Reed meets with business leaders

DUNDEE--Congressman Tom Reed (R-Corning) met with business owners and representatives of the wine, micro-brewing and distillery industries Monday, April 17 at Glenora Wine Cellars.
Reed fielded questions from the participants and presented his tax reform plan. Questions centered on immigration reform, health care, trade agreements, and financial support for start-up businesses.
August Deimel, Keuka Spring Vineyards winemaker spoke about his urgent concerns regarding the impact new immigration laws will have on maintaining his labor supply and therefore, his business. The local wine industry relies heavily on migrant workers, many undocumented, for the intensely difficult and seasonal work required to plant, maintain and harvest grapes. Deimel said, "There is no option out there other than the labor force we have." His concerns were echoed by other participants.
Reed inquired if vocational training programs could produce a local labor supply. He suggested using teenagers during summer or in a full-time vocational programs noting he is "always in favor" of such programs.
Rachel Hadley, assistant winemaker at Keuka Spring Vineyards, said, "The idea of kids doing this won't meet the need for the massive amount of labor" required. She pointed out one single day can make a difference when it comes to picking grapes for wine. Similar concerns were echoed by other wine makers.
Reed responded he heard them "loud and clear." He said immigration reform is the new administration's number one priority. He spoke of the need to create "a border that works," so workers can come into the country with identification cards and pass back and forth across the border legally.
Reed then presented his ideas on tax reform. He is proposing a bill that would affect business as well as individuals. He said his goal is to create a system that is "simple, fair, and competitive."
Under Reed's proposed plan, businesses could deduct the full cost of buildings, equipment and infrastructure upgrades in full in the first year of expenditure instead of depreciating them over seven years as they do under current laws. He also wants losses to carry forward from one tax year to the next.
Under this plan, businesses would lose their interest deductions on the loans that pay for these items. Reed said this is a key focus of debate in Washington.
Reed also wants to lower taxes for small business. He wants to lower the corporate and capital gain taxes and lower taxes on U.S. goods sold overseas.