House Commerce Committee, emphasized the importance of supporting small businesses in every county in Pennsylvania. She recognizes the vital role that small businesses play in local communities and their close ties to the people who live and work there.

The proposed legislation, House Bill 1905, builds upon the exemptions already provided for veteran-owned and reservist-owned small businesses under Act 135 of 2016. It aims to expand the exemption to include women-owned, service-disabled veteran-owned, minority-owned, disadvantaged businesses, and businesses with five employees or less. All other small businesses would receive a partial exemption.

Brown highlighted the significance of small businesses in job creation, innovation, and economic growth. By eliminating or reducing start-up fees, the legislation aims to encourage the growth of small businesses and create opportunities for entrepreneurs from underrepresented groups in the Commonwealth.

The bill also includes a provision requiring the Pennsylvania Department of State to report the number of small businesses that have benefited from the exemption, ensuring transparency and accountability.

House Bill 1905 will now be referred to a House committee for consideration.

For media inquiries, please contact Rick Leiner at 717.260.6437 (office) or 717.497.8478 (cell), or email Rleiner@pahousegop.com. More information can also be found on Representative Marla Brown's website at RepMarlaBrown.com or on her Facebook page at Facebook.com/RepMarlaBrown.

This legislation demonstrates the commitment of Rep. Marla Brown and her colleagues to support small businesses and foster a favorable environment for entrepreneurship in Pennsylvania.

Click this link to access more information: https://www.repmarlabrown.com/News/33262/Latest-News/Brown-Introduces-Legislation-to-Assist-Small-Businesses-