Pennsylvania Lawmaker Pushes to Repeal Century-Old Liquor Tax Born from Historic Flood

A Pennsylvania lawmaker is pushing to repeal a century-old liquor tax that many residents don't even know they're paying.

The effort targets the 18% Johnstown Flood Tax, a levy originally created to help rebuild after a devastating flood nearly a century ago.

Representative Joseph D’Orsie of York County recently introduced House Bill 2142, which aims to abolish the tax completely.

He argues a temporary tax designed for a specific disaster recovery, which concluded in the 1940s, has no place on the books today.

The tax was born from the historic Johnstown flood of 1936 as a 10% emergency measure to fund recovery efforts.

Yet over the decades, the rate has actually increased to 18%.

Crucially, the revenue now flows directly into the state’s general fund, with nothing specifically earmarked for disaster relief.

This means the tax no longer benefits the city it was named for or any other community in need.

In the last fiscal year alone, Pennsylvania collected nearly $450 million from this single tax, money D'Orsie believes belongs back in the pockets of consumers.

While past efforts suggested redirecting the funds, this new bill advocates for a complete repeal.

The bill's fate now rests with the Committee on Liquor Control, where lawmakers will decide if the historic tax will finally be retired.