ASHMORE, Ill.— AHW LLC joined other John Deere dealers in Washington, D.C. last week to urge action on key policy issues important to their equipment customers in agriculture, construction, forestry and turf care.

The dealers discussed with lawmakers two key tax provisions — Section 179 and Bonus Depreciation. Both have had significant impact on business investment in the past and were allowed to expire and revert to prior levels at the end of 2014.

In 2015, Congress has debated the merits of extending these and other expired tax provisions but has not taken action.

“Every day that passes without extending the Section 179 and Bonus Depreciation provisions is a day of lost economic activity that cannot be revived by acting retroactively at year end,” said Chad Braden, COO of AHW.

On behalf of their customers, the dealers delivered the message that a short time window remains in 2015 to prospectively extend these provisions for the rest of this year as well as for 2016. Passing these provisions would encourage customers to invest in new equipment purchases and be prepared when market conditions become more positive.

Specific to the construction industry, dealers encouraged action on a surface transportation bill that expires Oct. 29, after a three-month extension was passed in July. Robust funding of a long-term bill is critical for planning of multi-year projects.

Over the course of the two-day trip, dealers met with senators and members of the House of Representatives to share personal stories, demonstrating how the lack of progress and certainty in tax treatment of capital purchases, and a long-term highway program is impacting local communities and regional economies.

The dealer event is part of an ongoing partnership between John Deere and its dealers to pursue favorable public policy supporting a positive economic environment for Deere customers.