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CompTIA Applauds House Repeal of 3% Withholding Requirement, Urges President to Sign into Law

11/17/2011 11:27:00 AM

Washington, D.C., November 17, 2011 – CompTIA President and Chief Executive Officer Todd Thibodeaux issued the following statement regarding the unanimous vote by the House of Representatives to repeal a requirement that federal, state and local governments withhold 3 percent of payments to contractors, including small businesses, in 2013.

“The House repeal of the 3 percent withholding requirement for federal government contracts sends a strong message that growing small businesses - not impeding their efforts - is critical to creating jobs and getting the economy back on a path for growth.

“Small businesses face a number of challenges in competing for federal government contracts, but the 3 percent withholding requirement would have constituted an unnecessary burden.

“Eliminating the 3 percent withholding requirement prevents small IT firms from being at a further competitive disadvantage to compete for government contracts to provide quality technology services to increase efficiencies, support provision of services to the public and keep our digital infrastructure safe and secure. 

“We are also pleased that this legislation included a veterans’ tax credit, which would allow a tax credit of up to $5,600 for a business that hires an unemployed veteran, or $9,600 for hiring an out-of-work veteran with a service-related disability. As our many veterans begin to return from Iraq, we believe it is important to establish programs, such as this tax credit, that will provide jobs for these heroes. 

“CompTIA urges the President to sign this bill into law. Eliminating this burdensome provision opens the door for more small businesses to remain competitive and grow their businesses – hiring more workers and strengthening the economy.”  

About CompTIA
CompTIA is the voice of the world’s information technology (IT) industry. As a non-profit trade association advancing the global interests of IT professionals and companies, CompTIA is the recognized authority for IT education and credentials and the primary advocate for IT businesses and workers. Through its foundation, CompTIA also enables disadvantaged populations to gain the skills they need for employment in the IT industry.  CompTIA’s vision of the IT landscape is shaped by more than 25 years of global perspective and more than 2,000 members and 1,000 business partners. For more information, visit www.comptia.org or follow CompTIA on Twitter athttp://www.twitter.com/comptia.

CompTIA’s Public Advocacy group focuses on a broad array of issues affecting the IT industry, with particular emphasis on representing the interests of small and mid-sized IT companies and entrepreneurs.  Areas of focus include workforce education and training, tax matters, access to capital, health IT, export promotion, procurement, cybersecurity and smart technologies.

Contacts:
Audrey Chang
The Harbour Group
            202-295-8779      
audrey.chang@harbourgrp.com

Steven Ostrowski
Director, Corporate Communications
CompTIA
            630-678-8468      
sostrowski@comptia.org

www.comptia.org

Washington D.C.