November 10, 2017
Speaker of the House Paul Ryan
Ways and Means Chairman Kevin Brady
Washington, DC 20515
Dear Speaker Ryan and Chairman Brady:
On behalf of the National Alliance of Forest Owners (NAFO), whose member companies own and manage more than 43 million acres of private working forests across the country, I am writing to express our support for H.R. 1, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.
Forest owners are pleased that H.R. 1 preserves what is already working for rural America – the pro-growth provisions that recognize the fundamental character of growing timber, which is uniquely capital-intensive and long-term in nature. Forest owners of all types rely on these provisions, which are essential to economic growth in rural timber communities and enable continued private capital investment in healthy, productive, and abundant sustainable working forests for future generations.
We support tax reform that promotes growth and investment in the U.S. economy and helps our country become more competitive globally. A healthy economy, particularly in rural communities, is good for forest owners. Working forests in the U.S. support 2.4 million jobs, mostly in rural communities, along the entire forest supply chain – from landowners and loggers to mill workers and service providers. As they grow, these forests provide clean air and water, habitat for wildlife, and financial security for an increasing number of Americans who invest in working forests as part of their retirement portfolios.
NAFO is grateful for the time and effort taken to understand the importance of retaining these critical tax provisions. We appreciate your leadership and efforts to support working forests, rural communities, and a thriving economy nationwide.
Sincerely,
Dave Tenny
President and CEO
National Alliance of Forest Owners