Do Santa's helpers need an incentive? State rep. proposes tax break to help recruit Santas
Shuffling countless children on and off his lap, smiling in photos with screaming babies and listening to endless lists of toy requests could come with a tax break for all the faux Santas in Pennsylvania if a state legislator has his way.
State Rep. Jonathan Fritz, R-111th, is proposing a modest tax credit for those portraying Santa Claus due to a labor shortage in the occupation.
Fritz cited a Wall Street Journal article that reported the currently tight labor market includes those portraying the Jolly Old Elf, who are charging more and dealing with packed schedules this holiday season.
“Santas help create lifeling memories — from photos with children, riding by on a fire truck during a parade, or leading a gift exchange at a work party — and they are an indispensable holiday tradition for many Pennsylvanians,” Fritz said in a memo to his fellow House members.
He said one estimate has demand for Santas increasing 121% this year, while the availablity has dropped 10%.
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