Says last-minute deal "is no way to pass sensible tax policy"
Congresswoman Chellie Pingree voted to retroactively extend a number of important tax breaks through the end of 2014. The provisions had expired at the end of last year, and without action by Congress families and small businesses would have lost important tax deductions and credits.
"Families and businesses are going to start filling out their 2014 tax forms in just a few weeks, so it is important for Congress to act now to make sure they can claim these important deductions," Pingree said. "But to be honest it's shameful that Republican leaders put off this vote until the very last minute. And by only extending these tax breaks through the end of this month, it makes it very hard for businesses to accurately plan for the future. This is no way to pass sensible tax policy."
Pingree was especially critical of the short-term extension of the Wind Production Tax Credit through the end of 2014. The Production Tax Credit has supported the wind energy projects in Maine that have created hundreds of good paying jobs.
"Clean energy projects rely on the Production Tax Credit to get off the ground, and a long-term extension of the credit is necessary for developers to plan and finance the kind of projects that create jobs here in Maine and around the country," Pingree said. "By waiting until the last minute to pass a short-term extension, Republicans are making that tax credit a lot less effective."
The bill Pingree voted for today extends the following tax provisions for one year:
A variety of energy-related tax provisions, including such renewable energy tax provisions as the Wind Production Tax Credit;
