Representatives Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson (PA-15) and Dwight Evans (PA-03) introduced H.R. 6567, the Giving Retailers and Our Convenience Employees Relief Act, or GROCER Act which would establish a federal tax holiday for grocery and convenience store employees from February 15 through June 15 for individuals making less than $75,000 annually.
The bill would also provide discretion to the Treasury to extend this benefit for an additional three months.
Representative Thompson, Republican from Howard Township, explained that grocery and convenience store workers are among the unsung heroes in the battle with COVID-19 and have played a vital role in the national food supply chain.
“The GROCER Act is a simple way of saying ‘thank you’ to the men and women who put themselves on the front lines, sanitizing, stocking, and serving communities by putting a little more of their hard-earned money back in their paychecks,” said Thompson.
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Representative Evans, Democrat from Philadelphia, is co-sponsoring the bill because he also wants to recognize grocery and convenience store employees serving on the front lines, making sure the community has the food and other crucial supplies needed to get through this pandemic.
“This bipartisan four-month income-tax holiday would be a way to thank these vital workers and help them meet their own needs,” said Evans.
The National Grocers Association supports Rep. Glenn Thompson’s and Rep. Dwight Evans’ efforts to recognize front-line workers by providing them with tax relief for their time spent working during the COIV-19 pandemic.
“Independent grocers are integral components of communities across Pennsylvania and the United States, providing access to nutritious food and supplies during this time,” said Molly Pfaffenroth, Director of Government Relations of the National Grocers Association.
Henry Armor, CEO of the National Association of Convenience Stores, also offered his support for this bill.
“Convenience store associates are indeed on the front line of the COVID-19 crisis in every community around the country by providing the food, fuel, and necessities required by their customers. The relief provided by the GROCER Act is a welcome response to these heroes who have continued to serve their communities,” said Armour.