Sen. Jim Brewster wants to exempt stimulus checks from state, local taxes

Stimulus checks, already exempt from federal taxes, would be exempt from state and local taxes as well under legislation state Sen. Jim Brewster, D-McKeesport, expects to introduce Tuesday.

Under the recently passed $2.2 trillion federal stimulus bill, individuals earning up to $75,000 a year will receive a $1,200 check sometime in April, plus $500 per child.

Brewster said levying state and local taxes on stimulus checks would defeat the purpose of the measure.

“The idea is to immediately drive money out to those in need now and spur a swift recovery once the covid-19 health risk subsides,” Brewster said. “The last thing we need to do is give Americans stimulus to cover expenses and then take back some of it in taxes.

“Stimulus funds should not be subject to state or local taxation, period,” Brewster said.

Last week, the lawmaker unveiled a six-point plan to fill in gaps in the federal stimulus.