AMTonline: Taxes Economy Credit Availability

AMT Signs Association Letter Urging Bonus Depreciation Extension

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 00:00:00 EST

AMT joined 115 associations in urging House and Senate conferees to add a temporary extension of 100% bonus depreciation to the payroll tax cut bill they are considering. Current law allows businesses to immediately expense 50% of the cost new equipment bought and placed in service in 2012, down from 100% in 2011. The associations urged the lawmakers to extend 100% expensing through 2012 to support business investment and job creation.

FACT SHEET: President Obama’s Blueprint to Support U.S. Manufacturing Jobs, Discourage Outsourcing, and Encourage Insourcing

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST

In his State of the Union address, President Obama laid out a Blueprint for an America Built to Last, encouraging companies to create manufacturing jobs in the United States. Here's the Administration's Fact Sheet on the proposals to support American manufacturing.

President's Jobs Council Presents 2011 Year-End Report

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 00:00:00 EST

The President's Jobs Council has released its 2011 year-end report, Road Map to Renewal. It includes recommendations for revitalizing manufacturing, improving education, spurring innovation and creating jobs -- all important elements of long-term economic growth and competitiveness.

CEOs Call on Congress to Reauthorize Ex-Im Bank

Sat, 10 Dec 2011 00:00:00 EST

AMT First Vice Chairman Tim Dining, President and CEO, Greenerd Press & Machine Company, Inc., joined 62 CEOs from small, medium and large U.S. businesses in calling on the congressional leadership to move forward with reauthorizing the charter of the Export-Import Bank of the United States (Ex-Im Bank) before Congress adjourns for the year. CEO letter to Congress on Ex-Im reauthorization.

AMT Joins Multi-Industry Coalition on Letter to Deficit "Super Committee"

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 00:00:00 EST

A group of 200 organizations, including AMT, called on the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction (popularly known as the “Super Committee”) to go beyond the legislative mandate of the Budget Control Act and take steps to rein in spending, reform the tax code, reduce the deficit, and stabilize and ultimately lower America’s level of debt.

Associations Write Congress Urging Extension of Depreciation Incentives

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 00:00:00 EST

AMT joined an ad hoc group of 77 organizations in sending a letter to Congress urging extension of current bonus depreciation and section 179 expensing levels through 2012.

Jobs Council Releases Interim Report to the President

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 00:00:00 EST

The President’s Council on Jobs and Competitiveness has released “Taking Action, Building Confidence,” an interim report to the President. This report includes a series of proposals to accelerate job creation over the next five years as part of the nation’s overall jobs agenda.

AMT Signs Letter to Deficit Super Committee Urging Comprehensive Tax Reform

Thu, 29 Sep 2011 00:00:00 EST

AMT joined over 150 business groups in calling for the deficit reduction “Super Committee” to go beyond its mandate of finding $1.5 trillion in deficit cuts and tackle entitlement and comprehensive tax reform. In the letter sent to the 12 members of the Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction, the business groups urged Congress to act quickly to rein in spending, reform the tax code, reduce the deficit, and stabilize and grow the economy.

2010-12 Bonus Depreciation/Section 179 Expensing Fact Sheet

Wed, 15 Jun 2011 00:00:00 EST

The Manufacturing Mandate - A National Manufacturing Strategy to Help Rebuild and Strengthen the U.S. Manufacturing Sector

Thu, 12 Aug 2010 00:00:00 EST

AMT Vice Chairman Timothy Dining Introduces President Barack Obama - Video

Tue, 23 Feb 2010 00:00:00 EST

Obama Administration Releases Manufacturing Framework

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 00:00:00 EST

The Obama Administration released "A Framework for Revitalizing American Manufacturing." The report attempts to analyze the cost drivers in each step of the manufacturing process and suggests a framework for designing appropriate government support.

President Signs NOL Carryback Extension

Fri, 06 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST

November 6, 2009 - In a major victory for AMT, President Obama signed The Worker, Homeowner, and Business Act of 2009.  In addition to extending unemployment benefits and the homebuyer tax credit, the new law also extends for an additional year the 5-year Net Operating Loss Carryback provision which was enacted as part of the Recovery Act last winter. It expands it to include medium and large businesses as well. Business losses incurred in 2008 or 2009 can now be used to recoup taxes paid in the prior five year. Extension of the 5-year NOL carryback provision is a top priority for AMT. Our government relations department lobbied hard for it enactment.

House Leadership Introduces $894 Billion Healthcare Package

Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EST

October 29, 2009 - House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) unveiled the Affordable Health Care for America Act, H.R. 3962, on the steps of the U.S. Capitol today.  The nearly 2,000-page bill would extend healthcare to 36 million currently uninsured Americans over the next decade at a cost of $894 billion dollars.  The bill would largely be paid for by imposing a "millionaire's surtax" on individuals earning over $500,000 and couples over $1 million.  AMT strongly opposes a surtax to pay for healthcare reform as this tax increase would fall on many small businesses as well. 

President Announces Proposal to Ease Credit to Small Businesses

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EST

October 20, 2009 - President Obama announced a new proposal to improve access to credit for small business.  The President's plan would redirect a portion of TARP funds away from Wall Street to community banks at a reduced dividend rate.  It would also increase the maximum loan amounts for SBA 7(a), 504, and Micro Loans.  Congress has also been working on proposals to ease the credit crunch for small businesses. 

2009 Depreciation/Expensing Fact Sheet

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EST

A useful sales tool.

AMT Board Member Kim Beck Discusses Taxes on Capitol Hill

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 09:00:00 EST

September 16, 2009 - AMT Board Secretary Kim Beck, President, Automatic Feed Company, participated in a panel discussion for Capitol Hill staff on how U.S. tax policy hurts our small businesses.  The event was hosted by the Heritage Foundation.

President Releases $3.6 Trillion FY2010 Budget Blueprint

Thu, 26 Feb 2009 09:00:00 EST

February 26, 2009 - President Barack Obama released a summary of his FY2010 $3.6 trillion budget today.  The final detailed budget will be released in early April.

CBO Supplement to Report on Federal Effective Tax Rates, 1979-2005

Sun, 28 Dec 2008 09:00:00 EST

December 23, 2008 - The Congressional Budget Office submitted a supplement to its report: Historical Effective Federal Tax Rates, 1979 to 2005 (published in December 2007), which includes additional data on sources of income and high-income households. The supplement was provided the leadership of the Congressional tax-writing committees at their request.

AMT President Bob Simpson Calls on Congressional Leadership to Assist the Auto Industry

Thu, 04 Dec 2008 09:00:00 EST

December 3, 2008 - In a letter to the Congressional Leadership, AMT President Bob Simpson urged swift action on legislation to bolster America's automotive industry, including its critical supply chain.

BEA Release Shows Widespread Growth In Metropolitan Areas

Sun, 28 Sep 2008 00:00:00 EST

September 25, 2008 -  Newly available statistics released today by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis show that real GDP by U.S. metropolitan area grew to 3.2 percent in 2006, slightly greater than the 3.1 percent growth in 2005.  Click here for the BEA news release.

Congress Approves Economic Stimulus Plan

Fri, 08 Feb 2008 00:00:00 EST

February 8, 2008 -  Congress has just passed a 2008 Economic Stimulus Plan that contains increased Section 179 expensing for 2008 small business equipment purchases, as well as another one-year 50% bonus depreciation allowance for new machine tools and other equipment ordered and placed in service during 2008.

Proposed Tax Increase on Small Exporters Shelved by House, Senate

Thu, 20 Dec 2007 00:00:00 EST

December 20, 2007 - Before adjourning for the year, both the House and Senate passed so-called “technical corrections” to various tax laws – but not before stripping out from the package a proposal that could have more than doubled taxes on some small- to mid-sized U.S. businesses that export.

President Signs into Law Small Business Tax Relief, Minimum Wage Increase

Wed, 30 May 2007 00:00:00 EST

May 30, 2007 - On May 25, President Bush signed into law the war supplemental funding bill that also includes two provisions directly affecting businesses: a $2.10 increase in the federal minimum wage, and a $4.8 billion package of tax relief aimed mostly at offsetting the wage hike costs for small businesses.

Joint Economic Committee Release: Job Gains Continue, Growth Moderates

Tue, 02 Jan 2007 00:00:00 EST

December 22, 2006 - Senator Robert F. Bennett (R-UT), Vice Chairman of the Joint Economic Committee, has released an updated edition of the Recent Economic Developments report, entitled “Job Gains Continue, Growth Moderates.”

President Bush Signs Bipartisan Tax Relief Package

Thu, 21 Dec 2006 00:00:00 EST

December 20, 2006 - President Bush signed the Tax Relief and Health Care Act of 2006 into law today.  The bipartisan package improved and extended the R&D tax credit and other expiring tax benefits through 12/31/07; provided for increased tax-free contributions to Health Savings Accounts (HSAs); permitted drilling for oil in the Gulf Coast outer Continental Shelf; extended permanent normal trade relations with Vietnam; and extended trade benefits for Haiti; some Latin American and African countries; and various emerging economies.

NAM/MAPI Manufacturing Study Shows Structural Costs Continue to Increase Sharply

Thu, 28 Sep 2006 00:00:00 EST

September 27, 2006 - Structural costs for domestic manufacturers have increased from 22.4 percent to 31.7 percent since 2003 compared to nine major trading partners, according to a study released today by the National Association of Manufacturers, The Manufacturing Institute and the Manufacturers Alliance/MAPI. 

Census Bureau Release Population Statistics

Wed, 16 Aug 2006 00:00:00 EST

August 15, 2006 - The U.S. Census Bureau today released for the first time key demographic and social data for areas with populations of 65,000 or more – an updated look at how the nation’s population has changed, and the first for many communities since Census 2000.

GDP Grew at a 2.5% Annualized Rate in the 2nd Quarter

Fri, 28 Jul 2006 00:00:00 EST

July 28, 2006 - The Bureau of Economic Analysis released its “advance” estimate of growth in the inflation-adjusted (“real”) gross domestic product (GDP) for the 2^nd quarter of 2006.  GDP growth in the 2^nd quarter was estimated to have been an annualized 2.5% rate, an expected moderation following the rapid 5.6% rate of growth in the 1^stquarter.

"Expensing = MC2 = Economic Growth"

Tue, 16 May 2006 00:00:00 EST

May 15, 2006 -- First-year expensing would give this economy the power-jolt it soon will need - commentary by Ernest S. Christian and Cesar Conda which appeared in National Review Online. 

"Tax Policy: A Behavioral Science"

Thu, 06 Apr 2006 00:00:00 EST

Commentary by Ernest S. Christian and Gary A. Robbins appearing in Tax Notes, April 3, 2006.

Contributions and Challenges Facing SMMs in America

Fri, 24 Feb 2006 00:00:00 EST

February 23, 2006 - A new report underscoring how small and mid-sized manufacturers (SMMs) are playing an increasingly important role in the nation's industrial economy -- despite unprecedented challenges -- was released today by the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM). 

Tax Reform by Another Name

Thu, 23 Feb 2006 00:00:00 EST

Commentary by Ernest S. Christian and Gary A. Robbins published in Tax Notes, February 22, 2006.  

Seize the Moment, Mr. President! The Time Is Now

Mon, 23 Jan 2006 00:00:00 EST

Commentary by Ernest S. Christian and Gary A. Robbins on tax reform published in Tax Notes, January 23, 2006.

How Tax Reform Will Supersize Economy

Wed, 04 Jan 2006 00:00:00 EST

December 12, 2005 - This article is the 13th in a 14 part series on tax reform written for Investor's Business Daily by Ernest S. Christian, Executive Director, Center for Strategic Tax Reform, and Gary Robbins, Visiting Fellow, Heritage Foundation.

Interview With Ernest S. Christian Published by ABA's NewsQuarterly

Thu, 15 Dec 2005 00:00:00 EST

December 14, 2005 - Interview with AMT tax consultant Ernest S. Christian published by the ABA Tax Section’s NewsQuarterly giving the history of and the outlook for tax reform.

A Bipartisan Opportunity Knocks: Full Speed Ahead on Tax Reform

Thu, 03 Nov 2005 00:00:00 EST

November 2, 2005 - This article is the 12th in a 14th part series on tax reform written for Investor's Business Daily by Ernest S. Christian, Executive Director, Center for Strategic Tax Reform, and Gary Robbins, Visiting Fellow, Heritage Foundation.

Tax Reform Panel Issues Final Report

Tue, 01 Nov 2005 00:00:00 EST

November 1, 2005 - The President's Tax Reform Advisory Panel issued its final report today.  Read the Tax Reform Panel Final Report Executive Summary.

MAPI/The Manufacturing Institute Report: High Costs Continue To Undermine Key Manufacturing Sectors

Wed, 12 Oct 2005 00:00:00 EST

Manufacturing profits in five key sectors were 67 percent lower than they would have been from 2000 to 2003--and still have not returned to their historic norm--according to a joint study released recently by The Manufacturing Institute and the Manufacturers Alliance/MAPI.

Temporary Expensing Allowance Introduced

Wed, 14 Sep 2005 00:00:00 EST

September 14, 2005 -  A temporary 30% expensing allowance for new equipment was introduced.

Joint Economic Committee Release (9-13-05): Economic Effects of Hurricane Katrina Continue

Tue, 13 Sep 2005 00:00:00 EST

September 13, 2005 - The Joint Economic Committee released an updated Recent Economic Developments today. Highlights of the report:

- Significant fractions of daily Gulf of Mexico production of oil and natural gas have been “shut in.” Production is gradually coming back on line.

- Energy infrastructure damage pushed prices of crude oil close to $70 per barrel, retail regular gasoline over $3 per gallon, and natural gas to around $12 per million BTUs. Prices have receded recently, but remain elevated.

- Forecasters lowered their GDP-growth predictions for the second half of 2005 in light of Katrina, but still see a continuation of healthy growth. Growth was 3.3% in the 2^nd quarter.

Joint Economic Committee: Economic Effects of Hurricane Katrina

Thu, 08 Sep 2005 00:00:00 EST

September 2, 2005 -  The Joint Economic Committee provides some background information on the economic effects of Katrina as it relates to oil and gasoline production and some possible macroeconomic implications.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics August Employment Situation Report

Fri, 02 Sep 2005 00:00:00 EST

September 2, 2005 - August Employment Situation: The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) released data on the August employment situation today.  Highlights of the report:

·        169,000 new payroll jobs were created in August.  July’s job gains were revised up to 242,000 from an earlier estimate of 207,000. 

·        Twenty-seven consecutive months of job gains have added over 4.1 million new jobs to payrolls.

·        Payroll employment has increased by over 2.2 million over the year and over 1.5 million new payroll jobs have been created so far this year.

·        The unemployment rate (calculated from the household survey of employment) edged down to 4.9% in August, from 5.0% in July.  Last August, the unemployment rate was 5.4%. 

·        The unemployment rate is the lowest since September 11, 2001 and remains below the averages of each of the past 3 decades.

* Hurricane Katrina devastated the Gulf Coast after the survey period used by the BLS for August and did not affect August payroll employment data or the estimate of the unemployment rate.

Council of Economic Advisers Releases White Paper on Economy

Tue, 09 Aug 2005 00:00:00 EST

August 9, 2005

White House Releases Second Term Accomplishments & Agenda

Wed, 03 Aug 2005 00:00:00 EST

In an August 3, 2005 press release, President Bush celebrated key legislative victories that he has won in his second term.  He also called on Congress to complete other important work.

The Bureau of Economic Analysis Reports GDP Growth in the 2nd Qtr.

Fri, 29 Jul 2005 00:00:00 EST

The Bureau of Economic Analysis released a first look at inflation-adjusted (“real”) gross domestic product (GDP) for the 2^nd quarter of 2005.

Joint Economic Committee's Updated "Recent Economic Developments" - 07.14.05

Thu, 14 Jul 2005 00:00:00 EST

Senator Robert F. Bennett (R-UT), Chairman, the Joint Economic Committee, has released an updated version of the Committee Report "Recent Economic Developments."

Joint Economic Committee's Updated "Recent Economic Developments" - 07.14.05

Thu, 14 Jul 2005 00:00:00 EST

Senator Robert F. Bennett (R-UT), Chairman, the Joint Economic Committee, has released an updated version of the Committee Report "Recent Economic Developments."

Congress Refuses to Fix a System That is Enemy of Common Sense

Wed, 13 Jul 2005 00:00:00 EST

This article is the 11th in a 14th part series on tax reform written for Investor's Business Daily by Ernest S. Christian, Director, Center for Strategic Tax Reform.

Back to the Blueprint: US Fiscal Policy is Turning in the Direction President Bush First Envisioned

Wed, 29 Jun 2005 00:00:00 EST

An op-ed piece, written by economist J. Edward Carter, appearing in the June 24, 2005 edition of National Review Online.

Key to Reforming Tax Code: Properly Defining Capital, Income - 6/21/05

Mon, 27 Jun 2005 00:00:00 EST

This is the tenth installment of a 14-part series on tax reform written by Ernest S. Christian, Director, Center for Strategic Tax Reform, for Investor's Business Daily.

Opening Mike To Citizen Soldiers Is A Step Forward On Tax Reform

Mon, 06 Jun 2005 00:00:00 EST

Ninth installment in a 14-part Investor's Business Daily series on tax reform written by AMT consultant, Ernest S. Christian, Director, Center of Strategic Tax Reform.

Testimony of Ernest S. Christian Before the President's Advisory Panel on Federal Tax Reform

Wed, 11 May 2005 00:00:00 EST

AMT consultant Ernest S. Christian, Executive Director of the Center for Strategic Tax Reform testified before the President's Advisory Panel on Federal Tax Reform.  It was the Panel's eighth meeting seeking comment on the options for tax reform.

The Joint Economic Committee Reports on Recent Economic Developments

Tue, 10 May 2005 00:00:00 EST

The Joint Economic Committee released a report detailing recent economic developments.

Americans Need a Simplified Tax That Retains Favorite Deductions

Tue, 10 May 2005 00:00:00 EST

Eighth installment in a 14-part series on tax reform written by Ernest S. Christian, Director, Center for Strategic Tax Reform, for Investor's Business Daily.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Releases April Employment Data

Mon, 09 May 2005 00:00:00 EST

The Bureau of Labor Statistics released data on April’s employment situation.

Institute For Supply Management April Manufacturing Report

Tue, 03 May 2005 00:00:00 EST

The Institute For Supply Management Index indicates a decelerating rate of growth in the manufacturing sector.

Summary of House-Senate Conference on Budget Resolution

Fri, 29 Apr 2005 00:00:00 EST

April 29, 2005

Realistic Definition of Tax Reform Will Help in Getting the Job Done

Thu, 28 Apr 2005 00:00:00 EST

Seventh installment in a 14-part series on tax reform written by Ernest S. Christian, Director, Center for Strategic Tax Reform, for Investor's Business Daily.

Millions of Americans Are Benefiting from Tax Relief - Treasury Dept. Fact Sheet

Tue, 26 Apr 2005 00:00:00 EST

U.S. Treasury Department fact sheet on tax relief, released April 14, 2005.

House Approves Permanent Death Tax Repeal

Thu, 14 Apr 2005 00:00:00 EST

The House has approved permanent Death Tax repeal by a 272-162.  Senate passage will be difficult, where 60 votes are necessary to overcome a filibuster.

Scientific Tax Reform Redux: Figuring Out How To Tax Smarter Instead of Heavier

Tue, 12 Apr 2005 00:00:00 EST

Sixth installment in a 14-part series on tax reform written by Ernest S. Christian, Director, Center for Strategic Tax Reform, for Investor's Business Daily. Sign Up to receive e-mail notifications when new issues in this series are available.

How Did the Tax Code Get So Complicated? - 03.28.2005

Fri, 08 Apr 2005 00:00:00 EST

This op-ed is the fifth in a 14 part series on tax reform written by Ernest S. Christian, Director, Center for Strategic Tax Reform, for Investor's Business Daily.  Sign up to receive e-mail notifications when new issues in this series are available. 

Bureau of Labor Statistics Releases March Employment Figures

Fri, 01 Apr 2005 00:00:00 EST

The Bureau of Labor Statistics has reported March employment numbers.

New Study Finds Congress Should Shield U.S. Exporters From Harm of Upcoming WTO Tax Ruling

Wed, 30 Mar 2005 00:00:00 EST

A new study by the Tax Foundation concludes Congress should accelerate tax relief for companies in anticipation of an upcoming World Trade Organization (WTO) ruling that may harm U.S. exporters.

House and Senate Pass Different Versions Of FY2006 Budget

Fri, 18 Mar 2005 00:00:00 EST

The President has submitted his FY 2006 budget to Congress.  The House and Senate passed vastly different versions of the FY2006 budget.

Tax Reform Converges Fortuitously With Social Security Modernization - 3.15.05

Wed, 16 Mar 2005 00:00:00 EST

This op-ed is the fourth in a 14-part series on tax reform written by Ernest S. Christian, Director, Center for Strategic Tax Reform, for Investor's Business Daily.

Senators Introduce R&D Tax Credit Legislation

Wed, 16 Mar 2005 00:00:00 EST

Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Max Baucus (D-MT) and Committee member Orrin Hatch (R-UT) have introduced legislation that would expand and make permanent the R&D tax credit.

CBO's Analysis of the President's Budget

Wed, 09 Mar 2005 00:00:00 EST

The Congressional Budget Office has released its preliminary analysis of President Bush's FY '06 budget.

Greenspan Testifies Before the President's Tax Advisory Panel

Wed, 09 Mar 2005 00:00:00 EST

Federal Reserve Board Chairman Alan Greenspan recently testified before President Bush's Advisory Panel on Tax Reform.  Visit the Advisory Panel's website:  www.taxreformpanel.com.

Top Billing In Any Tax Reform Plan Must Go To Saving & Investment - IBD 03.01.05

Tue, 01 Mar 2005 00:00:00 EST

This op-ed is the third in a 14-part series on tax reform written by Ernest S. Christian, Director, Center for Strategic Tax Reform, for Investor's Business Daily.

Permanent Death Tax Repeal Introduced - 2.18.05

Fri, 18 Feb 2005 00:00:00 EST

Recent developments on tax issues of interest to the U.S. manufacturing technology industry

Tax Reform Doesn't Have To Be Radical To Be Effective - IBD 02.15.05

Wed, 16 Feb 2005 00:00:00 EST

This op-ed is the second in a 14-part series on tax reform written by Ernest S. Christian, Director, Center for Strategic Tax Reform, for Investor's Business Daily.

Tax Reform That Is Kept Simple Presents A Win-Win Opportunity - 2.01.05

Tue, 01 Feb 2005 00:00:00 EST

This op-ed is the first in a 14-part series on tax reform written by Ernest S. Christian, Director, Center for Strategic Tax Reform, for Investor's Business Daily.

Congressional Budget Office Releases Economic & Budget Projections 1.25.05

Tue, 25 Jan 2005 00:00:00 EST

The CBO reports the fiscal year 2005 deficit is estimated to be $368 billion, a $44 billion decrease from the $412 billion deficit of last fiscal year.

Cautious Capitalists 12.22.04

Mon, 03 Jan 2005 00:00:00 EST

Op-ed by Washington Post Politics Columnist Robert J. Samuelson

President Bush Signs the FSC/ETI Bill

Fri, 22 Oct 2004 00:00:00 EST

AMT President John B. Byrd III commends President for signing the FSC/ETI Replacement Bill.

Congress Approves R&D Tax Credit Extension

Thu, 30 Sep 2004 00:00:00 EST

The Senate overwhelmingly approved extension of the R&D tax credit as part of its middle class tax cut package.