US

U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski Introduces Bill to Double R&D Tax Credit

Published

4 years ago

August 1, 2020

U.S. Rep. Jackie Walorski (R-Ind.) introduced legislation to double the R&D tax credit and allow more startups and small businesses to access the credit.

“America’s recovery from the unprecedented crisis we are facing will be driven by our innovative and entrepreneurial spirit,” Congresswoman Walorski said. “Doubling the R&D tax credit will encourage companies – especially small businesses and startups – to invest more in research and development that will unleash economic growth and prosperity. This commonsense measure will go a long way toward keeping America ahead of our global competitors and ensuring we continue to lead the world in scientific discoveries, technological breakthroughs, and cutting-edge manufacturing.”

Each year the U.S. government provides billions of dollars in funding to innovative businesses through the R&D tax credit program. This legislation would double the existing traditional R&D tax credit rate from 20 percent to 40 percent of the increase in R&D spending for more established companies, and would double the existing alternative simplified credit rate from 14 percent to 28 percent of the increase in R&D spending, according to the summary. For companies with no history of U.S. research in the past three years, the credit would more than double from 6 percent to 14 percent of R&D spending.

Companies with relatively low income in the past five years have the opportunity to utilize the R&D tax credits to offset Social Security payroll taxes, with the limit on the amount they could claim doubling from $250,000 to $500,000, the bill summary says.

“This is a great step to support innovation and entrepreneurship in the U.S. which will drive economic growth in the years to come,” said Lloyed Lobo, President of R&D tax credit software Boast.AI. “However, using R&D tax credits to offset income taxes or Social Security payroll taxes may not be feasible in the next two years as many businesses may not have profits to be taxable and may not have significant Social Security payroll tax liability due to reduced headcount as a result of the global pandemic and looming recession. Additionally, using R&D tax credits to offset Social Security payroll taxes can be a long process for startups and small businesses as they have to wait several quarters before recognizing the full cash benefit of the credits. Instead of tax offsets, a direct refund check should be provided to companies upon their R&D tax credit filing, similar to countries like Canada and the UK.”

The full text of the legislation can be found here.

US

Creating Safe Havens: Inside Genesis USA’s Vision for Inclusive Housing

Published

3 weeks ago

December 3, 2024

Jimmy Lerner

Photo Courtesy of GenesisUSA

GenesisUSA, a nonprofit based in Arlington, Texas, works to improve the lives of disabled veterans and children who have lost their parents. Led by Charles Ford, the organization goes beyond providing financial aid. It focuses on long-term solutions, like building wheelchair-accessible homes, to support independence and dignity for those in need. With rising housing costs and growing inequality, GenesisUSA’s mission addresses a critical gap.

Ford and his team create supportive environments that help promote self-reliance in underserved communities. As a smaller, community-based organization, it addresses challenges that can be difficult for larger organizations to manage. Its work shows how local initiatives can make a noticeable difference.

A Growing Crisis: The Need for Accessible Housing

The demand for affordable and accessible housing continues to grow. A 2023 report from the National Low Income Housing Coalition estimated that more than 11 million U.S. households need homes with accessibility features. This challenge is more pronounced for disabled veterans, with nearly four million living in homes that do not meet their physical needs.

“Our veterans have sacrificed a lot for this country, but many still face housing that doesn’t suit their needs,” Ford says. “Beyond merely providing them shelter, we’re creating a space where they can live comfortably.”

GenesisUSA is responding by building homes designed for accessibility. These houses include ramps, wider doorways, and modified kitchens and bathrooms to allow veterans to live more independently. The organization also plans to create supportive environments for children who have lost their parents, many of whom also face mobility challenges.

Ford’s Community-Driven Leadership at GenesisUSA

Ford’s years of experience in construction and his dedication to charitable work have shaped his leadership at GenesisUSA. He stays closely involved, often meeting veterans and families to learn about their needs firsthand. “For me, it’s about building personal connections,” Ford says. “Large charities sometimes miss the individual stories.”

The community focus defines Ford’s leadership. Although some wonder if a smaller nonprofit can make a meaningful impact, Ford is confident. “We don’t have celebrity endorsements or huge budgets, but we have real relationships with the people we help,” he says. His dedication to grassroots efforts sets GenesisUSA apart from larger, more structured organizations.

GenesisUSA has already helped over 100 people and aims to expand its impact with affordable, accessible housing solutions. One notable feature is the inclusion of a wheelchair-accessible swimming pool, which has received positive feedback. Ford says, “We’re creating spaces where people can enjoy life fully, just like everyone else,” which reflects the organization’s mission to support independence and inclusion.

Building More Than Homes: A Reflection of Hope

Ford looks back on GenesisUSA’s progress with a clear sense of purpose. “We’re not simply building homes, we’re offering hope and building opportunities for independence,” he says. “We’re here to support veterans who face mobility challenges and children who have lost their parents, offering them a chance at a more self-reliant life.”

As the organization’s reach expands, so does its ability to impact lives across the country. Its work embodies Ford’s dedication to ensuring that no one is overlooked. Ford envisions scaling their efforts while maintaining the personalized approach that defines their model.

“We’re still in the early stages,” he notes. “As we grow, we’ll continue to prioritize individual needs. Our success hinges on the improved quality of life for each person we help.”

As the demand for accessible, supportive housing rises, organizations like GenesisUSA play an important role in filling gaps left by larger institutions and government programs. Through its focus on tailored support and community-driven solutions, GenesisUSA is building a model for how smaller nonprofits can significantly impact and address pressing social needs.