During the current economic downturn, home repairs and upgrades have been dramatically curtailed. This has had a significant impact throughout the U.S economy, and in particular, to the home furnishings and building products sectors. These industries have experienced a steep decline in sales, job losses, and other financial hardships. The HIRE Act is a temporary, timely, and targeted effort to put money in the hands of consumers and help them improve the value of their homes by incentivizing the purchase of home furnishings. These purchases will also help to save and stimulate the manufacturers, distributors and retailers of these products.

“The HIRE Act can provide a strong stimulus for the remodeling industry nationwide,” said Gary Distelhorst, executive vice president of the Marble Institute of America. “As a major supporter of the initiative we will work aggressively with other home improvement industry associations to win passage of legislation that can really impact a badly slumping segment of our economy.”

The home furnishing and building products industries:

• have lost $67 billion in economic value from 2007 to 2008
• are expected to lose another $74 billion from 2008 to 2009
• lost 273,000 American jobs in 2008 and are expected to lose 299,000 jobs in 2009

For 3 years (2009 – 2011), the HIRE Act would:

• provide a tax deduction of up to $2,000 per family ($1,000 per individual) for the purchase and/or installation of qualifying home furnishings or building products for families making up to $300,000 a year ($150,000 for individuals)
• provide a tax credit of up to $500 per family ($250 per individual) for the purchase and/or installation of qualifying home furnishings or building products for low income families and individuals
• provide a tax credit of up to $10,000 for contractors and retailers for the purchase of qualifying home furnishings or building products for resale
• provide a doubling of the applicable tax deduction or credit for the purchase and/or installation of qualifying home furnishings or building products which meet recognized environmental standards

MIA will urge its member firms and the entire natural stone industry to support the HIRE Act in order to help consumers improve their homes, create jobs, and stimulate the U.S. economy.

In addition to the MIA, the American Home Furnishings and Building Products Coalition is comprised of the following organizations: Adhesive and Sealant Council; American Home Furnishings Alliance; Carpet and Rug Institute; Hardwood Federation; INDA, Association of the Nonwoven Fabrics Industry; International Sleep Products Association; International Wood Products Association; Kitchen Cabinet Manufacturers Association; National Home Furnishings Association; National Paint and Coatings Association; National Wood Flooring Association; Polyurethane Foam Association; Resilient Floor Covering Institute; World Floor Covering Association; Wood Machinery Manufacturers of America