New Windsor, NY — Stephen J. Sallah, President & CEO of LBM, and his employees hosted Congressman Pat Ryan (D-NY-18) and Tim Weidemann, Director of Economic Development, for a tour of the LBM Advantage facilities on August 3, 2023. The tour was conducted in Representative Ryan’s home district, encompassing Orange, Dutchess and Ulster Counties in New York’s Hudson Valley.
Representative Ryan outlined his legislative goals, which include raising the federal minimum wage, expanding Route 17, and reopening the Rt. 9W Popolopen Bridge, which was damaged last month due to severe storms. Ryan is a member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee as well as the Armed Forces Committee.
Regarding his committee service, Ryan explained that it is his goal to help ensure that federal legislation addresses real-life issues that residents of his district are facing. As one example, Rep. Ryan cosponsors/also supports the Strengthening Supply Chains Through Truck Driver Incentives Act, which would help address America’s truck driver shortage by establishing a refundable income tax credit for qualified commercial truck drivers. This major shortage has led to increased shipping costs and delays, impacting consumers across the country. This bill would create a two-year refundable tax credit of up to $7,500 for truck drivers holding a valid Class A CDL who drive at least 1,900 hours in the year. Additionally, it would help get more drivers on the road by establishing new incentives for people to enter registered trucking apprenticeships.
Ryan urged Sallah and the LBM Advantage team to contact him at any time if they needed help, and to continue delivering greater opportunities for small, independent lumber yards throughout the nation.
“Hudson Valley families are feeling the pressure of making ends meet, and I’m working every day to deliver relief. By improving the supply chain for building materials, we can both lower the price of housing and bring high-quality jobs to this district.”
“The opportunity to spend a full hour with Congressman Ryan was invaluable,” according to Sallah. “Representative Ryan became acquainted with our company and industry, and he visited with our 60 on-site personnel. I appreciated hearing about his legislative priorities and discussing our district’s concerns.”
The meeting was also attended by Rita Ferris, President of the ABMA. “The ABMA shares several of the Congressman’s legislative priorities, particularly workforce development initiatives and Strengthening Supply Chains Through Truck Driver Incentives Act.” We look forward to continuing our collaboration with Rep. Ryan.”
