NRCA's efforts pay off | FocusAmbika Puniani Bailey
During its Fall Committee Meetings and Legislative Conference
Sept. 30–Oct. 3 in Washington, D.C., NRCA scheduled
appointments for its members to meet with their respective senators
and representatives. During the appointments, members expressed
their support of several types of legislation, including passage of
a bill that would shorten the period of time in which commercial
roof systems depreciate according to the current tax code.
As a result of NRCA's efforts, soon after the meetings, bills
were introduced in the House of Representatives and Senate that
would lower the depreciation schedule from 39 years to 20 years.
Sen. Jim Bunning (R-Ky.) introduced legislation, the Realistic
Roofing Tax Treatment Act of 2003, in the Senate, and Rep. Mark
Foley (R-Fla.) introduced a companion bill in the House. Although
the bills have bipartisan support and are a victory for the roofing
industry, they may have more success in passing when coupled with
other bills as a result of any economic effects the reduction would
cause.
NRCA President John Gooding, chairman of the board of Gooding,
Simpson & Mackes, Ephrata, Pa., voices his support of the
bills, "A new depreciation schedule would satisfy two important
policy goals—enhanced energy efficiency and a growth impetus
for the construction industry."
Adding credence to NRCA's position that the depreciation
schedule should be reduced is a study conducted by market research
firm Ducker Worldwide, Bloomfield Hills, Mich., that determined the
average low-slope roof system lasts about 17 years. For more
information about the study, read "Evidence...
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