Fortenberry Comments on Announcement of Stimulus Package Agreement

Washington, DC - Congressman Jeff Fortenberry this afternoon commented on the tentative agreement reached by congressional leadership and the White House on an economic stimulus package.

"An effective stimulus package should be immediate, temporary, and focus on small business entrepreneurs and the middle class," Fortenberry said.  "It was important that the starting framework of an agreement meet these objectives." 

"I am pleased that the package includes a broadening of the small business expensing provision, which I had previously advocated.  This will help small business entrepreneurs create new job opportunities through investment and expansion," Fortenberry said.

The small business expensing provision, also known as section 179, will expand from $125,000 to $250,000 as part of the stimulus package.  Fortenberry has also called for other targeted assistance measures.

"Creating a standard deduction for home-based businesses would provide further options for those seeking new self-employment opportunities," Fortenberry said.  "Also, giving home buyers more flexibility to use retirement savings for home purchases made in 2008 would provide a potential stimulus for the housing market.  It is my hope these ideas might be considered in the coming weeks as Congress finalizes an economic stimulus package."

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