Washington, D.C. – Today, Congressman Joe Donnelly and Senator Evan Bayh introduced two pieces of legislation supporting the RV industry.
Donnelly and Bayh were successful in including a tax deduction for new motor homes in last year’s American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, but the benefit expired at the end of 2009. To continue to protect jobs throughout Indiana’s important RV industry, today they introduced legislation that would renew for two more years the tax benefit for new motor homes and also expand it to include new towable RVs and slide-in campers. The legislation would make amounts paid on state sales and excise taxes deductible and could be claimed on up to $49,500 of the price of a new purchase. The tax relief could be claimed by both itemizers and non-itemizers, and could save them up to $1,100.
“Making new RVs more affordable for two additional years will assist the RV industry in bouncing back from this recession," said Donnelly. "We are seeing positive results from last year’s tax benefit, but we’re not out of the woods yet. By continuing to provide tax relief to new customers, we will protect and create jobs in north central Indiana."
“With the RV industry adding jobs and showing signs of recovery, now is the time to ensure the momentum continues,” Bayh said. “Elkhart County is the ‘RV capital of the world,’ and Congress must do more to nurture the industry’s recovery. This legislation builds on last year’s important tax relief to protect and grow RV sales and create jobs for the hard-working Hoosiers who keep this industry moving forward.”
"Continuing the sales and excise tax deductions for motor homes and expanding this provision to include travel trailers and truck campers are exactly what the RV industry needs," said Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) President Richard Coon. "It will improve the economic environment in our industry, stimulate RV sales and help speed the RV market’s recovery."
Senator Bayh and Congressman Donnelly also introduced H.Res.1073/S.Res.410, a resolution honoring the 100th anniversary of RVs.
"I’m proud to represent the ‘RV capital of the world,’ which has benefited the north central Indiana economy for years," said Congressman Donnelly. "I am pleased to recognize the 100th anniversary of a vehicle that has brought both jobs and recreation to our area." Congressman Donnelly received the National Legislative Award from the RVIA in 2009.
“The RV industry is an important driver for Indiana’s economy and an important source of recreation for families across the country,” Bayh said. “I congratulate the RV industry on its first 100 years, and I look forward to even more success in the years to come.” In 2009, Senator Bayh received the National Legislative Award from the RVIA.
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