Where's Our Stimulus?

The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) is asking federal lawmakers to include motorcycles in their proposal to help stimulate the economy by providing major tax breaks for anyone who buys a new car or truck.

In a letter dated Feb. 10 to U.S. Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) and U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.), AMA Vice President for Government Relations Ed Moreland noted that on-road motorcycles are more fuel-efficient, reduce traffic and parking congestion and reduce impacts on the roads and bridges compared to cars and trucks. As such, he said, their use should be promoted and motorcycles should be included in the final federal proposal that is produced by a House-Senate conference committee.

"Motorcycle riders are just as likely as other consumers of automobiles and light-duty trucks to have been hit hard by the economic downturn," Moreland said. "Moreover, motorcyclists typically purchase new bikes, apparel, vehicle servicing and after-market equipment from local dealers that are family-owned small businesses.

"These small businesses then obtain merchandise and product from the same local suppliers as the auto dealers," Moreland said. "The economic benefit of providing incentives to the buyers of motorcycles is just as effective and just as necessary as providing such an incentive to an automobile or light-duty truck consumer.

"This approach is an inclusive and equitable solution that provides much-needed relief to riders as well as those who sell motorcycles," Moreland said.

The AMA asks all motorcyclists to contact their members of Congress to ask for their support to include motorcycles in Senate Bill 1. An easy way to contact one's U.S. representative is to go to the "Issues & Legislation" section of the AMA website at www.AmericanMotorcycist.com.