The Peru Gazette

From the Office of Congresswoman Elise Stefanik

Washington, D.C.–Today, Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R-NY-21) announced that the final government spending and tax package that passed the House with her support include several provisions she has fought hard for on behalf of the North Country. Among these provisions are a suspension of the medical device tax, an extension of the Land Water Conservation Fund, inclusion of the Zadroga 9/11 Health & Compensation Program, extensions of renewable energy tax credits, and funding for a Fort Drum military training academy, among other provisions.

Suspends Obamacare’s Medical Device Tax

“This bipartisan agreement contains several priorities that I have fought for on behalf of North Country families and businesses,” said Congresswoman Stefanik. “This package includes a critical suspension of the Obamacare medical device tax. This is a big win for our district, especially in Warren County – known as ‘catheter valley’ because of the numerous medical device manufacturers located there. This is an issue I hear about frequently from businesses in my district, such as AngioDynamics, NuMed, C.R. Bard, Navilyst and Precision Extrusion. The medical device tax causes undue harm to an industry that not only creates jobs, but also improves our health and well-being, which is why I am an original cosponsor of the Protect Medical Innovation Act to repeal this burdensome tax.”

Important Provisions for NY-21 Military Installations and Military Families

““I am also pleased that two of my initiatives for Fort Drum have been secured in this package. Fort Drum is one of four sites being considered for an East Coast Missile Defense location, and this package includes important funds for the planning and design of this installation. And I am pleased that this package includes $19 million for the renovation and construction of a Non-Commissioned Officer Academy at Fort Drum. Fort Drum is critical to our region, our state and our national security, and I am pleased these provisions have been included. This package also includes $1.3 billion for naval reactors, which will help support the Kesselring site in West Milton.

“As a military community, it’s important that this package includes $1.3 billion for Impact Aid which is a critical resource North Country schools that are home to many military families.”

Land Water Conservation Fund Extension and Tax Credits for Renewable Energy

“This package includes an important extension of the Land Water Conservation Fund.  For 50 years this important program has supported wilderness, historical and community park projects across our district, and while this extension is good news I support making it a permanent resource so that we can end year-to-year uncertainty about its future. In addition, this includes important tax provisions to promote the use of biomass, wind, solar and hydropower. These renewable energy sources are critical to New York’s 21^st district and I am pleased that this package includes tax provisions to help these industries thrive.”

9/11 Zadroga Health & Compensation Program

“This legislation includes an important measure that I cosponsored to ensure the first responders who spent months working at Ground Zero following the 9/11 terrorist attacks will receive lifetime medical care for their illnesses related to this work. We must take care of our brave first responders and I am proud of the work the New York deletion has done to ensure inclusion of this important program.”

Tax Reforms That Will Benefit North Country Families and Businesses

“This legislation also makes the research and development tax credit that has been repeatedly extended since 1981. By delivering permanent tax relief to America’s job creators, this legislation will make it easier for North Country employers to plan ahead, hire new workers, grow their businesses, and invest in their communities.

“In addition, this package lowers the excise tax imposed on hard cider so it is taxed at a lower rate than wine, which is a boon for our North Country apple orchards.”

This package also includes several provisions to help North Country families and students, including:

•                     Permanent expansions of the Child Tax Credit

•                     Permanent extension of the Earned Income Tax Credit, a refundable tax credit for low- to moderate-income working families with children

•                     Permanent extension of the American Opportunity Tax Credit for college expenses

•                     Permanent Deduction for teacher classroom expenses

Health Funding

“When I travel throughout the district speaking with constituents, I hear regularly about the tragic heroin and opioid abuse epidemic that has emerged as a significant problem in the North Country. Heroin can have a devastating effect on all types of families from all walks of life and we must work together to raise awareness and combat this epidemic. I am pleased this package includes important funding to combat the heroin and opioid epidemic.”

Lifts the Oil Export Ban

“I support an all of the above approach to energy, and lifting the government’s 40-year-old ban on oil exports which will encourage investment, spur innovation, create jobs here at home.”