RVIA issued a statement regarding how Democratic control in the House, Senate and presidency could impact the RV industry.
Democrats will control both houses of Congress and the White House after two Democratic victories in the Georgia run-off elections.
Georgia’s turnout means that Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) will oversee what goes to the Senate floor instead of Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.).
Democrats will have 50 Senate seats after picking up the two from Georgia, with vice president-elect Kamala Harris able to cast a tie-breaking vote if issues were decided in straight party line fashion.
“This tie-breaking ability in the Senate is critical,” RVIA stated. “It makes it easier – but still not easy – to pass the Democratic legislative policy agenda.”
RVIA stated its representatives spoke with senior Biden aids two weeks ago, in which four pillars were identified that will build Biden’s agenda: Get the COVID virus under control, get the economy up and running, address racial injustice and address the climate change issue.
“2021 brings with it a new administration, new Congress, and new challenges for the RV industry,” RVIA stated. “The RV Industry Association government affairs team will continue to ensure that we are building relationships with key stakeholders so we can best advocate on behalf of our great industry.”
RVIA highlighted areas that the association is paying attention to:
COVID Relief
As mentioned by President-elect Biden when campaigning in Georgia, gaining Democratic control of the Senate would prioritize another COVID relief measure. This will likely include an additional $1,400 per person to get to the $2,000 for individual recovery aid, RVIA stated. It also means more money for quicker state and local vaccine distribution, plus additional testing. The Biden team wants to get the vaccine distributed faster, RVIA stated, which in turn will help get the economy in shape.
Economy
RVIA highlighted legislative initiatives to expect, including an infrastructure bill, raising the minimum wage and amending the 2017 tax cuts. RVIA noted the tax cut bill resulted in a drafting error that prevented towable RV dealers from deducting their full floor plan interest from their taxes. The association said it will continue to push for 100 percent exemption for interest paid on all RV dealer inventory.
Outdoor Recreation
RVIA stated that the industry remains well-positioned to be successful amid the Biden administration.
“As with every new administration, the RV industry, including dealers and campgrounds, will face new challenges,” RVIA stated. “We will continue to strategically position ourselves to address our key topics.”
This past fall, RVIA met with Schumer to discuss outdoor recreation policy issues. Summarizing a recent meeting with Biden Cabinet appointees, RVIA said Schumer mentioned the importance of outdoor recreation.
“. . . Lastly, I was able to discuss a number of issues critical to my constituents in New York including the importance of the recreation economy and Land and Water Conservation Fund,” Schumer told the association.
