Support PAB Language in Small Business and Infrastructure Jobs Tax Act of 2010

Every contractor is worried about their bottom line and where the next job is coming from, but the smart ones keep their ears to the ground to stay on top of the latest legislative events in Washington, D.C., that will effect the industry. The National Utility Contractors Association (NUCA) has sent out a signal, calling for contractors to sound off on the Small Business and Infrastructure Job Tax Act (HR 4849).

The House of Representatives will debate and vote on HR 4849, which includes language that would eliminate the current state volume cap on private activity bonds (PABs) for water and wastewater infrastructure projects, as well as significantly expand the Build America Bonds program. These provisions would significantly expand opportunities for investment in these critical projects. NUCA encourages all contractors to contact their House offices and encourage them to support passage of HR 4849. You can reach all your lawmakers by calling the Congressional switchboard at (202) 224-3121. Tell you lawmakers to pass HR 4849!
 
For your arugmenatitve arsenal, below are several strong talking points to reference:  
 
-Unemployment in the construction industry remains above 27 percent.
 
-Direct water/wastewater infrastructure funding has been omitted in recent “jobs” legislation considered by Congress.
 
-In addition to enhancing public health and protecting the environment, investment in this infrastructure creates jobs and enhances local economies. A recent study conduced by the Clean Water Council estimates that every $1 billion invested in water and wastewater infrastructure: (a) creates up to 27,000 new jobs with average annual earnings of more than $50,000; (b) increases national output (i.e., demand for products and services) by up to $3.46 billion; and (c) generates approximately $82.4 million in state and local tax revenue.
 
-PABs provide tax-exempt financing for a government entity such as a municipality or state that wishes to partner with a private entity to meet a public need.
 
-Because current law limits the amount of PABs each state can issue, water projects are commonly overshadowed by more attractive infrastructure projects.
 
-Eliminating the cap on PABs for water and wastewater infrastructure projects would allow for significant private investment. In fact, as much as $5 billion annually in incremental private capital could be generated a very low cost to government.
 
-Inclusion of the PAB provision in the latest jobs bill would put hundreds of thousands of people to work, kick-start local economies and rebuild critical infrastructure.