DeLuca: Tax My Campaign Ads

Allegheny County Democrat Tony DeLuca wants politicians to tax themselves. The State Representative wants to eliminate political advertising's tax-exempt status and put a six-percent levy on ads. He would use the revenue to expand Pennsylvania's adultBasic health insurance program. DeLuca says it means lawmakers would essentially be taxing their own campaigns, and acknowledges it's likely a tough sell, but insists the measure makes sense. Opponents say the proposal amounts to a tax on free speech, but DeLuca disagrees. He argues a six-percent tax is not enough to stop any politician from raising money or buying ad time. The House Finance Committee is considering the measure.

Bill Helps Small Businesses

State Representative Tony DeLuca is reintroducing a bill that will aid small businesses and full-time college students up to age 30 in having stabilized health insurance rates. DeLuca says everyone deserves to have health care coverage, and passing this bill would make it more affordable because small business owners will pay a smaller fee for covering employees’ health insurance plans, no matter what age they are. He says it’s not fair for new businesses to get better rates on younger employees than older businesses that are burdened with higher rates.