Vending

NAMA lauds, criticizes infrastructure bill

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November 8, 2021

The House passage Friday of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act won both praise and criticism from the National Automatic Merchandising Association.

The bill is expected to expand broadband access to underserved communities, drawing accolades, but the removal of access to the Employee Retention Tax Credit drew criticism.

"NAMA commends final passage of much needed investment our nation's infrastructure to repair roads and bridges," Carla Balakgie, NAMA president and CEO, said in a press release. "This historic legislation also will expand broadband access to currently underserved communities, allowing convenience service operators to bring new, advanced technologies to those areas and enhance the consumer experience."

Unfortunately, the package cuts off planned access to the Employee Retention Tax Credit, which operators are relying on to keep employees on the payroll as they recover from pandemic losses.

NAMA has called on Congress to ensure fourth quarter access to ERTC.

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act terminates the ERTC three months early, making wages paid after Sept. 30, 2021 ineligible for the credit. NAMA has been advocating to protect access to the ERTC for Q4 — $196 million in assistance for the convenience services industry alone.