In House Committee·Last action 293 days ago

HR4514 Offers Tax Credits for Local News

Officially: Local Journalism Sustainability Act

HR4514 gives tax breaks to help local newspapers. Affects small businesses, journalists, and subscribers by cutting costs and boosting local news. No legislative status included.

Where it stands

Sitting in House Committee

No vote scheduled. Constituent contact is what moves bills out of committee.

What this bill actually does

Subscription Tax Credit: Offers an 80% credit on local newspaper subscriptions in the first year, up to $250.
Payroll Tax Credit: Provides a 50% credit on journalist wages for the first year, up to $12,500 per quarter.
Advertising Tax Credit: Gives small businesses an 80% credit on local media ad costs in the first year, up to $5,000.

↓ Why your message matters here

This bill is sitting in committee with no scheduled vote — which means a small number of constituent messages can decide whether it moves forward or quietly dies.

Where your representatives stand

Enter your ZIP to see how your senators and member of Congress have voted, sponsored, or spoken on this bill.

The debate

What people are saying about this bill

✓Arguments in support

Encourages Public Investment: Supporters argue that tax credits for subscriptions and advertising will encourage more people and businesses to invest in local news.
Supports Journalists: By providing payroll tax credits, the bill helps local newsrooms retain and pay their journalists, which is crucial for maintaining quality reporting.
Addresses Financial Challenges: The bill targets the financial struggles of local newsrooms, which have been exacerbated by digital disruption and declining advertising revenue.

✕Arguments against

Cost Concerns: Critics may argue that the tax credits could lead to significant tax expenditure, impacting the federal budget.
Effectiveness: Some opponents might question whether tax credits are the most effective way to support journalism, suggesting alternative methods could be more impactful.
Definitional Issues: There could be concerns about how "local newspaper" and "small business" are defined, potentially excluding some entities that need support.

Where this bill is in the process

Legislative timeline

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Introduced

Introduced in House

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House Committee

Under House committee consideration

Latest: Referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means. (7/17/2025)

JUL 17

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House Floor Vote

Voted on by House

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Passed House

Approved by House

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Senate Review

Sent to Senate for consideration

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Passed Both Chambers

Approved by both House and Senate

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Signed into Law

Signed by the President

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HR4514 Offers Tax Credits for Local News

Where your representatives stand

What people are saying about this bill

Legislative timeline

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