Rep. Kelly Promotes New Jobs Bill at Erie Restaurant
Visits The Brewerie at Union Station in Erie, PA to tout the Restaurant and Retail Jobs and Growth Act
WASHINGTON, DC — U.S. Representative Mike Kelly (PA-03) visited The Brewerie at Union Station in Erie, PA today to discuss the benefits of H.R. 4212, the Restaurant and Retail Jobs and Growth Act, a bipartisan bill which he introduced in the House of Representatives last month with Reps. Richard Neal (D-MA), Jim Gerlach (R-PA), and Ron Kind (D-WI). The legislation would make permanent a 15-year tax depreciation schedule for restaurant improvements and new construction, as well as leasehold and retail improvements. At a press conference following the visit, Rep. Kelly was introduced by Chris Sirianni, owner of The Brewerie and Northwest Chapter President of the Pennsylvania Restaurant and Lodging Association (PRLA).
Statement by Rep. Kelly:
“I had a wonderful time visiting The Brewerie today and thank Chris Sirianni and his entire staff for their exceptional hospitality. The Restaurant and Retail Jobs and Growth Act is a bipartisan, commonsense bill that addresses the number one issue on the minds of Western Pennsylvanians, and indeed all Americans, right now: job creation. America’s foodservice industry provides jobs for 10 percent of our nation’s workforce. In Pennsylvania alone, restaurants account for more than 535,000 jobs — 9 percent of all jobs in our state. In the Third District, restaurants like The Brewerie employ more than 20,000 hardworking men and women — our family members, our friends, our neighbors. As the nation struggles through this historically underwhelming recovery, it is important that these restaurants and other retailers have the certainty they need to expand their businesses and put more Americans back to work.”
Praise for H.R. 4212 by Dave Koenig, Vice President, Tax & Profitability, National Restaurant Association:
“The National Restaurant Association thanks Rep. Kelly for taking the lead in supporting restaurant innovation and job creation through the Restaurant and Retail Jobs and Growth Act. Restaurants experience heavy wear and tear serving 130 million guests a day at nearly one million establishments nationwide. Making the 15-year depreciation provisions permanent provides restaurateurs with the predictability and additional cash flow needed to plan for future investments, and we appreciate the leadership shown by these members in introducing this important legislation.”
Praise for H.R. 4212 by John Longstreet, President & CEO, Pennsylvania Restaurant and Lodging Association:
“The Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association is pleased to support this positive, bipartisan piece of legislation spearheaded by Pennsylvania Reps. Kelly and Gerlach because it not only helps the restaurant industry but also the economy. The tax certainty that comes along with a permanent depreciation schedule will allow restaurant owners to reinvest in their businesses and workforce.”
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