{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "rows": [["https://katko.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congress-finalizes-tax-bill-rep-katko-advocates-historic-tax-credit", "AS CONGRESS FINALIZES TAX BILL, REP. KATKO ADVOCATES FOR HISTORIC TAX CREDIT, GRADUATE STUDENT TUITION & PRIVATE ACTIVITY BONDS", "2017-12-14", "2017", "2017-12", "Republican", "House", "NY", "John Katko", "K000386", "katko.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "WASHINGTON, D.C. \u2013\u00a0 As leaders in the House and Senate finalize the Tax Cut and Jobs Act, U.S. Rep. John Katko (NY-24) has urged leaders to consider several issues critical to New York\u2019s 24th Congressional District and its economy.\nIn meetings and letters, Rep. Katko urged Speaker Ryan, Majority Leader McConnell, and Chairmen Hatch and Brady to oppose the repeal of the income exclusion for graduate tuition waivers, and to retain the Federal Historic Tax Credit (HTC) and the tax-exempt status for private activity bonds (PABs). \u201cAs members of the House and Senate work together to finalize tax reform legislation, there are several provisions that I\u2019ve advocated for on behalf of Central New York,\u201d said Rep. Katko. \u201cFirst, as home to numerous colleges and universities, Central New York is a hub for higher education and research.\u00a0 Our colleges and universities contribute greatly to our local economy, and a tax on graduate waivers could potentially inhibit the economic growth that tax reform promises for our region.\u201d Rep. Katko continued, \u201cNext, in communities across New York\u2019s 24th Congressional District, we\u2019ve seen the vast economic benefit achieved in preserving some of our region\u2019s oldest and most historic buildings.\u00a0 There is no greater example of this than the revitalization of Downtown Syracuse.\u00a0 Without the Historic Tax Credit, much of our local resurgence would not have been possible. This credit has allowed the rehabilitation of many income-producing properties, increased employment opportunities, and provided low-income housing in some of the most impoverished sectors of our community.\u00a0 It is critical that we continue to encourage and allow these vital investments.\u201d \u201cFinally, as we begin to look towards a much-needed investment in our infrastructure in Congress, the importance of maintaining tax-exempt status for private activity bonds (PABs) cannot be overlooked.\u00a0 As a leader of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus infrastructure workgroup, I recognize that an elimination of the tax exempt status for PABs would inhibit our efforts to make major investments in infrastructure.\u00a0 Moreover, PABs are important financing tools in a wide range of projects in Central New York -- from hospitals and schools to airports and local water facilities,\u201d concluded Rep. Katko.\nIn addition to advocating for the above issues, Rep. Katko has played an instrumental and tangible role in restoring a $10,000 deduction for local property taxes.\nCongressman John Katko\u00a0represents the 24th Congressional District of New York, which includes all of Onondaga, Cayuga, and Wayne Counties and the western portion of Oswego County.\u00a0 For more information visit\u00a0https://katko.house.gov\u00a0or\u00a0www.facebook.com/RepJohnKatko.\n###", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "primary_key_values": ["https://katko.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/congress-finalizes-tax-bill-rep-katko-advocates-historic-tax-credit"], "units": {}, "query_ms": 1.7273728735744953, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}