ACEC News / Advocacy
December 21, 2020
ACEC Urges Passage of the COVID-19 Relief and Consolidated Appropriations Act
The American Council of Engineering Companies, the business voice of America’s engineers, issued the following statement from its President & CEO, Linda Bauer Darr urging Congress to pass the COVID-19 Relief and Consolidated Appropriations Act:
“We urge swift passage of the COVID-19 relief legislation now before the House and Senate. Contained within the bill are programs and policies that are essential to maintain the health of the engineering industry as we enter 2021. PPP loan tax deductibility and loan forgiveness for small businesses will help our firms maintain much needed cash flow. Supplemental funding for highways and transit programs will keep essential projects on schedule and the inclusion of WRDA will continue Congress’ predictive biennial authorization of critical programs to support our coastal communities and our water infrastructure.
In addition to these measures, the bill makes permanent the 179D energy-efficient commercial buildings tax deduction and extends the tax credits for wind, solar, and other renewable resources. It also extends through 2025 the Employer Participation in Repayment Act (ERPA), which allows employers to provide up to $5,250 in student loan payments without it being a taxable benefit to the employee. This is all good policy contained in a stimulus bill that is urgently needed by America’s businesses and the families they employ. ACEC urges passage of this critical legislation.”
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