Permanent Extension & Gould Confirmed

Permanent Extension & Gould Confirmed. I'm Greg Martin with today's Northwest Report.

On Friday, the House passed legislation to permanently extend the ability of family farmers and small businesses to write off capital purchases immediately, instead of over time. That's the good news. Now most assuredly the bill will face an uncertain future in the Senate, and a possible veto at the White House. The tax provision is widely used by farmers to buy tractors, farm implements, and other equipment. Last December, President Obama signed legislation extending the Section 179 tax credit, along with more than 50 other expired tax provisions, but for 2014 only. Congressman Dan Newhouse, a farmer himself says it's a crucial bit of tax legislation.

NEWHOUSE: Those of us in agriculture and many other businesses have utilized it for a long time but to extend that for another year so I'm hopeful that we can get that done. It's very key for farmers in our area that they have the tax benefits that are afforded in that particular part of the IRS code.

Idaho's Ag Director, Celia Gould has been confirmed by the state Senate for another four years. Gould has been in the position for the last 8 years and feels that there is still unfinished business to attend to. She was the first female ag director and by the end of her third term will also be the longest serving director in the state. Gould also practices what she preaches as well as she owns and operates a ranch in Buhl and has degrees in political science and public administration.

That's today's Northwest Report. I'm Greg Martin on the Ag Information Network of the West.