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Clean Start: Back to Work Tax Credit Act Introduced in U.S. House of Representatives

ISSA thanks Representatives Darin LaHood (R-IL) and Stephanie Murphy (D-FL) for introducing the bipartisan Clean Start: Back to Work Tax Credit Act in the U.S. House of Representatives on May 29. This important legislation would provide a tax credit to businesses helping ensure they are properly cleaned and disinfected as stay-at-home restrictions are lifted and helping prevent further infections.

There is significant research demonstrating the novel coronavirus can survive on surfaces for days unless those surfaces are properly cleaned and disinfected. As a result, the combination of properly trained cleaning personnel and utilizing the correct cleaning products are critical in helping prevent the further spread of this virus as businesses reopen. Unfortunately, many businesses lack the necessary expertise, products, or trained personnel to properly disinfect for coronavirus and other viruses. 

The Clean Start: Back to Work Tax Credit Act would create a US$25,000 tax credit per location capped at $250,000 per business entity helping businesses defray the unforeseen and increased cleaning costs associated with fighting the coronavirus. The credit would be temporary and could be used to help offset the costs of professional cleaning services, purchasing cleaning products and sanitary-related equipment, as well as training workers on proper cleaning and disinfecting protocols. Qualified expenses would also include personal protective equipment, which are critical to protecting employees and the public.

“COVID-19 is impacting every American,” said Representative LaHood. “As stay-at-home orders begin to ease, businesses and workers are prepared to take unprecedented measures to get their livelihoods back on track. Getting folks back to work is essential to reinvigorating our economy, but it is critical that we ensure the safety of workers and customers to prevent additional outbreaks. This bipartisan legislation will ensure that businesses can take extra precautions during this uncertain time and keep our communities safe.”

“As our economy begins to gradually re-open, responsible business owners will want to do everything possible to safeguard their workers and customers from COVID-19,” said Representative Murphy.  “I am proud to join Congressman LaHood in proposing a temporary tax credit to help businesses afford cleaning services and supplies, which will protect public health and spur economic activity.” 

“We thank Representatives LaHood and Murphy for their strong support of this commonsense legislation to help provide a safe and sanitary environment for workers and customers,” said John H. Barrett, ISSA Executive Director. “ISSA looks forward to continuing to work with members of the House and Senate to pass a bipartisan stimulus package that includes the Clean Start: Back to Work Tax Credit to give Americans the confidence and peace of mind to safely get back to work and revitalize our economy.”

“Making people feel comfortable going places is the best way for the economy to get back to something that resembles normal, investing in cleaning and disinfection is the best way to make people feel comfortable,” said Paul Senecal, CBSE, managing partner of United Services of America/AffinEco LLC, an ISSA-member company based in Illinois. “This tax credit will encourage more business to invest in cleaning and disinfection.”

“Businesses are looking for help and support to reopen. Their employees and customers want assurances that their facility is safe,” said Matt Vonachen, CEO of Vonachen Group, a building service contractor located in Peoria, Illinois. “Offering this tax credit will encourage American business to have their buildings prepared and will allow people re-entry into a safe environment. I commend Congressmen LaHood and Murphy to for helping businesses and taking on this initiative.” 

ISSA is working diligently to support the full spectrum of the cleaning industry in the U.S. and the world during the COVID-19 pandemic, including providing a variety of government affairs resources to support our members during this challenging time. For questions regarding the Clean Start: Back to Work Tax Credit and ISSA advocacy, please contact John Nothdurft, ISSA’s Director of Government Affairs, at [email protected].