LLC president appeals to Speaker for relief for loggers
Louisiana Logging Council President John Keith is appealing to U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson for help for loggers.
In a letter to Congressman Johnson, Keith is asking for the for temporary suspension of the federal excise tax on heavy trucks, trailers and tires used in farming and logging. He writes that "a heavy truck or trailer pays a 12 percent federal excise tax on the first retail sale ... that's over $21,000 in tax before the truck ever hauls its first load," on a $180,000 log truck.
"Mr. Speaker, the timber industry is hurting. Diesel prices have been crushing us, equipment costs keep climbing and a lot of loggers and farmers are running trucks and trailers that should have been replaced years ago," the letter states.
Keith ask that the speaker consider legislation that could give some relief to the heavy tax burden loggers find themselves in.
