HARRISBURG, PA, March 10, 2022 – The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) called on Pennsylvania lawmakers to help provide fuel cost relief for small businesses, workers, and commuters across the Keystone State. NFIB’s Pennsylvania state director urged immediate action to reduce the impact of the $0.587 state gas tax until fuel prices begin to stabilize.
“Whether commuting to work, operating equipment on the job site, or delivering a meal, small businesses across the Commonwealth are being hurt by a dramatic rise in prices at the pump,” said NFIB State Director Greg Moreland. “Governor Wolf and state lawmakers should take immediate steps to provide relief from the $0.587 state fuel tax, one of the highest in the nation until this crisis subsides and prices stabilize.”
“Rising fuel costs affect virtually every industry in Pennsylvania, but also hurt the wallets of the workers and consumers who are already navigating unprecedented inflation and lingering challenges from the pandemic,” said Moreland. “Lawmakers need to do everything in their power to support hardworking small business owners and workers who are simply trying to earn a living.”
These are especially perilous times for small businesses, many of which are still rebuilding after two years of COVID-instilled slowdowns. According to NFIB’s latest Small Business Economic Trends report, 26 percent of business owners are listing inflation as their top concern. “State government shutdowns and restrictions caused enormous financial pain for Main Street businesses during the pandemic, which was only now beginning to subside,” added Moreland. “Spiraling inflation and historically high gas prices threaten small businesses and Main Streets across Pennsylvania. Policymakers need to act now.”
For 78 years, NFIB has been advocating on behalf of America’s small and independent business owners, both in Washington, D.C. and in all 50 state capitals. NFIB is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, and member-driven association. Since its founding in 1943, NFIB has been exclusively dedicated to small and independent businesses and remains so today. For more information, please visit nfib.com.
