Casey Bill Would Promote New Construction, Retail Improvements for Restaurants

Washington DC- Today, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA), a member of the Senate Finance Committee, unveiled new legislation that would promote new construction and retail improvements at restaurants across the state. Casey’s bipartisan bill would increase access to capital by permanently extending the 15-year tax depreciation period for leasehold improvements, restaurant improvements and new construction and retail improvements.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy,” Senator Casey. “We should provide them with the certainty they need to grow. By making the 15 year depreciation provision permanent, we will allow businesses across Pennsylvania to make smart investments to expand and create jobs.”

Senator Casey’s legislation will give companies the certainty they need to invest in their businesses and expand. These capital investments fuel economic activity and create jobs. According to the Bureau of Economic Analysis, every dollar spent in the construction industry generates an additional $2.39 in spending in the rest of the economy.

In addition to construction jobs, as employers expand their stores and restaurants, they will also need additional workers, creating jobs across the Commonwealth. This legislation will be particularly beneficial to Pennsylvania’s $17 billion restaurant industry, which supports more than 500,000 jobs around the state.

Senator Casey is joined in support of this legislation by Senator Cornyn, the lead Republican sponsor, as well as Senators Stabenow, Crapo, Menendez, Brown, Begich, Collins, Hagan, Inhofe, Klobuchar, Risch, Vitter and Wicker.