This week, House lawmakers introduced the Assistance and Gratitude for Coronavirus Heroes in Agribusiness who are Invaluable to the Nation or the AG CHAIN Act.
The bill would provide a federal tax holiday and a payroll tax exemption for all essential employees in the food and agriculture industry defined by recent Department of Homeland Security guidance.
The legislation is an extension of the previously introduced GROCER Act that would establish a federal tax holiday for grocery and convenience store employees.
The provisions would take place from February 15, 2020, through June 15, 2020, 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.
Pennsylvania Representatives, Republican Glenn GT Thompson and Democrat Dwight Evans, introduced the bill Tuesday.
The National Grocers Association applauded the legislation in a statement, adding the bill “honors supermarket superheroes and will help boost the income of workers that show up for work every day.”
