Buttigieg Says He Will Raise Corporate Tax Rate to 35%

Pete Buttigieg said Sunday on Meet the Press that he would be “rolling back” the corporate tax rate “to the pre-Trump level.”
The pre-Trump level is 35 percent.
Here is the key exchange:
Chuck Todd: “What are some details on how you’re paying for you Medicare for All who want it?”
Buttigieg: “We score it out as $1.5 trillion over that period of time. The vast majority of that can be recovered by rolling back the corporate tax rate cut portion of the Trump tax cuts.”
Todd: “So, it will go from what to what.”
Buttigieg: “That will take care of the $1.4 trillion if we just revert to the pre-Trump level.”
Todd: “So you basically want to just roll back the entire corporate tax cut?”
Buttigieg: “Mmhmm” [nodding]
Before President Trump signed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act into law, the U.S. had the highest corporate tax rate in the developed world: 35 percent. The tax cuts permanently reduced the corporate tax rate to a more competitive 21 percent.
State corporate taxes average 6.0 percent across the U.S., so if Buttigieg reversed the tax cuts he would end up imposing a combined average corporate rate of 41 percent.
This would give the U.S. a much higher corporate tax rate than the United Kingdom (19 percent), China (25 percent), Canada (26.8 percent), and Ireland (12.5 percent). In fact, Buttigieg’s approach would impose a tax rate much higher than the current combined corporate rate across the 36 member Organisation for Economic Development and Cooperation (OECD), which is currently 23.7 percent.
An increase in the corporate tax rate would also directly raise the cost of utility bills in all 50 states.
Buttigieg joins fellow Democrats Bernie Sanders, Kamala Harris, Joe Biden, Elizabeth Warren, Beto O’Rourke, and Amy Klobuchar in calling for a corporate tax rate increase.
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Alabama Examples of Tax Reform Good News

Thanks to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act enacted by congressional Republicans and President Trump, 90 percent of American wage earners have higher take-home pay. And employers of all sizes are hiring, raising pay, increasing benefits, upgrading equipment and expanding operations.
Below are several examples of tax reform good news in Alabama. (Additions to this list can be sent to jkartch@atr.org)
Overseas Hardwoods Company (Stockton, Alabama) -- $1,000 tax reform bonuses to employees.
Sabel Steel (Montgomery, Alabama) - Expanding facilities, hiring new employees, pay increases for current employees:
Montgomery, Alabama’s, Sabel Steel is investing heavily in expanding its facilities—which means new jobs, new investment and large pay raises for most of its 230 employees across the South.
“When you’re a business, there are a lot of things to consider,” said Keith Sabel, president and CEO of Sabel Steel. “Taxes are a large part of it.”
Because the tax rate for companies like Sabel Steel—a family-owned steel distributor—has been lowered under tax reform, Sabel is able to maximize the benefits for his company.
First on the list? Rewarding the employees who work hard every day to make Sabel Steel successful.
“We gave a raise to everyone across the board,” said Sabel. “We improved everyone’s pay. We have incentives for as many workers as possible. If they meet or beat expectations, we’re making sure they’re rewarded.”
“We have quality perks,” Sabel added. “Good insurance. Good benefits. We’re constantly trying to improve, and now we’re able to. Morale is very good. We’re a family business, and we run it like a family business—where we take the time to get to know people, their families. I try to look out for my employees all the time.”
But Sabel Steel’s current employees aren’t the only ones who will benefit from tax reform and the booming economy. Sabel Steel also plans to reinvest its tax reform savings in its business by expanding and upgrading facilities in Newnan, Georgia, and Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and adding new equipment that will make its facilities more productive and innovative. Sabel also cites a new plasma machine it purchased for its plant in Theodore, Alabama—a machine that offers smoother and more efficient steel-cutting techniques. It also plans to make further upgrades to its equipment as needed.
To staff the expanded and upgraded facilities, Sabel Steel plans to hire more workers. Its recruitment effort focuses on talent, passion and integrity because Sabel Steel knows that, by starting with solid employees, it can train them on-site and equip them with the skills to do the jobs that the company needs. - July 11, 2018, National Association of Manufacturers article excerpt
Cogent Building Group (Point Clear, Alabama) – $2,000 bonuses for all four employees.
American Proteins Inc. (Hanceville, Alabama)— $1,000 bonuses:
“American Proteins Inc. based in Cumming has 700 employees at its operations in Georgia and Alabama. It announced it would give employees $1,000 bonuses "in response to the tax reform package signed into law earlier this year."
"President Donald Trump and the Republican Congress have reduced taxes for businesses and individuals and I'm excited what this means for our company and its employees," American Proteins Inc. Chairman Tommy Bagwell said in a statement Feb. 5.” – Feb. 26 2018, Atlanta Business Chronicle article excerpt
Otelco (Oneonta, Alabama) — $500 bonuses for all employees:
The Tax Cut and Jobs Act, enacted in December 2017, affects Otelco’s taxes in 2017, as well as future tax years. Bonus depreciation was increased from 50% to 100%, beginning in 2017, with the Company realizing a benefit of over $0.6 million in fourth quarter 2017. The reduced maximum tax rate has also lowered the Company’s deferred tax liabilities and is reflected in an income tax benefit, raising net income for the quarter and year. “We recently announced to our employees that everyone would be receiving a special bonus of $500,” commented Rob Souza, President and CEO of Otelco. “Coupled with the lower tax withholding rate that most employees should experience, everyone should start 2018 with more take home pay. — March 5, 2018 Otelco statement
Alabama Power (Birmingham, Alabama) – The utility is passing along tax savings to customers:
Alabama Power Company customers will see a reduction in their bills because of the federal income tax cut approved by Congress last year, the Public Service Commission announced at its monthly meeting today.
The reduction in 2018 will be for $257 million, about a 9 percent cut, the PSC said.
The cut requires no action by the PSC, which regulates Alabama Power.
The reduction takes effect in July and continues through December.
The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, signed into law in December, reduced the federal corporate income tax rate from 35 percent to 21 percent effective Jan. 1, 2018.
The three commissioners, all Republicans, said it was good to see consumers benefit from the tax cuts promoted and signed into law by President Trump.
"This is a great day for Alabama consumers and taxpayers," Commission President Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh said.
The commission approved two requests from Alabama Power related to the income tax cut.
One would allow the company to apply up to $30 million of excess federal deferred income taxes this year to Energy Cost Recovery, a factor in rate-setting.
The other request from Alabama Power was to make several changes to the PSC's method of setting rates, called Rate Stabilization and Equalization, or RSE. The PSC said the changes would enable Alabama Power "to mitigate the credit quality impacts" resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and preserve rate stability for customers. The changes would allow Alabama Power to increase the equity share of its capital investment, the PSC said.
In conjunction with that second request, Alabama Power committed to no increases in its base rates through 2020 and to credit customers $50 million next year, the PSC said. – May 1, 2018 AL.com article excerpt
Protective Life Corporation (Birmingham, Alabama) -- Base wage raised to $15 per hour; $1,000 bonuses for 75% of employees:
Recognizing the benefits it will receive as a result of the recent passage of federal tax reform, Protective has committed to:
- Paying a special $1,000 bonus to approximately 75% of its employees
- Establishing a minimum wage across its employee base of $15/hour -- Feb. 13, 2018 Protective Life Corporation statement
Russell Lands (Alexander City, Alabama) -- $500 bonuses for about 400 full-time non-management staff:
Russell Lands, the largest lakeside residential developer in the state, has given full-time employees a $500 check.
“We are thrilled that our company is strong, the economy is good, and that our national leaders recently approved a tax plan that should be very positive for all of us,” said Chairman Ben Russell. “This is a token of the company’s, and my personal, genuine appreciation for what our folks have done to make Russell Lands such a great company. It’s because of our employees’ efforts that we have been able to accomplish so much."
Non-management-level employees who had been with the company since July 1 were given the checks this week – almost 400 in all. – Jan. 12 2018, Birmingham Business Journal article excerpt
Great Southern Wood Preserving, Inc. (Abbeville, Alabama) -- Significantly increased employee benefits: lower healthcare costs, more paid time off, scholarships, and more:
Great Southern Wood Preserving, Incorporated, has begun an active and ongoing process to increase employee benefits by reinvesting its tax savings in its people, the company has announced. The company expects full implementation to take place in 2018.
In late 2017, Congress passed and the President signed into law legislation providing significant tax breaks for corporations. Across America, many companies have chosen a variety of options for applying these savings, such as providing one-time bonuses to employees, increasing charitable giving and reinvesting in facilities upgrades.
For its part, Great Southern Wood will make investments on an ongoing basis to lower healthcare costs for eligible employees, allow employees to accrue more paid time off based on length of service, develop scholarships for dependents of employees and enhance other benefits going forward.
“I’m very pleased that every employee across the company will see the results of the change in tax laws,” said Jimmy Rane, Great Southern Wood’s founder, president and CEO. “The success we’ve enjoyed as a company comes from every one of us working hard and doing our part, and I can’t think of a better way to apply our tax savings than by further investing in benefits programs for our employees. We strive to be an employer that draws the best and brightest to our company, and we believe that providing stronger benefits is essential to this continuing effort.”
Great Southern employs almost 1,200 at locations in eleven states. [Texas, Missouri, Arkansas, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Maryland, Florida] -- March 29, 2018 Great Southern Wood Preserving, Inc. press release
Regions Financial Corporation (Birmingham, Alabama) – base wage increase to $15 per hour; $40 million in charitable donations; $100 million in capital expenditures:
“Regions is making these investments in anticipation of the savings it will recognize as a result of federal tax reform intended to support economic growth.” – Regions Financial Corporation press release
DTI Partners Inc. (Mobile, Alabama) -- $1,000 bonus to full-time employees; $300 bonus to part-time employees:
“The tax bill was the primary reason we were able to do this as a company. The bonuses were a great morale booster. We are a very small company but we believe this will help us grow in the long run.” -- Message from CEO Tom Busby
Xante Corporation (Mobile, Alabama) -- $1,200 bonuses:
Mobile-based Xante Corp. handed out $1,200 bonus checks to most of its employees on Monday, as its CEO gave thanks to a Republican tax reform bill and Rep. Bradley Byrne.
Xante provides high-end printers and related software for use by professional graphics and printing operations. It employs a little over 100 people in Mobile and about 15 more in Europe. CEO Robert Ross said Monday that anyone who'd been with the company for a year or more was getting a $1,200 bonus, while those employed less than a year were getting a different amount.
Mobile employees whooped and cheered as Ross announced the windfall Monday morning. They also heard Ross explain that the company had additional plans for money saved as a result of tax cuts passed by Congress and signed into law by President Donald Trump in December. Among other changes, the tax bill significantly lowered the corporate tax rate. – Feb. 19, 2018 AL.com article excerpt
T.J. Maxx – 25 stores in Alabama – tax reform bonuses, retirement plan contributions, parental leave, enhanced vacation benefits, and charitable donations:
The 2017 Tax Act benefited the Company in the fourth quarter and full year Fiscal 2018. The Company expects to continue to benefit from the 2017 Tax Act going forward, primarily due to the lower U.S. corporate income tax rate. As a result of the estimated cash benefit related to the 2017 Tax Act, the Company is taking the following actions:
Associates
- A one-time, discretionary bonus to eligible, non-bonus-plan Associates, globally
- An incremental contribution to the Company’s defined contribution retirement plans for eligible Associates in the U.S. and internationally
- Instituting paid parental leave for eligible Associates in the U.S.
- Enhancing vacation benefits for certain U.S. Associates
Communities
- Made meaningful contributions to TJX’s charitable foundations around the world to further support TJX’s charitable giving. – Feb. 28, 2018 The TJX Companies Inc. press release excerpt
AT&T -- 5,071 Alabama-based AT&T employees received $1,000 bonuses. The company also announced a $1 billion increase in nationwide capital expenditures.
Walmart – 144 retail locations in Alabama -- Over 22,000 Alabama-based Walmart and Sam's Club employees are receiving wage increases as well as tax reform bonuses ranging from $200 - $1,000 for a state total of $37,111,483. The starting wage rate was raised for all hourly employees to $11. The company also announced expanded maternity and parental leave and $5,000 for adoption expenses.
Apple (Apple store locations in Birmingham and Huntsville) -- Alabama-based Apple employees received $2,500 bonuses in the form of restricted stock units. Nationally, $30 billion in additional capital expenditures; 20,000 new employees will be hired; increased support of coding education and science, technology, engineering, arts, and math; increased support for U.S. manufacturing.
BancorpSouth Bank (30 branch locations in Alabama) – pay raises for over 70 percent of employees; $1,000 bonuses for nearly 20 percent of employees:
BancorpSouth Bank today announced an additional investment in its employees, which includes pay increases and /or one-time bonuses to nearly all non-commissioned employees.
The investment of over $10 million in 2018 will benefit 96% of the Company's non-commissioned workforce. Pay increases were effective January 1, 2018.
"We are proud to reward our team with this opportunity since the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act should benefit everyone" said Dan Rollins, Chairman and CEO. "BancorpSouth's continued and future success is based on the economic vitality of the communities we serve and taking care of our teammates allows us to provide the very best service to our customers, communities and shareholders." – Jan. 3, 2018 BancorpSouth Bank press release
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The increased compensation overall at BancorpSouth affected more than 70 percent of all employees, and provided a $1,000 bonus to nearly 20 percent of all employees.
BancorpSouth employs some 4,000 employees in more than 230 locations in Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Tennessee and Texas, plus an insurance location in Illinois. – Jan. 4, 2018 Daily Journal/BizBuzz article
Home Depot -- 28 locations in Alabama, bonuses for all hourly employees, up to $1,000:
"This incremental investment in our associates was made possible by the new tax reform bill." -- Jan. 25, 2018 Home Depot press release
Cintas Corporation (Multiple locations in Alabama) -- $1,000 bonuses for employees of at least a year, $500 for employees of less than a year.
Comcast (Multiple locations in Alabama) -- $1,000 bonuses; nationally, at least $50 billion investment in infrastructure in next five years.
Chipotle Mexican Grill (Multiple locations in Alabama) – Bonuses ranging from $250 to $1,000; increased employee benefits; nationally, $50 million investment in existing restaurants.
Ryder (Seventeen locations in Alabama) -- Tax reform bonuses for employees.
Starbucks Coffee Company (Multiple locations in Alabama) – $500 stock grants for all retail employees, $2,000 stock grants for store managers, and varying plan and support center employee stock grants. Nationally, 8,000 new retail jobs; an additional wage increase this year, totaling approximately $120 million in wage increases, increased sick time benefits and parental leave.
U-Haul (Multiple locations in Alabama) – $1,200 bonuses for full-time employees, $500 for part-time employees.
Wells Fargo – 125 bank locations in Alabama; raised base wage from $13.50 to $15.00 per hour; nationally, $400 million in charitable donations for 2018; $100 million increased capital investment over the next three years.
Note: If you know of other Alabama examples, please email John Kartch at jkartch@atr.org
The running nationwide list of companies can be found at www.atr.org/list
More from Americans for Tax Reform
Texas Examples of Tax Reform Good News

Thanks to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act enacted by congressional Republicans and President Trump, 90 percent of American wage earners have higher take-home pay. And employers of all sizes are hiring, raising pay, increasing benefits, upgrading equipment and expanding operations.
In their own words, below are several examples of tax reform good news in Texas (Additions to this list can be sent to jkartch@atr.org)
Cox Manufacturing (San Antonio, Texas) -- The company is hiring new employees and speeding up new facility construction:
For Cox, those savings may give the manufacturer some much-needed relief as it adds staff and equipment necessary to handle the increased orders the company’s been receiving over the last month or so, President Bill Cox said.
“The biggest benefit I think is not the tax savings, but the activity that’s going on. It’s just like crazy,” said Cox, whose company employs 150 and makes machined and other parts. “I had some older machines that we wanted to phase out and I just couldn’t believe how quickly they sold. I’m getting pressure to release them sooner than I wanted to.”
Demand has picked up dramatically since the bill was signed into law, he said. His backlog of orders has grown from six to eight weeks in December to 10 to 12 weeks now, and he’s having to move up construction of a new 8,000-square-foot manufacturing plant by at least a year in order to meet the growth.
“We needed it yesterday,” he said of the new facility.
Cox said his backlog of orders is starting to cost him work. The new factory and equipment — which he hopes to bring online this year — will cost at least $1.5 million, create 15 jobs and would add to his 54,000 square feet of existing manufacturing space. - February 7, 2018, San Antonio Express News article excerpt
Capital City Hospitality Group (Austin, Texas) – Hired over 50 employees as result of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.
“I’m a big promoter of the tax reform, and I think it’s working,” said Round Rock hotel company owner Hitesh Patel.
“Patel, chief executive of Capital City Hospitality Group and immediate past chairman of the Asian American Hotel Owners Association, said the 2017 tax law’s provisions on exchanges of real estate have helped his company expand by more than 50 employees.” – Aug. 29, 2019 Dallas Morning News article
Village Foods & Pharmacy (Bryan, Texas) - employee bonuses, implement a 401(k) program:
Village Foods & Pharmacy Said They Were Able To Provide Employee Bonuses And Implement A 401(k) Program. - US Chamber of Commerce
Home Instead Senior Care -- Samuel and Brandy Patton, franchise owners (El Paso, Texas) – As noted by the International Franchise Association, tax savings will help the Pattons achieve their goal of hiring 50 people in 2018:
“We fully plan on hiring more employees,” said Samuel Patton, who owns a Home Instead Senior Care franchise with his wife, Brandy, in El Paso, Texas. They’ve set a goal of hiring 50 people in 2018. “This tremendously helps with that endeavor as this money will assist with prerequisite items such as training, drug screens and background checks,” he said of the tax savings. “We will spend more money on advertising in our local community as well as increase training programs for current employees,” Patton added. – April 17, 2018 International Franchise Association report. (The IFA has a growing list of franchisees who have pledged to hire additional workers, raise wages, purchase new equipment, or expand territories/purchase new franchise locations due to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.)
Camp Construction Services (Houston, Texas) – This Houston-based full-service general contractor awarded its employees $500 tax reform bonuses in December 2017:
In a note to employees, CEO Roger C. Camp wrote:
Campers,
I’m sure you have heard of the new tax reform that Congress just passed. Because of the reduction in Corporate taxes we, as will all businesses, benefit from this tax cut. We believe that YOU are the reason for our success. And now that we will be giving less of our hard earned income to the federal government, we can share some of it with you. Please look for a $500 “tax cut” bonus in your next payroll run. Merry Christmas!
Dripping Springs Distilling (Dripping Springs, Texas) -- The owner says he was able to use savings from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act to hire new employees, invest in new equipment, and break ground on a new visitors center:
These tax savings have enabled Texas craft distillers to expand our businesses by hiring more employees, investing in new equipment and purchasing more from Texas agricultural suppliers. At Dripping Springs Distilling, which I co-founded, in addition to creating new jobs, we were able to break ground on a new visitors center, where we hosted 15,000 visitors last year.
Gary Kelleher is co-founder of Dripping Springs Distilling. -- Nov. 29, 2019 My San Antonio
CenterPoint Energy (Houston, Texas) - The utility is passing on tax savings to customers:
CenterPoint Energy, the largest natural gas utility in the state with more than 400,000 customers, has proposed to reduce its rates by $19.2 million beginning in October.
CenterPoint filed the request with the Arkansas Public Service Commission on Friday in response to an order by the commission to reduce rates as a result of the federal tax law change passed in December. Congress passed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act that reduced the corporate tax rate from 35 percent to 21 percent.
If the commission approves the lowered rate, Houston-based CenterPoint's rates would drop 9.5 percent on bills from October to January and 7.3 percent in January. For a customer with a bill of $100, it would fall to $90.50 under the first scenario and to $92.70 under the second scenario.
"Tax reform is a win for customers and reduced costs are being returned to them through various mechanisms or rate proceedings within each of our operating jurisdictions," said Alicia Dixon, CenterPoint's spokesman. – August 28, 2018, Northwest Arkansas Democrat Gazette article excerpt
Beck Manufacturing International (Converse, Texas) - Building a new facility, hiring new employees, doubling company’s capacity
Tom Beck, vice president of operations at Beck Manufacturing International in Converse, said he expects his company, which builds cement mixer bodies that mount on trucks, will see a reduction of close to 10 percent in its tax rate.
The savings will flow into Beck Manufacturing International investments, including an under construction manufacturing site that will double his company’s capacity in Converse, he said.
“That money that we hang on to … that’s absolutely going directly toward the new facility that will employ more people,” Beck said. - February 7, 2018, San Antonio Express-News article excerpt
Rebecca Creek Distillery (San Antonio, Texas) -- The company was able to use savings from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act to hire more people and expand:
Rebecca Creek Distillery LLC’s Steve Ison said that if Congress fails to extend that tax relief, it will severely strain the craft beverage industry and hamper his company’s ability to continue expanding.
“It saved us a million bucks,” Ison said. “With that money, we were able to expand and hire more people.”
Backers of the act note that it reduces taxes on distilled spirits, for example, by more than $10 for the first 100,000 gallons produced or imported annually. There is less of a reduction for additional gallons produced. -- Dec. 3, 2019 San Antonio Business Journal
Kanga Roof (Austin, Texas) – Tripled their revenue and doubled their payroll.
“Round Rock roofing business co-owner Stacie Feller credited Trump with boosting businesses’ confidence.
“She and her husband Scott’s Kanga Roof Austin has has more than tripled its revenue and more than doubled its payroll, to 24 employees, since January 2017, she said.”
“I’m very proud to say with some of the tax cuts, some of the things, this year, 2019, was the first year we were able to offer health insurance and a simple [Individual Retirement Account] plan for our employees,” she said. “We just couldn’t afford it before.” -- Aug. 29, 2019 Dallas Morning News article
Leak Sealers (Lumberton, Texas) – Bonuses to its 100 employees:
Female-owned engineering company Leak Sealers says it's handing out bonuses to its 100 employees, joining major retailers like Lowe's and Walmart Inc. that are investing in workers after Congress approved a tax cut that will help businesses. –
"We've been incredibly successful, and I've never seen anything like it, the way business has been roaring," said CEO Henry Adams in a statement. "We're appreciative and we want to share it with our employees."
Leak Sealers, with company offices in Lumberton, Nederland and Lake Charles, is a "woman-owned certified engineering company and a leader in the on-stream environmental repair industry," according to the statement. -- Feb. 8 2018, The Beaumont Enterprise article excerpt
Groomer’s Seafood (Corpus Christi, Texas) – Expansion of distribution facilities.
Group 1 Automotive (Houston, Texas) – $500 cash bonuses for non-management dealership employees and operational support staff in the United States:
Group 1 Automotive, Inc. (NYSE: GPI), ("Group 1" or the "Company"), an international, Fortune 500 automotive retailer, today announced a $500 cash bonus for non-management dealership employees and operational support staff in the U.S. The Company owns and operates 115 dealerships nationwide.
"As we were in the process of reviewing the opportunities the new tax reform law creates for us to better our business, we decided the best investment we could make was in the people serving as the face of our company every day,"said Earl J. Hesterberg, Group 1's president and chief executive officer. "For almost 13 years, I have watched our loyal dealership operating and support teams move cars in the 100-degree heat of the Texas summer, clean snow off of new car inventory in a 10-degree Boston winter, and spend long days in front of a computer screen processing documents and communicating with our customers. These people are the heart of the Company. They generate our profits and my management team and I feel that the financial benefit of the new tax law creates an opportunity for us to say thank you to these key teammates."
This bonus to qualified employees will be paid on March 1, 2018.
Group 1 is assessing the full impact of the tax reform law on the company's operations. Additional details will be shared when the company releases 2017 fourth quarter and full year earnings on February 8, 2018. – Jan. 12, 2018 Group 1 Automotive press release
Charlie Bravo Aviation (Georgetown, Texas) - $1,000 bonuses for all six employees.
JSW Steel USA (Baytown, Texas) – Committed to $1 billion of new investment in the United States as well as hiring or re-skilling 500 workers.
“Today JSW USA CEO John Hritz and Ryan Brindley, an employee at their Mingo Junction, Ohio, state-of-the-art steel mill met with President Trump, Vice President Pence, Ivanka Trump, and other cabinet officials and governors at the White House to celebrate the one-year anniversary of the Pledge to American Workers.”
“Hritz, who signed the Pledge in January committing to $1 billion of new investment in the United States and the hiring or re-skilling of 500 workers, visited with the President to show his support for the employees of JSW USA and to ensure Administration policies continue supporting a strong steel industry in America.”
“JSW is the largest steel producer in India, and because of President Trump’s bold leadership on tax reform, a smart regulatory agenda, and investing in American workers, it was a no-brainer to invest in the US,” said Hritz. “The steel industry was dying. Since President Trump took office, we’ve made it our mission not only to build the largest, cleanest, most eco-friendly, state-of-the-art electric arc furnace in North America, but also to invest the time and training into our employees so they, too, are state-of-the-art. Our workers come first and foremost and we are proud to provide high wages and a great work-life balance, mainly due to the current positive economic climate.” – July 25, 2019 Business Wire press release
Rush Enterprises (New Braunfels, Texas) – $1,000 bonuses for all 6,600 employees:
“We believe tax reform to be beneficial for Rush Enterprises, our communities and overall economic growth,” said W.M. “Rusty” Rush, Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President of Rush Enterprises, Inc.“We are happy to take this step to invest in our employees and honor their important contributions to our company with this $1,000 gift,” he added.
The $1,000 discretionary bonus will be paid to all Rush Enterprises, Inc. employees once the President signs the tax reform bill into law. – Rush Enterprises, Inc.
Cabot Oil & Gas Corporation (Houston, Texas) - $1,600 bonuses for employees.
WIN-911 (Austin, Texas) — software company hiring new employees:
Robert Brooker, chairman of WIN-911, says the Austin-based software company will add five or six workers to its U.S. staff of 35 this year, up from the two or three it was planning to bring on. “It’s allowing us to … hire more people,” he says of the tax benefits. – April 26, 2018 USA Today article excerpt
AT&T -- $1,000 bonuses to 32,435 Texas employees; Nationwide, $1,000 bonuses for 200,000 employees and a $1 billion increase in capital expenditures:
Today, Congress approved legislation representing the first comprehensive tax reform in a generation. The President is expected to sign the bill in the coming days.
Once tax reform is signed into law, AT&T* plans to invest an additional $1 billion in the United States in 2018 and pay a special $1,000 bonus to more than 200,000 AT&T U.S. employees — all union-represented, non-management and front-line managers. If the President signs the bill before Christmas, employees will receive the bonus over the holidays.
“Congress, working closely with the President, took a monumental step to bring taxes paid by U.S. businesses in line with the rest of the industrialized world,” said Randall Stephenson, AT&T chairman and CEO. “This tax reform will drive economic growth and create good-paying jobs. In fact, we will increase our U.S. investment and pay a special bonus to our U.S. employees.”
Since 2012, AT&T has invested more in the United States than any other public company. Every $1 billion in capital invested in the telecom industry creates about 7,000 jobs for American workers, research shows. -- Dec. 20, 2017 AT&T Inc. press release
Waste Management, Inc. (Houston, Texas) – $2,000 bonuses to approximately 34,000 employees:
Waste Management, Inc. (NYSE: WM) announced today that, in light of the meaningful contributions of its employees and the new U.S. corporate tax structure, the company will distribute US $2,000 in 2018 to every North American employee not on a bonus or sales incentive plan; that includes hourly and other employees.
“We are about to get a tax benefit as our U.S. corporate tax rate goes from 35 percent to 21 percent. In considering how to best spend that, we wanted to find a way to help grow our economy, which in turn, will help grow our business, and give some of the tax savings back to those hardworking employees who do not get the opportunity to participate in our salaried incentive plans,” said Jim Fish, president and chief executive officer, Waste Management.
“So, we are offering each North American hourly full-time employee and salaried employee who does not participate in any sales incentive or bonus plan during 2018, a cash bonus of US $2,000 to show our appreciation to so many of our valued employees while growing our business and returning a good portion of the tax savings directly to the overall economy,” he continued.
Approximately 34,000 qualified Waste Management employees could receive this special bonus. – Jan. 10 2018, Waste Management, Inc. press release
Ennis, Inc. (Midlothian, Texas) -- $500 bonuses to 2,200 non-management employees:
Keith S. Walters, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Ennis, Inc. (NYSE: EBF), a manufacturer of business forms and other business products headquartered in Midlothian, Texas, announced today that in conjunction with the signing of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, the Ennis Board of Directors has approved a special one-time bonus to more than 2,200 non-management employees in the amount of $500.00 each. This payment will take place with the first payroll period in January 2018.
In addition, in response to this landmark act the Board of Directors has declared a special one-time cash dividend of $0.10 a share of our common stock. The dividend will be paid on February 9, 2018 to shareholders of record on January 12, 2018.
“Congress and the President by their passage of this historic law have improved the prospects of the American worker and American company success. We recognize this historic opportunity for our Company, our employees and our shareholders,” said Mr. Walters. – Dec. 22, 2017 Ennis, Inc. press release
Quadvest (Tomball, Texas) – the utility will pass along tax reform savings to customers:
"On behalf of the approximately 30,000 customers Quadvest Utility serves in Southeast Texas, we would like to thank you for your integral part in the development and ultimate passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of FY2017. The passage of this key piece of legislation has allowed Quadvest to proactively reduce our customers' base water and sewer fees by 26% or almost $90 per year/family." – Simon Sequeira, President of Quadvest
Entergy Texas (The Woodlands, Texas) – the utility will pass along tax reform savings to customers:
`Entergy Texas is also passing substantial savings from federal tax reform directly to customers. These tax savings, along with investments in infrastructure to reduce outages and improve service, will result in more reliable and affordable energy to customers.
Following the passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, the federal corporate tax rate was lowered, and Entergy Texas will flow back more than $200 million to customers over the next two years. This sum represents funds that Entergy Texas had collected from customers according to IRS rules to pay future taxes at the higher tax rate that is no longer in effect. Additionally, Entergy Texas’ new rates will reflect the lower tax rate going forward. - May 15, 2018, Entergy Texas Press Release excerpt
Russell Marine LLC (Channelview, Texas) - Increased pay by an average of 10 percent, gave $900,000 in bonuses, purchased $1.8 million in new equipment, green lighted a new company headquarters:
This Houston-based marine construction business, has already been able to purchase new equipment because of tax reform and expects to see record-setting revenue of about $90 million following new tax law.
“This will be our best year ever” – Russell Inserra, Owner
Bonuses: totaling $900,000
Pay Raises: 10 percent raise on average
New Equipment: $1.8 million, 440-ton crane, the largest floating rotating crane in Texas - May 7, 2018, Woodlands Online article excerpt
Nexstar Media Group, Inc. (Irving, Texas) -- Bonuses of $500 for full-time employees, $250 for part-time employees; increased 401(k) contributions:
As announced by Perry Sook during our Town Hall broadcast, the new corporate tax rate will produce a financial benefit for Nexstar, and the Company wants to extend that benefit to our employees via a one-time bonus and an increase to the 401k plan company match. Here are the details for those benefits.
A one-time special bonus will be issued to all employees actively employed by the Company as of March 1, 2018. The amount of the bonus is $500 for full-time employees and $250 for part-time employees. Bonuses will be paid in the first pay period of March and will be subject to applicable taxes.
Employees ranked at the Vice President level or above are not eligible for the bonus.
Effective April 1, 2018, the Company match for 401k contributions will be increased from 25% to 50% of the first 6% of contributions. -- Jan. 17, 2018 note to Nexstar employees
American Airlines (Ft. Worth, Texas) -- $1,000 bonuses for every employee (excluding officers). The bonuses will total $130 million. AA had 127,600 employees as of Sept. 2017.
“Recent tax reform has received much publicity. While the company does not yet pay cash taxes due to our enormous losses in the past, there is no doubt that our country’s new tax structure will have positive long-term benefits for American. We will be able to invest even more in aircraft and facilities, and we will be able to do so with even greater confidence about the future. As we analyze those potential future benefits, our leadership team, backed by our Board of Directors, considered how a portion of that positive impact might be directly shared with the very people who produce the profits at American—all of you.
We are pleased to announce that in light of this new tax structure and in recognition of our outstanding team members, American will distribute $1,000 to each team member (excluding Officers) at our mainline and wholly owned regional carriers. These distributions will total approximately $130 million and will be made in the first quarter of 2018.” – Jan. 2, 2018 American Airlines press release
Southwest Airlines (Dallas, Texas) -- $1,000 bonuses for all 55,000 employees; $5 million additional charitable donations:
The Southwest Board of Directors authorized a bonus to all Southwest Airlines Employees to celebrate the recent passage of the tax reform legislation. All Fulltime and Parttime Southwest Employees employed with Southwest on Dec. 31, 2017, will receive a $1,000 cash bonus on Jan. 8, 2018.
"We applaud Congress and the President for taking this action to pass legislation, which will result in meaningful corporate income tax reform for the transportation sector in general, and for Southwest Airlines, in particular," said Southwest's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Gary Kelly. "We are excited about the savings and additional capital, which we intend to put to work in several forms—to reward our hard- working Employees, to reinvest in our business, to reward our Shareholders, and to keep our costs and fares low for our Customers." – Jan. 2 2018, Southwest Airlines press release
Insperity (Houston, Texas) – Tax reform bonuses totaling $17 million. $1,000 - $4,000 bonuses for each employee, based on length of service.
The good news was announced to employees via internal message from CEO Paul Sarvadi. ATR obtained the message, which is reproduced below. A company press release confirming the details can be found here.
To all Insperity Employees,
In December Congress passed a tax reform bill which among other changes, lowered the tax rate for corporations. Insperity is one of those corporations which will benefit accordingly. This change leaves more of our hard earned dollars available after tax to invest in our business as we see fit. We believe all constituencies should benefit from this change including our amazing employees.
Therefore, as was communicated with this morning’s news release we will be paying a one-time bonus as a result of the U.S. tax reform act. We plan for this bonus to be paid on Wednesday February 14, 2018. This bonus is intended for
·full-time employees in grades 14 and below with hire dates 9/30/2017 or before and eligible to receive the 2017 AP payout and eligible to participate in the 2015 AIP Program, and
·full-time employees in grades 14 and below with hire dates, 10/01/2017 to 02/07/2018 and are eligible to participate in the 2018 AIP Program, and
·Business Performance Advisors and Business Performance Consultants with hire dates 02/02/2018 or before
Below is the overview for the bonus payout
Hire Date Payout
12/31/2015 or before $4,000
01/01/2016 to 12/31/2016 $3,000
05/01/2016 to 09/30/2017 $2,000
10/01/2017 to 02/07/2018 $1,000
The tax reform bonus payments will be in addition to the normal AIP program and disbursed similar to your regular paycheck.
Thank you for your hard work and dedication and let’s keep our strong performance going!
PJS
Allsup’s Convenience Stores, Inc. (198 stores in Texas) -- $1,000 bonuses:
Workers were feeling so good at a Santa Fe Allsup’s convenience store Thursday that you might have thought it was raining cash. And it almost was.
One-time cash bonuses of $1,000 had appeared that morning by direct deposit in the bank accounts of all full-time, non-executive Allsup’s employees who have been with the company at least one full calendar year.
Cashier Cesia Villatoro, who works at the Allsup’s store at 305 N. Guadalupe St., said she was happy with the bonus. Then she amended that to “very happy.”
“I’m going to help my family,” Villatoro said.
Owners of the Clovis-based company said in a news release that the windfall was “a result of the recent Tax Cuts and Jobs Act passed in December 2017” — a massive Republican tax overhaul pushed by President Donald Trump.
“The new tax reform legislation provides tax cuts for individuals and companies and should result in positive economic growth,” Allsup’s said.
The company operates 317 stores in New Mexico, West Texas and Oklahoma and employs 3,200 full-time and part-time employees. It did not say how many of its employees received a bonus this week.
Velia Bojorquez, manager of the North Guadalupe Street store, said the company had mentioned the bonuses would be coming but didn’t give an exact date of when workers could expect them. “It’s too good to be true,” she said. “We were all surprised. Where did this money come from?”
Bojorquez said she plans to use the extra infusion of cash to pay some bills. “It’s going to be a big help.”
Cashier Maria Rosado was equally enthused. “I really need it,” she said of the cash disbursement. “I’m going to help my family and pay some bills.” – March 15, 2018 Santa Fe New Mexican
Cadence Bancorporation (Houston, Texas) – Base wage raised to $15 per hour; increased company 401(k) contributions; new employee stock purchase plan; merit pool increase; enhanced employee benefits:
In an announcement to its employees, the company shared it will introduce the following changes effective April 1, 2018:
- An increase in the company’s matching 401k contribution
- An increase in the company’s contribution to employee healthcare costs
- A pay increase for non-exempt, non-commissioned associates to a base wage of no less than $15 an hour
- A merit pool increase for eligible associates
In addition, Cadence executives announced an employee stock purchase plan with a 15% discount, pending approval by Cadence Bancorporation shareholders.
“Our employees deliver exceptional service and value to our clients every day, and we want to reward them for their dedication,” said Paul B. Murphy, Jr., chairman and chief executive officer of Cadence Bancorporation. “Investing in our employees allows us to attract and retain top talent, which directly correlates to sound operating and financial performance and a better return for our shareholders.” – February 14, 2018, Cadence Bancorporation press release excerpt
Apple (Apple store locations in El Paso, Austin, Dallas, Fort Worth, Friendswood, Frisco, Houston, Plano, San Antonio, Southlake, Sugar Land, and The Woodlands) - $2,500 employee bonuses in the form of restricted stock units; Nationwide, $30 billion in additional capital expenditures over five years; 20,000 new employees will be hired; increased support of coding education and science, technology, engineering, arts, and math; increased support for U.S. manufacturing.
El Paso Electric Company (El Paso, Texas) – The utility is passing along tax savings to customers:
El Paso Electric (EPE) was one of the first utilities in the state of Texas to address and identify a mechanism to refund Texas customers due to the reduction in the federal income tax rate.
On December 14, 2017, the unopposed settlement approved by the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUCT) included a provision to refund EPE’s Texas customers for the reduction in the federal income tax rate.
EPE is currently calculating the changes and impacts of the new tax law to determine the amount of the refund to be filed in mid-April. EPE expects Texas customers will begin to see the refund as a credit on their bills by mid-year 2018 following PUCT approval of its refund filing. – Jan. 23 2018, El Paso Electric Company press release
Oncor Electric Delivery (Dallas, Texas) – The utility is passing along tax savings to customers:
The company delivering electricity to most North Texans would likely save millions from the new corporate tax rate cut. But that entire windfall is expected to go back to consumers.
That's the result of a recently completed rate case where the state's largest regulated utility agreed to return all tax cut benefits to its customers.
The $1.5-trillion tax overhaul hadn't been completed when Oncor's rate negotiation with the regulator was settled. And the Public Utility Commission of Texas, the agency that regulates the operations of electricity-distribution companies like Oncor, made sure to cover the possibility of a tax cut.
"Oncor will work with the PUCT to determine the best way to distribute those savings back to customers," said spokesman Geoff Bailey via email. "In short, we are capturing these tax savings for future refunds to our customers." – Jan. 16 2018, Dallas Morning News article excerpt
Happy State Bank (Happy, Texas) -- base wage raised; salary increases; bonuses; increased retirement contributions:
In its board meeting yesterday, January 23, the Board of Directors of Happy State Bank voted unanimously for a significant wage and benefit increase for employees of the company as a direct result of the new tax reform legislation. The announcement was made by Board Chairman and CEO, J. Pat Hickman.
The wage increases directly impact over 600 of the bank’s 700+ employees.
The highlights of the new program are:
- Happy State Bank has a new starting minimum wage of $13.50 per hour…increasing to $14.00 after a 90-day probationary period.
- Present employees currently earning less than $14.00 per hour will be increased to this amount immediately.
- Employees currently earning between $14.00 and $17.50 hourly will receive an approximate $0.50 hourly wage increase.
- Salaried employees making less than $18 hourly will receive a $1,000 annual increase.
- Full-time employees making up to $100,000 (and not in the above categories) will receive a one-time $1,000 bonus or $500 bonus if part-time.
- The KSOP Retirement Plan dollar-for-dollar company match will increase from 6% to 7%, which benefits every employee that participates to that level.
“Our board is really excited to pass a major portion of our bank’s tax benefit over to our employees. For many of our employees, the raise will be life-changing. All told, these increases will impact 80% of our 700+ employees. It’s a win-win for everyone. Obviously, we’re all pretty happy around here,” stated Hickman. -- Jan. 24 2018, MyHighPlains.com article excerpt
Rio Bank (McAllen, Texas) — $1,000 bonuses for each of the 108 employees:
“Our Board approved the payment $1,000 to each of our 108 employees. That is everyone from the janitor on up. Our employees do not think this check is ‘crumbs’ like Nancy Pelosi called it and they sure do not think it is insulting like she stated that it was.” — Ford Sasser, President & CEO, Rio Bank
FirstCapital Bank of Texas (Midland, Texas) -- $500 bonuses for 197 employees.
First National Bank (Spearman, Texas) -- $1,000 bonuses for its 44 employees.
Amarillo National Bank (Amarillo, Texas) – $1,000 salary increases for over 300 employees:
Christmas came early for more than 300 employees at Amarillo National Bank when they found out they'd be getting a $1,000 pay raise.
The bosses at ANB are saying the pay increase is because of the GOP's tax reform bill.
The raises are the highest salary and wage increases in the bank's history.
313 of the bank's 600 full-time, non-salaried employees will get an immediate raise of $1,000.
ANB says they also plan on investing another $2.5 million into its downtown properties.
Executive Vice President William Ware says the bank will be saving a ton of money with the new tax bill so they're investing those savings back into their most valuable asset, their employees.
Executive Vice President William Ware said, "This is a once in a lifetime opportunity and we know with the savings from the tax reform bill, we want to reinvest that back into our bank and the first place we are going to put it is into our employees. That's our most important asset and we feel like that's a great thing to do."
ANB has 18 branches in Amarillo, Canyon, Borger and Lubbock. – Dec. 21, 2017 MyHighPlains.com article excerpt
Comerica Bank (Dallas, Texas) -- $1,000 to 4,500 non-officer employees; base wage increase to $15 per hour:
“This increase in minimum wage and one-time bonus are made possible by the tax reform bill that was passed by the U.S. Congress, then signed by the President on Dec. 22, 2017.” – Dec. 29, 2017 Comerica Bank press release
Texas Capital Bank (Dallas, Texas) – $1,000 bonuses for 900 employees:
“The rewritten tax code cuts the marginal tax rate, and that can be significantly beneficial to earnings and our stockholders, because we believe we have among the highest marginal and effective federal tax rates in the banking sector. The tax changes also will be very beneficial to our customers,” [Texas Capital Bank President and CEO Keith] Cargill said. – Texas Capital Bank press release
Thompson Graphics (Carrollton, Texas) – Invested in $625,000 worth of new equipment, and hired more employees.
“Event host Bob Thomas, owner of Thomas Graphics, which for a quarter-century has printed mail and campaign material for leading Texas Republicans, said accelerated depreciation schedules in Trump’s tax cut bill allowed him to buy $625,000 worth of new equipment last year.”
“Thomas Graphics hired three new employees because of the expansion. It is looking for two more, he said. Trump’s deregulation policies also are having a “trickle-down” effect that helps small entrepreneurs, Thomas said.” -- Aug. 29, 2019 Dallas Morning News article
STERIS Corp. (Texas locations in El Paso, Grand Prairie, Houston, and Keller) -- $1,000 bonuses totaling $7 million for non-executive U.S. -based employees:
"Like many companies, the recent tax reform in the U.S. will result in significant additional earnings for STERIS to strategically grow our business and return value to Customers, employees and shareholders. One of our first actions on that front will be a one-time special discretionary bonus of $1,000 to all U.S. employees other than senior executives." -- Feb. 7, 2018 STERIS plc press release
Webco Industries Inc. (Orange, Texas) – Up to $2,000 bonuses:
Webco says each employee was given $1,000 if they've been there for a year or more. Employees who have been there for a significant amount of time, were given $2,000.
Webco says they had more than a million dollars total to distribute to their employees, many of whom are in Sand Springs.
"The tax cuts and jobs act reduced corp tax rates, so that produced a significant amount of savings this year for Webco as our corporate tax bill was reduced," said Mike Howard with Webco Industries.
These were one-time bonuses and impacted employees in Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, Illinois, and Michigan. -- March 7, 2018 News on 6 article excerpt
Wal-Mart – Texas employees at 508 Walmart stores received tax reform bonuses, wage increases, and expanded maternity and parental leave. Walmart employees who adopt children will be given $5,000 to help cover expenses.
T.J. Maxx – 70 stores in Texas – Tax reform bonuses, retirement plan contributions, parental leave, enhanced vacation benefits, and increased charitable donations:
“The 2017 Tax Act benefited the Company in the fourth quarter and full year Fiscal 2018. The Company expects to continue to benefit from the 2017 Tax Act going forward, primarily due to the lower U.S. corporate income tax rate. As a result of the estimated cash benefit related to the 2017 Tax Act, the Company is taking the following actions:
Associates
- A one-time, discretionary bonus to eligible, non-bonus-plan Associates, globally
- An incremental contribution to the Company’s defined contribution retirement plans for eligible Associates in the U.S. and internationally
- Instituting paid parental leave for eligible Associates in the U.S.
- Enhancing vacation benefits for certain U.S. Associates
Communities
Made meaningful contributions to TJX’s charitable foundations around the world to further support TJX’s charitable giving” – Feb. 28 2018, The TJX Companies Inc. press release excerpt
Home Depot -- 180 locations in Texas, bonuses for all hourly employees, up to $1,000.
Lowe's --23,000 employees at 23 stores and three distribution facilities in Texas. Employees will receive bonuses of up to $1,000 based on length of service, for 260,000 employees; expanded benefits and maternity/parental leave; $5,000 of adoption assistance.
Ryder (41 locations in Texas) – Tax reform bonuses.
Cintas Corporation (Multiple locations in Texas) -- $1,000 bonuses for employees of at least a year, $500 for employees of less than a year.
Chipotle Mexican Grill (Multiple locations in Texas) – Bonuses ranging from $250 to $1,000; increased employee benefits; $50 million investment in existing restaurants.
Comcast (Multiple locations in Texas) -- $1,000 bonuses; nationwide, at least $50 billion investment in infrastructure in next five years:
Based on the passage of tax reform and the FCC's action on broadband, Brian L. Roberts, Chairman and CEO of Comcast NBC Universal, announced that the Company would award special $1,000 bonuses to more than one hundred thousand eligible frontline and non-executive employees.
Roberts also announced that the Company expects to spend well in excess of $50 billion over the next five years investing in infrastructure to radically improve and extend our broadband plant and capacity, and our television, film and theme park offerings. With these investments, we expect to add thousands of new direct and indirect jobs. – December 21, 2018, Comcast release excerpt
Starbucks Coffee Company (Multiple locations in Texas) –$500 stock grants for all retail employees, $2,000 stock grants for store managers, and varying plan and support center employee stock grants. Nationally, 8,000 new retail jobs; an additional wage increase this year, totaling approximately $120 million in wage increases, increased sick time benefits and parental leave.
U-Haul (Multiple locations in Texas) – $1,200 bonuses for full-time employees, $500 for part-time employees.
FedEx (Multiple locations in Texas) – Accelerated and increased compensation; pension plan contributions:
“FedEx Corporation is announcing three major programs today following the recently enacted U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act:
- Over $200 million in increased compensation, about two-thirds of which will go to hourly team members by advancing 2018 annual pay increases by six months to April 1st from the normal October date. The remainder will fund increases in performance- based incentive plans for salaried personnel.
- A voluntary contribution of $1.5 billion to the FedEx pension plan to ensure it remains one of the best funded retirement programs in the country.
- Investing $1.5 billion to significantly expand the FedEx Express Indianapolis hub over the next seven years. The Memphis SuperHub will also be modernized and enlarged in a major program the details of which will be announced later this spring.
FedEx believes the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will likely increase GDP and investment in the United States. – Jan. 26 2018, FedEx press release
McDonald’s (1,200+ locations in Texas) – Increased tuition investments which will provide educational program access for 400,000 U.S. employees. $2,500 per year (up from $700) for crew working 15 hours a week, $3,000 (up from $1,050) for managers, and more:
McDonald’s Corporation today announced it will allocate $150 million over five years to its global Archways to Opportunity education program. This investment will provide almost 400,000 U.S. restaurant employees with accessibility to the program as the company will also lower eligibility requirements from nine months to 90 days of employment and drop weekly shift minimums from 20 hours to 15 hours. Additionally, McDonald’s will also extend some education benefits to restaurant employees’ family members. These enhancements underscore McDonald’s and its independent franchisees’ commitment to providing jobs that fit around the lives of restaurant employees so they may pursue their education and career ambitions.
The Archways to Opportunity program provides eligible U.S. employees an opportunity to earn a high school diploma, receive upfront college tuition assistance, access free education advising services and learn English as a second language.
“Our commitment to education reinforces our ongoing support of the people who play a crucial role in our journey to build a better McDonald’s,” said Steve Easterbrook, McDonald’s President and CEO. “By offering restaurant employees more opportunities to further their education and pursue their career aspirations, we are helping them find their full potential, whether that’s at McDonald’s or elsewhere.”
Accelerated by changes in the U.S. tax law, McDonald’s increased investment in the Archways to Opportunity Program includes:
- Increased Tuition Investment:
- Crew: Eligible crew will have access to $2,500/year, up from $700/year.
- Managers: Eligible Managers will have access to $3,000/year, up from $1,050.
- Participants have a choice for how they apply this funding – whether it be to a community college, four year university or trade school. There is no lifetime cap on tuition assistance – restaurant employees will be able to pursue their education and career passions at their own pace. The new tuition assistance is effective May 1, 2018 and retroactive to January 1, 2018.
- Lowered Eligibility Requirements: Increase access to the program by lowering eligibility requirements from nine months to 90 days of employment. In addition, dropping from 20 hours minimum to 15 hours minimum (roughly two full time shifts) per week to enable restaurant employees more time to focus on studies.
- Extended Services to Families: Extension of Career Online High School and College Advisory services to restaurant employees’ family members through existing educational partners Cengage and Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL).
- Additional Resources: Career exploration resources for eligible restaurant employees to be available later this year.
- Creation of an International Education Fund: Grants to provide local initiatives and incentives in global markets to further education advancement programs.
“Since its inception, Archways to Opportunity was meant to match the ambition and drive of restaurant crew with the means and network to help them find success on their own terms,” said David Fairhurst, McDonald’s Chief People Officer. “By tripling tuition assistance, adding education benefits for family members and lowering eligibility requirements to the equivalent of a summer job, we are sending a signal that if you come work at your local McDonald’s, we’ll invest in your future.”
After launching in the U.S. in 2015, Archways to Opportunity has increased access to education for over 24,000 people and awarded over $21 million in high school and college tuition assistance. Graduates have received college degrees in Business Administration, Human Resources, Communications, Accounting, Microbiology and more. – March 29, 2018 McDonald’s Corporation press release excerpt
Wells Fargo – 588 locations in Texas; raised base wage from $13.50 to $15.00 per hour; $400 million in charitable donations for 2018; $100 million increased capital investment over the next three years.
Note: If you know of other Texas examples, please email John Kartch at jkartch@atr.org
The running nationwide list of companies can be found at www.atr.org/list
More from Americans for Tax Reform
Positive Developments In IL-14

The list of Taxpayer Protection Pledge signers continues to grow in the Republican primary for Illinois’s 14th congressional district. Americans for Tax Reform congratulates all candidates willing to make a written commitment to American taxpayers to oppose income tax hikes.
This district covers northern Illinois, specifically the northern and western suburbs of Chicago, and is currently represented by Rep. Lauren Underwood (D). The Cook Political Report rates the district as toss up with a PVI of R+5.
The following candidates have signed the Federal Taxpayer Protection Pledge:
- Jim Oberweis
- Ted Gradel
- Catalina Lauf
- James Marter
Candidates often say they will not raise taxes, but disregard campaign promises once they take office. The Pledge ensures that candidates stay true to their commitment to oppose any and all tax hikes.
The candidates who signed the Pledge join Rep. Shimkus, Rep. Kinzinger, and Rep. LaHood in making this commitment to Illinois taxpayers.
There are currently eight candidates in the Republican primary, which is scheduled to occur on March 17th, 2020. ATR challenges all remaining candidates to sign the Pledge. Voters deserve to know where the candidates stand prior to Election Day.
For the most up-to-date information on Pledge signers, please visit the ATR Pledge Database.
Photo Credit: Wikipedia Commons
Minnesota Examples of Tax Reform Good News

Thanks to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act enacted by congressional Republicans and President Trump, 90 percent of American wage earners have higher take-home pay. And employers of all sizes are hiring, raising pay, increasing benefits, upgrading equipment and expanding operations.
Below are several examples of tax reform good news in Minnesota. (Additions to this list can be sent to jkartch@atr.org)
Industrial Weldors & Machinists (Duluth, Minnesota) - Investing in employee pensions, hiring new employees:
“This is an American success story of generations,” Pence said of IWM, a third-generation family business that gets 70 percent of its work by rebuilding massive rock crushers used to extract taconite iron ore on the Iron Range.
Trump tax cuts helped the business and its employees, Pence said — including thousands of dollars in investments by the company into IWM employee pensions earlier this year.
“That’s what it’s all about,” Pence said.
It was an easy fact to check after the vice president’s remarks. All four sibling owners of the company were on hand — Dawn Bergh and her brothers Rick, Rob and Randy Abernethy. Bergh confirmed the pension investments for the company’s 32 employees.
“The boilermakers’ pension is in the toilet,” Bergh said. “They’re worried about it. We wanted to give them something that would keep them around. It’s really hard to get employees. We’re hiring right now for both a welder and a machinist.” - August 8, 2018, Twin Cities Pioneer Press article excerpt
3M Company (Maplewood, Minnesota) – the company increased employee pension contributions by $600 million:
3M said its tax rate under the new "Tax Cuts and Jobs Act" will fall to 20 percent to 22 percent in 2018, down from a prior rate of 26 percent to 27 percent. Executives said they will use the savings to boost returns for shareholders, increase pension reserves and to invest in the company. – Jan. 25, 2018 Star Tribune article excerpt
In 2017, free cash flow conversion was impacted by enactment of the TCJA, along with an additional U.S. pension contribution of $600 million that 3M made following the signing of tax reform. – 3M Annual Report for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2018
Priority Courier Experts (St. Paul, Minnesota) – tax reform bonuses were given on Jan. 2, 2018 to employees; further, employees will receive another $500 bonus in 2018 on the anniversary of their hire date:
Priority Courier Experts paid a “TRUMP BUMP” to each of its 80 employees on their January 2nd, 2018 paycheck. We also expanded the “TRUMP BUMP” to pay each employee a $500 bonus on their hire anniversary date in 2018, and our hope for the future is to make the “TRUMP BUMP” Bonus permanent. – Steve Cossack, Founder/CEO, Priority Courier Experts
Minnesota Power (Duluth, Minnesota) – the utility will pass tax cut savings to customers:
"When final rates go into effect late this year, customers will start receiving a 1.5259% credit on their monthly bill through a new line item, called the tax cut rider, totaling about $10 million a year refund until our next rate case," Rutledge said.
For a $100 power bill, that's about $1.53 returned - Aug 10, 2018, Duluth News Tribune article excerpt
Circuit Interruption Technology Inc. -- CIT Relay & Switch (Rogers, Minnesota) – One week of extra pay added to final 2017 paycheck; hiring of new employees, growing the staff by 10 percent:
Circuit Interruption Technology Inc. dba CIT Relay & Switch manufactures and distributes electromechanical relays and switches to the electronics, security, HVAC, appliance and automotive industries. Employees were notified just before Christmas of one extra week pay added to their final year end check as a result of the new tax reform measure. Due to the positive atmosphere created by the passage of the tax bill Company profit sharing combined with normal 401K contributions amounted to an additional 5% per employee for 2017. CIT has added 10% to our staff thus far in January 2018 and more additions are expected. – Rick Hampton, CIT Relay & Switch
Albert Lea Public Warehouse (Albert Lea, Minnesota) – $2,000 bonuses for all 12 employees:
Albert Lea business leaders said the recently passed tax bill is helping them invest in their organizations.
The tax bill passed in December cut the top federal tax rate to 21 percent from 35 percent, likely putting billions of dollars in the pockets of major Minnesota companies.
Albert Lea Public Warehouse Owner Al Larson gave each of his 12 employees a $2,000 bonus, which he said would not have been possible without reduced rates. He said he decided to pay the bonuses in January to help the workers pay off costs incurred during the Christmas season.
“I just distributed it back to them,” he said.
In addition to bonuses, Larson is installing two roofs and investing in new dock levelers.
Larson said he prefers investing company revenue locally instead of contributing more of a percentage to the federal government. – Jan. 30 Albert Lea Tribune article
Otter Tail Power Co. (Fergus Falls, Minnesota) – the utility will pass along tax reform savings to customers.
Koch Companies Inc. (Minneapolis, Minnesota) – increased driver wages; increased sign on bonuses:
Raised driver pay to 41 cents to 45 cents per mile and the maximum sign-on bonus to $7,000 from $5,000 prior to late December.
“Rate increases and benefits from the recent tax law reform have allowed us to re-evaluate our current driver pay to make sure we are putting money back in the pockets of our greatest asset — the driver,” CEO Randy Koch said – Feb. 12 2018, Transport Topics article excerpt
Xcel Energy Minnesota (Minnesota) - The utility will pass tax cut savings along to customers:
About six months ago, Xcel Energy announced its Minnesota customers would receive a rebate because of a federal tax cut. In Minnesota, $200 million was returned to customers through a one-time credit on their bills. A typical Minnesota electricity customer who pays $85 to $90 a month received a credit of about $45. – February 8, 2019, Inforum article excerpt
U.S. Bancorp (Minneapolis, Minnesota) – $1,000 bonuses for 60,000 employees; base wage hike to $15 per hour; $150 million charitable contribution:
“We believe that tax reform is positive for the U.S. economy because it provides an immediate opportunity to benefit our employees, our communities and our customers.” – Andy Cecere, President and CEO
Northern States Power (Minneapolis, Minnesota) – The utility will pass along tax cut savings to customers:
The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) today approved settlement agreements with seven utilities to pass on to ratepayers their savings from the federal tax law rewrite, beginning in July. Three other utilities had no impact from the changes.
Filings were approved for Alpena Power Co., DTE Gas Co., Michigan Gas Utilities Corp., Northern States Power, SEMCO Energy Gas Co., and Upper Michigan Energy Resources Corp. (UMERC).
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"Through swift action by the Commission, Michigan ratepayers will experience millions of dollars in refunds on their utility bills starting this summer due to changes in federal corporate income taxes," said Sally Talberg, chairman of the MPSC. “Utilities are benefiting from the tax cuts and their customers should, too.” – May 30, 2018 LARA Public Service Commission Press Release excerpts
Bio-Techne (Minneapolis, Minnesota) -- $500 bonuses for all 1,650+ employees:
Many of you, particularly in the U.S., have probably been keeping up with the news the past few months on U.S. tax reform. With the passage of the bill in Congress yesterday and the President’s signature, the new tax law is now official. How does this affect our company? A lot. Our current corporate income tax levels average between 29% and 31%. With this new tax law, over the next year our tax rates will drop to levels potentially as low as 21%. We don’t know the total answer yet because the law is complicated, and includes tax calculations from other countries where we do business as well. What I can tell you is that we are likely to pay substantially less taxes in the U.S. and overall.
There has been extensive media coverage here in the U.S. on what companies will do with these gains. The U.S. Government’s primary goal for the new law is that companies will use the additional monies to invest in growth, and not simply to benefit shareholders through a dividend increase or share buyback. I am happy to tell you that we will use the savings to invest in our company and in you. We will use the funds to continue our investment in the company through expansion and acquisitions. But we also want to invest in our employees. Our board of directors has approved a recommendation to pay a bonus of US $500 to every employee globally. The bonus will be paid to all employees employed as of December 31, 2017 (other than the Corporate Leadership Team) and will be included in a January 2018 payroll. Management and the Board value each of you and your contributions, and this bonus is one way we wish to show our appreciation for your contributions to our strong business performance and excellent execution.
I look forward to working with all of you to create great future of continued growth for Bio-Techne. On behalf of the entire management team, thank you. – Dec. 21, 2017 special message to employees from Bio-Techne CEO Chuck Kummeth
Best Buy (Richfield, Minnesota) -- $1,000 bonuses for full-time employees; $500 bonuses for part-time employees. Over 100,000 employees nationwide will receive bonuses:
Best Buy is the latest major corporation to hand out bonuses to its employees as a result of the recently passed corporate tax reform.
In a letter sent to employees Friday afternoon, CEO Hubert Joly said full-time employees will receive a one-time bonus of $1,000 and part-time employees $500.
All permanent employees who are not on an existing bonus plan will receive the additional funds. The bonuses are expected to show up in their paychecks this month.
In all, more than 100,000 of Best Buy’s 125,000 employees in the U.S., Mexico and Canada are slated to receive the extra payouts.
In addition, Best Buy is making a one-time contribution of $20 million to the Best Buy Foundation to help further expand its teen tech centers and Geek Squad Academies across the U.S.
“Our goal was simple: to say ‘thank you’ to more than 100,000 of our employees and help accelerate our work to bring much needed technology training to 1 million underserved teens a year,” said Jeff Shelman, a Best Buy spokesman.
In recent days, other major retailers including Lowe’s, Home Depot and Walmart have also said they will hand out bonuses, expand benefits, and raise wages of its workers in light of the tax reform.
In Minnesota, U.S. Bancorp and TCF Financial also are handing out bonuses to workers and increasing charitable donations. U.S. Bank also said it would raise the minimum wage of its hourly employees to $15.
Among other changes, the new tax law cut the top federal tax rate for corporations from 35 percent to 21 percent.”—Feb. 2 2018, Minneapolis Star Tribune
Hormel Foods Corp. (Austin, Minnesota) – Stock options for employees; increased base wage to $13 per hour:
Hormel Foods Corp. this morning announced that it plans to use savings from the federal Tax Cuts and Jobs Act to award stock options to its employees and raise starting wages to $13 an hour. — Feb. 22, 2018 Post-Bulletin article excerpt
TCF Financial Corporation (Wayzata, Minnesota) -- $1,000 bonuses for full time employees; $500 bonuses for part time employees (exact number receiving bonus unknown at this time):
“As a result of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, TCF will provide approximately $5 million in one-time bonuses to eligible team members—$1,000 to full-time team members and $500 to part-time team members—who earned less than $100,000 in total compensation during 2017, totaling 80 percent of its workforce. Additionally, TCF will donate $5 million to TCF Foundation to increase grants to nonprofit organizations in the communities it serves, including increasing its match of team member contributions to nonprofit organizations from 100 percent to 200 percent in 2018.” – Friday Dec. 29, 2017 TCF Financial Corporation press release
Data Sales Co., Inc. (Minneapolis, Minnesota) – $1,000 bonuses for all 80 employees:
Data Sales Co., Inc. announced today that the Company will celebrate the recent passage of tax reform legislation by distributing to all 80 plus employees a special bonus of $1,000 each. Data Sales Co. will benefit from the new tax law lowering the corporate tax rate from 35 percent to 21 percent:
“Our hard-working employees make this company succeed, and we wanted them to share in the savings the company will see and also help grow our economy. Today I’m announcing that every employee will receive a cash bonus of $1,000 each,” said Paul Breckner, President of Data Sales Co. “I also want to thank our local Congressman, Jason Lewis, for his consistent advocacy of tax reform and seeing it through to becoming law. With the majority of our 80+ strong workforce here in Burnsville, I’m pleased that the benefits of tax reform will be felt at home.”
Background on tax reform bonuses and Data Sales Co.:
All employees, whether full-time or part-time, hourly, salaried, commission or non-commission will receive the bonus to show our appreciation and heartfelt thanks for their service. We believe this tax reform will be good for Data Sales, spur economic growth, continue to grow jobs and keep unemployment at an all-time low. – Jan. 22, 2018 Data Sales Co., Inc. press release
DTN (Burnsville, Minnesota) -- DTN an independent provider of information and actionable insights in the areas of agriculture, transportation and energy, and publisher of The Progressive Farmer, gave $1,000 bonuses to nearly 700 employees.
Ecolab Inc. (St. Paul, Minnesota) – $25 million in charitable donations:
In response to the passage of the new U.S. tax law, Ecolab announced its intent to make a $25 million contribution to the Ecolab Foundation. Since 1986, the Ecolab Foundation has contributed more than $100 million to communities in which we do business by providing basic needs, including hunger relief and affordable housing; supporting education, the arts and environmental conservation; as well as providing support to global relief organizations during times of natural disasters. – Jan. 23, 2018 Ecolab Inc. press release
T.J. Maxx – 16 stores in Minnesota – tax reform bonuses, retirement plan contributions, parental leave, enhanced vacation benefits, and charitable donations:
The 2017 Tax Act benefited the Company in the fourth quarter and full year Fiscal 2018. The Company expects to continue to benefit from the 2017 Tax Act going forward, primarily due to the lower U.S. corporate income tax rate. As a result of the estimated cash benefit related to the 2017 Tax Act, the Company is taking the following actions:
Associates
- A one-time, discretionary bonus to eligible, non-bonus-plan Associates, globally
- An incremental contribution to the Company’s defined contribution retirement plans for eligible Associates in the U.S. and internationally
- Instituting paid parental leave for eligible Associates in the U.S.
- Enhancing vacation benefits for certain U.S. Associates.
Communities
- Made meaningful contributions to TJX’s charitable foundations around the world to further support TJX’s charitable giving. – Feb. 28, 2018 The TJX Companies Inc. press release excerpt
Apple (There are five Apple stores in Minnesota: Bloomington, Edina, Minneapolis, Minnetonka, Roseville) -- $2,500 employee bonuses in the form of restricted stock units; nationally, $30 billion in additional capital expenditures over five years; 20,000 new employees will be hired; increased support of coding education and science, technology, engineering, arts, and math; increased support for U.S. manufacturing.
AT&T -- 1,592 Minnesota employees received $1,000 bonuses; nationally, $1 billion increase in capital expenditures.
Bank of America (Multiple locations in Minnesota) -- $1,000 bonuses.
Chipotle Mexican Grill (Multiple locations in Minnesota) – Bonuses ranging from $250 to $1,000; increased employee benefits; nationally, $50 million investment in existing restaurants.
Cintas Corporation (Multiple locations in Minnesota) -- $1,000 bonuses for employees of at least a year, $500 bonuses for employees of less than a year.
CVS Health (Multiple locations in Minnesota) -- Base wage raised to $11 per hour, and other pay ranges adjusted accordingly; company will absorb increases costs of health insurance premiums; creation of new parental leave program.
Comcast (Multiple locations in Minnesota) -- $1,000 bonuses; nationally, at least $50 billion investment in infrastructure in next five years.
Home Depot (Multiple locations in Minnesota) -- Bonuses for all hourly employees, up to $1,000
Lowe's -- 1,000 employees at 11 stores in Minnesota. Bonuses of up to $1,000 based on length of service; expanded benefits and maternity/parental leave; $5,000 of adoption assistance.
Ryder (Six locations in Minnesota) – Tax reform bonuses for employees totaling $23 million nationwide.
Taco John’s (62 locations in Minnesota): All full-time and part-time crew members received a $200 after-tax bonus:
Taco John’s International, Inc. announced today that in response to the 2018 Tax Cut and Jobs Act, the company gave part of its projected tax savings to its restaurant crews, general managers, corporate staff and CORE (Children of Restaurant Employees).
On Friday, Feb. 23, Taco John’s International, Inc.’s employees received a one-time bonus, as follows:
- Every restaurant crew member - full-time and part-time - received $200 (after taxes);
- General managers and employees at the Taco John’s Franchisee Support Center in Cheyenne received $1,000 each; and,
- The Executive Council of Taco John’s International, Inc. (Vice Presidents and above) donated their $1,000 bonuses (a total of $10,000) to CORE, a national not-for-profit organization that grants support to children of food and beverage service employees who are navigating life-altering circumstances.
“At Taco John’s International, our team is our family, so sharing the financial benefits that were a result of the recent tax reform legislation only makes sense,” said Jim Creel, CEO of Taco John’s International, Inc. “We encourage other restaurant brands to follow our example and give a portion of their savings to the people that are at the heart of what we do and to great organizations like CORE that support our crew. One hundred percent of CORE’s funds directly benefit children of restaurant employees who have been afflicted with life-threating conditions.”
“We are so grateful to the Taco John’s team for their generous donation to our CORE family members,” said Lauren LaViola, executive director of CORE. “Donations like theirs help us provide for our food and beverage service families experiencing loss, illness and other life-changing circumstances, and help us get closer to our goal of helping even more families across all 50 states in 2018.”
The total amount that Taco John’s International, Inc. gave exceeded $150,000.00. – Feb. 28, 2018 John’s International, Inc. press release
Starbucks Coffee Company (Multiple locations in Minnesota) – $500 stock grants for all Starbucks retail employees, $2,000 stock grants for store managers, and varying plant and support center employee stock grants, totaling more than $100 million in stock grants nationwide; 8,000 new retail jobs and 500 new manufacturing jobs; an additional wage increase this year, totaling approximately $120 million in wage increases, increased sick time benefits and parental leave.
U-Haul (Multiple locations in Minnesota) – $1,200 bonuses for full-time employees, $500 bonuses for part-time employees.
Wal-Mart – 69 locations in Minnesota; Base wage increase for all hourly employees to $11; bonuses of up to $1,000; expanded maternity and parental leave; $5,000 for adoption expenses.
Waste Management, Inc. (Multiple locations in Minnesota) -- $2,000 bonuses.
Wells Fargo – 157 bank locations in Minnesota -- Base wage raised from $13.50 to $15.00 per hour; nationally, $400 million in charitable donations for 2018; $100 million increased capital investment over next three years.
Anthem (Multiple locations in Minnesota) -- Nationally, $1,000 in extra 401(k) contributions for 58,000 employees.
Note: If you know of other Minnesota examples, please email John Kartch at jkartch@atr.org
The running nationwide list of companies can be found at www.atr.org/list
More from Americans for Tax Reform
2 Years In, American Workers Are Winning Thanks to GOP Tax Cuts

It has been 2 years since President Donald Trump signed the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) into law and Americans continue to benefit from high wages and a strong job market. Unemployment is down, confidence in the job market is up, and small businesses are thriving.
Here are the numbers:
Since Trump took office in 2017, American businesses have created over 6.7 million jobs. In April, the unemployment rate hit a 50-year low of 3.6 percent, and the rate has been at or below 4 percent for 20 consecutive months. Currently, there are 157 million Americans in the workforce and the labor force participation rate is at 63.3 percent, a stark contrast to the 40-year lows seen under the Obama administration.
Small businesses have continued to offer more jobs with higher wages thanks to the Republican TCJA and the Trump administration’s deregulation efforts. The NFIB Small Business Optimism index, a measurement of the confidence small businesses have in the economy, recently increased to a historically solid reading of 102.4.
Americans are confident enough in the economy and the job market to leave their jobs and search for new career opportunities. In September 2019, there were 5.8 million job separations, 3.5 million of which were voluntary. After leaving their jobs, Americans have access to a record-high 7 million job openings. The ratio of unemployed persons to job openings stands at a record-low 0.9 percent, meaning there are more openings than people looking for jobs.
The TCJA is the product of a pro-growth administration and its successes will only be amplified over time. As a result of the legislation, 90 percent of wage earners received a tax cut. Americans are now able to control the way a larger portion of their income is spent, saved, or invested. In 2018, GDP grew $179 billion more than expected, and this will compound over 10 years to more than $6 trillion in growth. Additionally, the TCJA is predicted to create 1.2 million new jobs in total by 2027.
The results are in: the Trump administration’s winning combination of tax cuts and regulatory relief have led to record low unemployment, record high job openings, and strong growth for small businesses.
While Democrats are committed to thwarting economic growth with proposed tax hikes and $30 trillion plans for a total government takeover of healthcare, President Trump and Republicans in Congress have delivered win after win for the American worker.
Photo Credit: The Epoch Times
Iowa Examples of Tax Reform Good News

Thanks to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act enacted by congressional Republicans and President Trump, 90 percent of American wage earners have higher take-home pay. And employers of all sizes are hiring, raising pay, increasing benefits, upgrading equipment and expanding operations.
Below are several examples of tax reform good news in Iowa. (Additions to this list can be sent to jkartch@atr.org)
Geetings, Inc. (Pella, Iowa) -- Was able to purchase new semitrailers and give employees raises because of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.
When small business owners anticipated how much they would save in taxes under the federal Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, many reinvested those savings in their businesses and their employees.
Lana Pol, who owns several small businesses including Geetings, Inc., a transportation firm in Pella, says she gave employees raises and purchased six new semitrailers. -- June 3, 2019 Des Moines Register
Smokey Row Coffee Shops (Des Moines, Iowa) -- Because of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, the company is planning to open two new stores.
When small business owners anticipated how much they would save in taxes under the federal Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, many reinvested those savings in their businesses and their employees.
...
Butch Hayes, of Smokey Row Coffee Shops, is planning to open two new stores. -- June 3, 2019 Des Moines Register
Global Water Services (Lisbon, Iowa) -- Hired new employees and built a new warehouse because of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.
When small business owners anticipated how much they would save in taxes under the federal Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, many reinvested those savings in their businesses and their employees.
...
The owner of Global Water Services in Lisbon, Keith Huebner, built a new warehouse and added employees. -- June 3, 2019 Des Moines Register
Anfinson Farm Store (Cushing, Iowa) -- $1,000 bonuses and 5% pay raises for employees:
Anfinson Farm Store, a family business in Cushing, Iowa (population 223), has awarded $1,000 bonuses and raised wages 5% for all full-time employees as a result of tax reform. The good news was delivered to employees in person just after Christmas.
In an interview with Americans for Tax Reform, store owner John Anfinson said tax reform will boost “money that will be available for the business overall and I want to use it in the right places.”
Anfinson has helmed the store for about 45 years. His grandfather started the business as a general store in 1918, so they will soon celebrate 100 years of operation. His customers chiefly grow corn, soybeans, and alfalfa.
“For us, we have a small number of employees. I work every day shoulder to shoulder with everyone,” said Anfinson. “When you work every day with a group of people, you know them and their family and you appreciate everything they do. I value them and the interest they take in our customers. They are the most valuable asset in any business.” – Jan. 9, 2018 Americans for Tax Reform blog post
Keg Creek Brewing (Glenwood, Iowa) - Expanding operations, purchasing new equipment:
“A small brewery in Glenwood, Iowa, in Mills County called Keg Creek is expanding their operations and investing in new equipment as they grow.” - June 11, 2018, Rep. David Young statement on U.S. House Floor
Dyersville Die Cast (Dyersville, Iowa) - $200 bonus for all eligible full-time employees; $50 monthly bonus for at least twelve months for all eligible full-time employees; $150,000 in total on bonuses:
“Dyersville Die Cast employees will be getting bonuses thanks to the recently passed tax reform bill.
Full-time employees who were with the company prior to Oct. 1, 2017 will receive a $200 bonus on March 9. But, that’s not all.
All full-time, hourly employees will also be receiving $50 monthly bonuses for at least the next 12 months.
In addition, employees will still receive their regular “profit bonus” in June, according to General Manager Bob Willets.
The big news is thanks to that fact that Dyersville Die Cast is slated to save approximately $200,000 thanks to the new tax law, and have decided to dole out $150,000 of that to its workers” – Feb. 21 2018, Dyersville Commercial article excerpt
Pattison Sand Company (Clayton, Iowa): $600 cash bonuses, base pay raised by $1.50-$2.50 per hour:
“Last fall, Congressman Rod Blum visited our mine in Clayton County. He met many of our people and saw for himself what we do every day. We told him about the high costs of over-taxation and over-regulation. He listened. He did his part, taking our message back to Washington. He fought for real tax reform that will bring our business taxes in line with other industrialized countries. More importantly it will mean more take home pay for our people. He is also working put more common sense into federal regulations. We did our part too. We gave every employee a $600 cash (in $2 bills) bonus and we raised base pay by $1.50-$2.50 an hour. And yes we are growing, adding staff and buying more equipment. We thought you should know.” – The Waterloo- Cedar Falls Courier
Cedar Rapids Toyota (Hiawatha, Iowa) – $500 bonuses to each full-time employee:
The car dealership off Boyson Road in Hiawatha expects to see a savings on its taxes under the federal tax reform bill that taxes effect next month. Instead of investing in the facility or new equipment, the company invested in its people.
Owner Scott Ryan decided to give each full-time employee a $500 tax break. The company sees the bonus checks as a way to give back to both the employees and the community, thinking many of the employees will spend the extra money around town. – Jan. 19, 2018 KCRG TV9 news report
Employers Mutual Casualty Insurance (Des Moines, Iowa) -- $1,000 bonuses for employees with the exception of Vice Presidents and above.
Iowa American Water Co. (Davenport, Iowa) – The utility will pass along tax savings to customers:
And Iowa-American Water Co., which provides service in eastern Iowa, would provide $1.5 million and $1.8 million to customers. – Jan. 29, 2018 Des Moines Register article excerpt
MidAmerican Energy Company (Des Moines, Iowa) - the utility will pass along tax reform savings to customers:
Thanks to tax reform, utility bills will start going down soon. MidAmerican Energy says bills will be lowered for its Illinois customers starting in April, and probably for Iowa customers in May.
Spokeswoman Tina Hoffman says the company's tax rate dropped from 35 to 21 per cent, and as a result Illinois electric and natural gas customers will save about 50 dollars per year. The average Iowa customer would save 30 dollars.
But tax reform will affect more than just MidAmerican's corporate tax rate.
"And what we're proposing to do is create an account that captures these benefits that will help us in the long-term make sure that we reduce the size of even the need for future rate cases. So eventually that keeps rates low for customers well into the future."
Hoffman says the Illinois Commerce Commission has already approved the company's proposal and the savings should show up in residential bills this month. However the Iowa Utilities Board has not yet approved MidAmerican's proposal but she thinks it could lower Iowa bills beginning in May. – April 2, 2018 WVIK Article
Ohnward Bancshares (Maquoketa, Iowa) -- $1,000 bonuses for all 260 employees:
"As a result of the passage of the tax relief bill this week, Ohnward Bancshares has announced it will pay a $1,000 tax relief, holiday bonus to every company employee. This bonus is separate, and, in addition to, normal bonuses received based on company performance. “There has been a lot of debate about what a tax cut will do for the nation’s economy. This sweeping tax reform will create economic growth in our communities, but only if the expense savings are shared”, comments the Ohnward leadership team, Abram Tubbs, Brigham Tubbs, Alan Tubbs and Kendra Beck." – Dec. 21 2017, Ohnward Bancshares press release
Bank Midwest (Spirit Lake, Iowa) -- $500 bonuses for full-time employees; $250 bonus for part-time employees.
T.J. Maxx – 11 stores in Iowa – tax reform bonuses, retirement plan contributions, parental leave, enhanced vacation benefits, and charitable donations:
The 2017 Tax Act benefited the Company in the fourth quarter and full year Fiscal 2018. The Company expects to continue to benefit from the 2017 Tax Act going forward, primarily due to the lower U.S. corporate income tax rate. As a result of the estimated cash benefit related to the 2017 Tax Act, the Company is taking the following actions:
Associates
-
A one-time, discretionary bonus to eligible, non-bonus-plan Associates, globally
-
An incremental contribution to the Company’s defined contribution retirement plans for eligible Associates in the U.S. and internationally
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Instituting paid parental leave for eligible Associates in the U.S.
-
Enhancing vacation benefits for certain U.S. Associates
Communities
Made meaningful contributions to TJX’s charitable foundations around the world to further support TJX’s charitable giving. – Feb. 28, 2018 The TJX Companies Inc. press release excerpt
AT&T -- $1,000 bonuses to 541 Iowa employees; Nationwide, $1 billion increase in capital expenditures:
Today, Congress approved legislation representing the first comprehensive tax reform in a generation. The President is expected to sign the bill in the coming days.
Once tax reform is signed into law, AT&T* plans to invest an additional $1 billion in the United States in 2018 and pay a special $1,000 bonus to more than 200,000 AT&T U.S. employees — all union-represented, non-management and front-line managers. If the President signs the bill before Christmas, employees will receive the bonus over the holidays.
“Congress, working closely with the President, took a monumental step to bring taxes paid by U.S. businesses in line with the rest of the industrialized world,” said Randall Stephenson, AT&T chairman and CEO. “This tax reform will drive economic growth and create good-paying jobs. In fact, we will increase our U.S. investment and pay a special bonus to our U.S. employees.”
Since 2012, AT&T has invested more in the United States than any other public company. Every $1 billion in capital invested in the telecom industry creates about 7,000 jobs for American workers, research shows. -- Dec. 20, 2017 AT&T Inc. press release
Home Depot -- 10 locations in Iowa, bonuses for all hourly employees, up to $1,000
Lowe's -- 1,000 employees at 11 stores in Iowa. Employees will receive bonuses of up to $1,000 based on length of service; expanded benefits and maternity/parental leave; $5,000 of adoption assistance.
Apple (Apple store in West Des Moines) -- $2,500 employee bonuses in the form of restricted stock units; Nationwide, $30 billion in additional capital expenditures over five years; 20,000 new employees will be hired; increased support of coding education and science, technology, engineering, arts, and math; increased support for U.S. manufacturing.
Bank of America (Multiple locations in Iowa) -- Iowa-based employees of Bank of America will receive $1,000 bonuses.
Cintas Corporation (Multiple locations in Iowa) -- $1,000 bonuses for employees of at least a year, $500 bonuses for employees of less than a year.
Comcast (Multiple locations in Iowa) -- $1,000 bonuses; at least $50 billion investment in infrastructure in next five years.
Ryder (Eleven locations in Iowa) – Tax reform bonuses for employees totaling $23 million nationwide.
Starbucks Coffee Company (89 locations in Iowa) – $500 stock grants for all retail employees, $2,000 stock grants for store managers, and varying plant and support center employee stock grants. Nationally, 8,000 new retail jobs; an additional wage increase this year, totaling approximately $120 million in wage increases, increased sick time benefits and parental leave
U-Haul (Multiple locations in Iowa) – $1,200 bonuses for full-time employees, $500 for part-time employees.
Wal-Mart – 59 store locations in Iowa -- Walmart employees are receiving tax reform bonuses of up to $1,000; base wage increase for all hourly employees to $11; expanded maternity and parental leave; $5,000 for adoption expenses.
McDonald’s (165+ locations in Iowa) – Increased tuition investments which will provide educational program access for 400,000 U.S. employees. $2,500 per year (up from $700) for crew working 15 hours a week, $3,000 (up from $1,050) for managers, and more:
McDonald’s Corporation today announced it will allocate $150 million over five years to its global Archways to Opportunity education program. This investment will provide almost 400,000 U.S. restaurant employees with accessibility to the program as the company will also lower eligibility requirements from nine months to 90 days of employment and drop weekly shift minimums from 20 hours to 15 hours. Additionally, McDonald’s will also extend some education benefits to restaurant employees’ family members. These enhancements underscore McDonald’s and its independent franchisees’ commitment to providing jobs that fit around the lives of restaurant employees so they may pursue their education and career ambitions.
The Archways to Opportunity program provides eligible U.S. employees an opportunity to earn a high school diploma, receive upfront college tuition assistance, access free education advising services and learn English as a second language.
“Our commitment to education reinforces our ongoing support of the people who play a crucial role in our journey to build a better McDonald’s,” said Steve Easterbrook, McDonald’s President and CEO. “By offering restaurant employees more opportunities to further their education and pursue their career aspirations, we are helping them find their full potential, whether that’s at McDonald’s or elsewhere.”
Accelerated by changes in the U.S. tax law, McDonald’s increased investment in the Archways to Opportunity Program includes:
-
- Increased Tuition Investment:
- Crew: Eligible crew will have access to $2,500/year, up from $700/year.
- Managers: Eligible Managers will have access to $3,000/year, up from $1,050.
- Participants have a choice for how they apply this funding – whether it be to a community college, four year university or trade school. There is no lifetime cap on tuition assistance – restaurant employees will be able to pursue their education and career passions at their own pace. The new tuition assistance is effective May 1, 2018 and retroactive to January 1, 2018.
- Lowered Eligibility Requirements: Increase access to the program by lowering eligibility requirements from nine months to 90 days of employment. In addition, dropping from 20 hours minimum to 15 hours minimum (roughly two full time shifts) per week to enable restaurant employees more time to focus on studies.
- Extended Services to Families: Extension of Career Online High School and College Advisory services to restaurant employees’ family members through existing educational partners Cengage and Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL).
- Additional Resources: Career exploration resources for eligible restaurant employees to be available later this year.
- Creation of an International Education Fund: Grants to provide local initiatives and incentives in global markets to further education advancement programs.
- Increased Tuition Investment:
“Since its inception, Archways to Opportunity was meant to match the ambition and drive of restaurant crew with the means and network to help them find success on their own terms,” said David Fairhurst, McDonald’s Chief People Officer. “By tripling tuition assistance, adding education benefits for family members and lowering eligibility requirements to the equivalent of a summer job, we are sending a signal that if you come work at your local McDonald’s, we’ll invest in your future.”
After launching in the U.S. in 2015, Archways to Opportunity has increased access to education for over 24,000 people and awarded over $21 million in high school and college tuition assistance. Graduates have received college degrees in Business Administration, Human Resources, Communications, Accounting, Microbiology and more. – March 29, 2018 McDonald’s Corporation press release excerpt
Wells Fargo – 64 bank locations in Iowa; raised base wage from $13.50 to $15.00 per hour; $400 million in charitable donations for 2018; $100 million increased capital investment over next three year
Note: If you know of other Iowa examples, please email John Kartch at jkartch@atr.org
The running nationwide list of companies can be found at www.atr.org/list
More from Americans for Tax Reform
Indiana Examples of Tax Reform Good News

Thanks to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act enacted by congressional Republicans and President Trump, 90 percent of American wage earners have higher take-home pay. And employers of all sizes are hiring, raising pay, increasing benefits, upgrading equipment and expanding operations.
Below are several examples of tax reform good news in Indiana. (Additions to this list can be sent to jkartch@atr.org)
AndyMark, Inc. (Kokomo, Indiana) – This mechanical and electrical parts supplier is expanding and hiring thanks to tax reform:
Andy Moser, president and owner of AndyMark, which operates from a facility on North Washington Street and manufactures and distributes mechanical and electrical parts for the competitive robotics market, said savings from the tax cut has accelerated his plans to hire more workers.
He said the company currently employs 25 full-time workers and up to 30 part-time and seasonal workers. Now, Moser anticipates doubling his workforce in the next five to 10 years.
“I think the tax bill is going to accelerate our growth,” he said. “We want more diversity with our business and more vertical integration, which requires more staff, and the tax cut its going to accelerate all that.” – Jan. 14 2018, Kokomo Tribune article excerpt
Old National Bancorp (Evansville, Indiana) - Increased 401(k) match to 75% of the first 4% contributed into the Plan, and 50% of the next 4% contributed into the Plan, for a total maximum match of 5% (previously matched 50% of the first 6% contributed into the Plan, for a total maximum match of 3%) - Accessed August 31, 2018, American Bankers Association “Tax Reform Allows Banks to Invest in Employees and Communities” list
BWX Technologies, Inc. (Mt. Vernon, Indiana) -- Hiring more than 170 new employees because of tax reform. The company is also investing $210 million in Indiana and Ohio thanks to tax reform:
BWX Technologies, Inc., a supplier of nuclear components and fuel to the U.S. government, is hiring more than 170 new employees and further expanding its operations across three manufacturing facilities in Ohio and Indiana over the course of the next four years, investing approximately $210 million in these two states as a result of tax reform.
“Due to tax reform, we saw a favorable impact to our tax rate of about 8 to 10 percent,” said Rex Geveden, BWXT’s president and chief executive officer. “This has resulted in significant cash savings that we have used for various needs, including reinvestment of capital into our business and hiring additional employees for future growth.” -- July 22, 2019 National Association of Manufacturers Shop Floor Blog
Albanese Confectionery (Merrillville, Indiana) – Up to $2,000 bonuses annually for as long as tax reform stays in effect, expanded parental leave benefits:
Employees of Albanese Confectionery, an Indiana-based candy manufacturing company, have received up to a $2,000 Tax Reform Bonus. The bonuses were determined by an employee’s length of service but even brand-new hires received $150. The best part, this bonus will happen ANNUALLY as long as the Tax Reform Bill stays in effect. Employees can expect their ANNUAL Tax Reform Bonus every January.
“Taxes are complicated. With the new tax plan we are able to take a giant leap in investing in the things that matter. You matter. It’s just that simple.” Officer Tess Albanese said to employees during their meeting on January 16th.
Albanese Confectionery also expanded their benefits to include new programs such as paid maternity and paternity leave. – Albanese Confectionery press release
Cardinal Manufacturing Company, Inc. (Indianapolis, Indiana) -- employee raises, bonuses, and profit sharing distributions:
Cardinal is the leading manufacturer of Interior Signage in the Midwest. We are pleased
and proud to announce our small business is rewarding our (17) Team Members at this time in 2018: Profit sharing Bonuses for those enrolled in the plan, bonuses for those new employees that are not yet eligible to enroll, and an average pay increase of over $1.00 per hour, across the board, to our fantastic team. Cardinal will also use the additional funds available from the new tax cuts to invest in our Company’s growth and development. - August 13, 2018, Laura Mulligan, President of Cardinal Manufacturing Company Inc.
Eli Lilly (Indianapolis, Indiana) - Opened a new research facility, plans to create 100 jobs, as well as invest $400 million in manufacturing facilities.
The latest tax reform win comes from Indiana, where pharmaceutical manufacturer Eli Lilly and Co. recently opened a new $75 million research facility in Indianapolis. The company’s CEO credited tax reform and other pro-growth policies that helped make it possible.
“Congress and this (presidential) administration have enhanced our ability to acquire and develop U.S.-born innovation,” Dave Ricks, chairman and CEO of Lilly, said in a statement. “The tax reforms they’ve adopted place U.S. companies like Lilly on a level playing field with our global peers.” - July 9, 2018, National Association Of Manufacturers Shopfloor blog excerpt
Eli Lilly and Company plans to create 100 new jobs by investing $400 million in manufacturing facilities at its Lilly Technology Center campus in Indianapolis.
The company announced they plan to invest the money in enhancements to existing manufacturing facilities used to make insulin and other diabetes medications, and initial capital investments to manufacture future medicines, according to a press release from the company.
“These investments demonstrate Lilly’s commitment to our manufacturing footprint in Indiana and the United States, and have been made possible by the tax reform measures passed by Congress in 2017,” David A. Ricks, Eli Lilly’s chairman and chief executive officer, said in a press release. "This is crucial for us to continue to advance our state’s economy and drive future investment – adding high-tech jobs and facilities that keep Indiana competitive in the global marketplace.” -- Nov. 20, 2019 The Indy Channel
Family Express (Valparaiso, Indiana) -- Base wage raised to $11 per hour:
Valparaiso-based Family Express, which has 70 convenience stores across Indiana and is in the process of building 10 more, is bumping its starting wage to $11 an hour.
The 43-year-old convenience store chain is raising entry-level pay by $1 an hour, after pre-empting national retailers like Walmart with above-market starting wages in April 2015. Family Express said it was boosting pay because of the tax cuts that reduced the corporate tax rate from 35 percent to 21 percent and as a bid to recruit quality employees and reduce turnover.
“We feel obligated to pass on a significant portion of the tax savings to our staff," Family Express President and CEO Gus Olympidis said. -- Feb. 5 The Times of Northwest Indiana article excerpt
Hoosier Park Casino (Anderson, Indiana) - Employee bonuses:
“a company in my district, one of the larger employers, Hoosier Park Casino, all employees received a $500 bonus after the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act was announced” - June 28, 2018, Rep. Susan Brooks statement on U.S. House Floor
Quake Manufacturing (Fort Wayne, Indiana) – $1,000 bonuses, enhanced insurance benefits, gym memberships:
Quake realized there was some extra money after Trump’s tax plan took over. So he decided to give it back to his 12 employees. “I’ve managed to add long-term disability, short-term disability, dental insurance.”
Plus everyone gets a $1,000 bonus and a paid gym membership. A nice surprise on their next check. “I want to reward the guys. Guys have been working hard. A lot of guys have been putting in a lot of overtime. I just don’t see any reason not to kick back to them.” – Feb. 21 2018, Wane.com article excerpt
Northern Indiana Public Service Company (Merrillville, Indiana) – the utility requested that customers’ natural gas rates be lowered:
As a result of the newly enacted federal tax reform, NIPSCO submitted a request with the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) to lower its previous request to modify natural gas base rates by $26 million. The reduction means natural gas residential customers would pay nearly $2 less per month following the Commissions’ decision in the company’s natural gas rate proposal, which is expected in the second half of 2018. The average natural gas residential customer paying $50 per month is projected to see their bill go to $58.10 per month, subject to IURC approval, rather than $59.80 as originally proposed. Electric rate benefits from federal tax reform are being considered and reviewed separately. NIPSCO’s original proposal, which was made last September, is four months into a formal regulatory review process, which includes opportunities for public input and involvement. According to the IURC’s monthly residential bill comparisons, NIPSCO is currently the lowest natural gas cost provider in Indiana. -- Jan. 29 2018, Northern Indiana Public Service Company press release
Duke Energy Indiana (Plainfield, Indiana) -- the utility will pass along tax cut savings to customers:
Plainfield-based Duke Energy Indiana has reached a settlement with the Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor and other parties regarding the disbursement of savings to customers from the passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. The utility says customers will receive approximately $142 million in annual savings.
The OUCC says when the legislation went into effect in January, the federal tax rate for most investor-owned utilities fell from 35 percent to 21 percent. As a result, the average residential customer will see their monthly bill reduced by about 5 percent, or $7.33, in 2018.
"The federal tax act is an opportunity for us to lower customer bills and help offset future rising costs," said Duke Energy Indiana President Melody Birmingham-Byrd. "We’ve reached an agreement to pass along tax savings embedded in our electric rates over the next two years. It’s a constructive agreement that reduces rates while still preserving our credit quality, which is important for keeping customer bills low."
Duke Energy says it began reflecting the lower federal tax rate in customers' bills earlier this year. The settlement, which included the Indiana Industrial Group and Nucor Steel, also proposes reducing base rates in September to reflect the lower tax rate. It also includes refunds of accumulated deferred taxes in 2018 and 2020. - June 28, 2018, Inside Indiana article excerpt
Indiana-Michigan Power (Fort Wayne, Indiana) – The utility will pass along tax cut savings to customers:
The Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission approved an order Wednesday allowing the Fort Wayne-based company to boost its Indiana customers’ rates about 7.3 percent, allowing it to raise $96.8 million in new revenue.
The Journal Gazette reports Indiana Michigan Power had initially sought a 20 percent rate increase to generate $263 million in new revenue.
That was reduced under a settlement between the company, Indiana’s state consumer advocate and several cities, companies and advocacy groups.
Some of the decrease was also attributed to the recent federal tax cuts. – May 31, 2018, AP article excerpt
1st Source Corporation (South Bend, Indiana) -- 10 shares of stock; base pay increases:
1st Source Corporation announces important investments in its people as a result of record performance in 2017 and new tax legislation opportunities. These new investments include the following:
- The issuance of 10 shares of 1st Source stock currently valued at $500.00 in early 2019 (which must be held for three years) to all employees who were active with the company December 31, 2017 and are also active with the company on December 31, 2018.
- An additional performance award base pay increase of $500.00 to eligible colleagues.
- A significant increase in the company's higher education tuition reimbursement program to an annual benefit of $6,000 from $3,000.
Christopher J. Murphy III, Chairman and CEO stated. "We believe in shared ownership among all our colleagues at 1st Source. We also believe the new tax act gives us additional funds to invest in the company's long term future. -- Jan. 31, 2018 1st Source Corporation
First Farmers Bank & Trust (Converse, Indiana) – minimum bonus of $750 to each full time employee; base wage will rise by $2.50 per hour:
In response to the recently passed legislation affecting corporate tax, Gene Miles, President and CEO of First Farmers Bank & Trust recently announced a new corporate wage and community support program that commits to four points of emphasis.
1. Raise the minimum hourly starting wage by $2.50 for all new FFBT employees.
2. Provide a minimum year-end bonus of $750 annually to all full time FFBT employees.
3. Invest a minimum of $250,000 annually to community development and support of local branch markets.
4. Invest a minimum of $150,000 annually to FFBT employee development and education.
“With this special opportunity, we are pleased to further our commitment to our community and to our people. Since 1885, First Farmers has prided itself in supporting the communities in which we serve and our employees are the primary reason for our corporate success and growth”, Gene Miles, President and CEO, First Farmers Bank & Trust. – Dec. 26, 2017 First Farmers Bank & Trust statement
First Merchants Corporation (Muncie, Indiana) – $1 per hour wage increase for hourly employees; $500 bonuses for full-time employees, excluding senior management; pro-rated bonus for part-time employees:
First Merchants Corporation (NASDAQ:FRME) announced today that it will raise the wage paid to hourly employees by $1 per hour as a result of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 signed by President Trump in Dec. 2017.
Additionally, as a reward for the company’s strong 2017 performance, all associates, excluding senior management, will receive a $500 one-time cash bonus. Part-time associates will receive a pro-rated share.
The compensation investments will impact nearly 90 percent of First Merchants’ 1,700 employees and will be in addition to the company’s existing incentive programs and annual merit increases.
“My colleagues at First Merchants provide superior service to our clients and devote themselves to the communities we serve every day,” said First Merchants President and CEO Michael C. Rechin. “We are proud to share the savings provided by the tax reform package to reward their hard work and dedication with an increase in compensation.” – Jan. 16, 2018 First Merchants Corporation press release
MainSource Financial Group (Greensburg, Indiana) – Base wage raised to $15 per hour:
MainSource Financial Group (NASDAQ: MSFG) will raise the starting pay and minimum hourly rate to $15 an hour effective immediately for all of its non-exempt, non-commissioned employees. This announcement comes as a result of the recently passed tax legislation, which includes a reduction in corporate tax rates.
Approximately 1,000 associates are employed throughout the MainSource footprint in Ohio, Indiana, Illinois and Kentucky. The pay increase will affect over 200 employees.
Archie M. Brown, Jr., President and CEO, stated, "The recently passed tax legislation is anticipated to create significant savings for our company. We are pleased to direct a portion of this savings back to many of our employees with a meaningful increase in pay." – Jan. 3, 2018 MainSource Financial Group press release
Mutual Bank (Muncie, Indiana) -- $750 bonuses for all non-executive employees; hourly employees will also receive a $.50 pay raise per hour:
CEO Dave Heeter said,” When an event like this occurs, a significant consideration is determining if the increased earnings resulting from the reduction in taxes, should be shared with a company’s constituents.” Heeter continues, “In the anticipation that the change in the tax law will provide an opportunity for greater earnings moving forward, we feel that sharing a portion of those earnings with our outstanding staff is appropriate.”
In the first quarter of 2018, MutualBank will distribute a $750 one-time payment for all full-time and part-time employees except for the Executive Management Team. Additionally, all non-exempt employees will receive a $0.50 increase in their hourly wage. -- Jan. 20, 2018 MutualBank press release
Fifth Third Bancorp – 123 locations in Indiana; Nationally $1,000 bonuses for 13,500 employees and base wage raise increase to $15:
Newly passed tax legislation includes a reduction in corporate tax rates designed to spur economic growth. Carmichael said the tax cut allowed the Bank the opportunity to reevaluate its compensation structure and share some of those benefits with its talented and dedicated workforce.
Carmichael said the higher wage is an important step to help support individuals, their families and the communities in which we operate. Fifth Third has a history of investing in its 18,000 employees.
Once the legislation is signed into law, nearly 3,000 hourly employees will see their pay increase to $15 an hour. The one-time $1,000 bonus is expected to be distributed by the end of the year, assuming the president signs the bill before Christmas. Senior managers and executive leadership are excluded from this compensation.
“It is good for our communities, employees and Fifth Third Bank,” [President and CEO Greg] Carmichael said. – Dec. 20, 2017 Fifth Third press release
First Financial Bancorp -- 12 bank locations in Indiana, base wage raised to $15 per hour; $3 million charitable contribution:
First Financial Bancorp (Nasdaq: FFBC) will raise the starting wage for all new and existing hourly associates to $15 an hour effective immediately. Additionally, the bank has made a $3 million contribution to its newly established charitable foundation. This announcement comes as a result of the recently passed tax legislation, which includes a reduction in corporate tax rates.
First Financial strives to provide fair and competitive salaries and benefits to its associates. Approximately 1,335 associates are employed throughout the First Financial footprint in Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky. The increase will affect 220 of these associates. – Jan. 3, 2018 First Financial Bancorp press release
Centaur Gaming LLC (Indianapolis, Indiana) – $500 bonus:
Centaur Gaming is reinvesting some of the money it will be saving under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act back into its employees by giving them a $500 bonus.
The president of the company, Jim Brown, announced at a meeting Wednesday morning that all full, part and seasonal employees would be receiving a one-time check for $500. The company will also be paying all taxes and the employee and company 401K portions of those bonus checks. – March 7 2018, WRTV article excerpt
FedEx (Multiple locations in Indiana) FedEx is investing $1.5 billion to expand the FedEx Express Indianapolis hub. Nationwide, FedEx committed more than $3.2 billion in wage increases, bonuses, pension funding due to the tax cuts. Pay raises, bonus increases, pension plan increases, and at least $1.5 billion in capital expenditures:
“FedEx Corporation is announcing three major programs today following the recently enacted U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act:
- Over $200 million in increased compensation, about two-thirds of which will go to hourly team members by advancing 2018 annual pay increases by six months to April 1st from the normal October date. The remainder will fund increases in performance- based incentive plans for salaried personnel.
- A voluntary contribution of $1.5 billion to the FedEx pension plan to ensure it remains one of the best funded retirement programs in the country.
- Investing $1.5 billion to significantly expand the FedEx Express Indianapolis hub over the next seven years. The Memphis SuperHub will also be modernized and enlarged in a major program the details of which will be announced later this spring.
FedEx believes the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will likely increase GDP and investment in the United States.
The company has made no change to its fiscal 2018 earnings or capital expenditure guidance as issued on December 19, 2017 as a result of these actions.” – Jan. 26 2018, FedEx press release
OneMain Holdings, Inc. (Evansville, Indiana) – Bonuses and base wage increases:
OneMain Holdings Inc. will use part of its savings from the reduction in the federal corporate tax rate to raise its minimum wage for employees and provide a special bonus, President and CEO Jay Levine said. – Feb. 16, 2018 SNL Financial Services Daily article excerpt
Muncie Aviation Company (Muncie, Indiana) – Tax reform bonuses for all employees:
Muncie Aviation Company will pay a bonus to all employees during the first week of March, "due in part to the Trump (Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017) and in part to the record economic results posted by the company for 2017," the company announced this week.
"The company believes that the favorable business climate will increase opportunities in the coming years," a release stated. A reception for the employees/owners will be held immediately after the awarding of the bonus at Merk's restaurant, which is located in Muncie Aviation's administrative building at the Delaware County Regional Airport.
--
The company employs 55 full-time and eight part-time people. – March 2, 2018 Star Press article excerpts
T.J. Maxx – 23 stores in Indiana – tax reform bonuses, retirement plan contributions, parental leave, enhanced vacation benefits, and charitable donations:
The 2017 Tax Act benefited the Company in the fourth quarter and full year Fiscal 2018. The Company expects to continue to benefit from the 2017 Tax Act going forward, primarily due to the lower U.S. corporate income tax rate. As a result of the estimated cash benefit related to the 2017 Tax Act, the Company is taking the following actions:
Associates
-
A one-time, discretionary bonus to eligible, non-bonus-plan Associates, globally
-
An incremental contribution to the Company’s defined contribution retirement plans for eligible Associates in the U.S. and internationally
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Instituting paid parental leave for eligible Associates in the U.S.
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Enhancing vacation benefits for certain U.S. Associates
Communities
Made meaningful contributions to TJX’s charitable foundations around the world to further support TJX’s charitable giving. – Feb. 28, 2018 The TJX Companies Inc. press release excerpt
AT&T -- $1,000 bonuses to 3,888 Indiana employees; Nationwide, $1 billion increase in capital expenditures.
Apple (Apple store locations in Indianapolis and Mishawaka) -- $2,500 employee bonuses in the form of restricted stock units; Nationwide, $30 billion in additional capital expenditures over five years; 20,000 new employees will be hired; increased support of coding education and science, technology, engineering, arts, and math; increased support for U.S. manufacturing.
Bank of America (Multiple locations in Indiana) -- Indiana-based employees of Bank of America will receive $1,000 bonuses.
Cintas Corporation (Multiple locations in Indiana) -- $1,000 bonuses for employees of at least a year, $500 bonuses for employees of less than a year.
Comcast (Multiple locations in Indiana) -- $1,000 bonuses; nationally, at least $50 billion investment in infrastructure in next five years.
Home Depot -- 24 locations in Indiana, bonuses for all hourly employees, up to $1,000
Lowe's -- 8,000 employees at 44 stores and two distribution centers in Indiana. Employees will receive bonuses of up to $1,000 based on length of service; expanded benefits and maternity/parental leave; $5,000 of adoption assistance.
Ryder (21 locations in Indiana) – Tax reform bonuses for employees totaling $23 million nationwide.
Starbucks Coffee Company (Multiple locations in Indiana) – $500 stock grants for all retail employees, $2,000 stock grants for store managers, and varying plan and support center employee stock grants. Nationally, 8,000 new retail jobs; an additional wage increase this year, totaling approximately $120 million in wage increases, increased sick time benefits and parental leave.
U-Haul (Multiple locations in Indiana) – $1,200 bonuses for full-time employees, $500 for part-time employees.
Wal-Mart – 104 locations in Indiana -- 25,000 Indiana Walmart employees are receiving tax reform bonuses. Nationally, base wage increase for all hourly employees to $11; bonuses of up to $1,000; expanded maternity and parental leave; $5,000 for adoption expenses.
Wells Fargo – 33 bank locations in Indiana; raised base wage from $13.50 to $15.00 per hour; $400 million in charitable donations for 2018; $100 million increased capital investment over next three year
Note: If you know of other Indiana examples, please email John Kartch at jkartch@atr.org
The running nationwide list of companies can be found at www.atr.org/list
More from Americans for Tax Reform
Pelosi 95% Drug Tax Will Lead To 100 Fewer Cures Created

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s plan to levy a 95 percent tax on drug manufacturers could prevent 100 lifesaving medicines from being created over the next decade.
The White House Council of Economic Advisors has released a report on H.R. 3, the disingenuously named Lower Drug Costs Now Act. While Pelosi claims that her bill will save taxpayers money, CEA projects that the resulting worse health outcomes due to lack of access to cures will cost $1 trillion a year for the next ten years. H.R. 3 also creates new entitlements for vision and dental that will cost taxpayers billions of dollars.
The Pelosi bill imposes a retroactive, 95 percent excise tax on up to 250 drugs if a manufacturer does not agree to government-imposed prices. The tax starts at a 65 percent rate, increasing by 10 percent every quarter a manufacturer is out of “compliance.”
The report shows that the Pelosi tax will lead to fewer cures, shorter lives, and less access to quality healthcare for American patients. If implemented, the Pelosi tax will prevent cures for diseases like cancer, multiple sclerosis, hepatitis C, and epilepsy from being available for American patients.
It gets worse. CEA forecasts that H.R. 3 will reduce Americans’ average life expectancy by approximately four months over the next decade. This drop in life expectancy is due to the decrease in access to drugs that will inevitably occur when the government slaps drug manufacturers with a 95 percent tax on their lifesaving products.
The Pelosi tax will also have wide-ranging negative impacts on America’s population health. Estimates show that $2,000 in spending on pharmaceutical research and development increases population health by one statistical life-year. If implemented, CEA projects that the Pelosi tax would reduce population health by 37.5 million to 100 million life-years over the next decade.
In sum, the CEA report shows that the Pelosi drug tax would lead to fewer cures, less access to lifesaving medicines, and a shorter lifespan for American patients.
Photo Credit: Gage Skidmore
Connecticut Examples of Tax Reform Good News

Thanks to the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act enacted by congressional Republicans and President Trump, 90 percent of American wage earners have higher take-home pay. And employers of all sizes are hiring, raising pay, increasing benefits, upgrading equipment and expanding operations.
Below are several examples of tax reform good news in Connecticut. (Additions to this list can be sent to jkartch@atr.org)
Charter Communications, Inc. (Stamford, Connecticut) – Base wage raised to $15 per hour; commitment to hire over 20,000 employees by 2020:
With the resources and investment confidence resulting from historic tax reform legislation and the FCC’s removal of the 1930’s era regulatory framework for internet service, Charter is increasing our investment in our workforce by ensuring all employees are paid a minimum wage of at least $15 per hour, including target commissions, within the next year.
In addition, the reforms in Washington are allowing Charter to increase its capital investment including in its broadband network. Last year, given the general deregulatory environment and anticipating the Administration, Congress, and the FCC enacting these pro-growth policies, we announced we would hire 20,000 employees and invest $25 billion in infrastructure.
Today, with tax reform and the removal of the Title II statutory framework both a reality, Charter will continue the capital investment program we started last year and will complete it by 2020. In 2017, we extended the reach of our high-speed broadband network in rural areas like Meeker, CO, Lakeview, OR, Hawthorne, NV, as well as to more than 42,000 underserved and unserved homes and businesses in New York State. Charter remains steadfast in our commitment to continue to bring our broadband service, with a minimum speed of 100 Mbps, to more communities across the country. – Feb. 2 2018, Charter Communications Inc. statement
Kaman Corp. (Bloomfield, Connecticut) – $1,000 tax reform bonuses:
Bloomfield manufacturer Kaman Corp. says it's joining the list of U.S. employers sharing the wealth with workers in the wake of federal tax reform.
The maker-supplier of aeroparts, custom aircraft and power-distribution products disclosed Wednesday that about 2,400 workers who were on its payroll on or before Oct. 1, 2017 and who earned less $75,000 a year are eligible for a $1,000 bonus. However, each must remain on the payroll through Aug. 31 to collect, CEO Neal J. Keating told staff in a memo. – April 18, 2018, Hartford Business Journal article excerpt
Pitney Bowes (Stamford, Connecticut) – Pay raises for the majority of U.S. hourly employees:
Pitney Bowes, a global technology company that provides innovative products and solutions to power commerce, announced that, with the signing of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act in December 2017, the Company will make an investment commitment of more than $18 million on an annualized basis to raise wages of the majority of its U.S. hourly employees. In addition, Pitney Bowes plans to fund key investment areas within the Company to provide more value to its small and medium business clients.
“The tax reform legislation provides Pitney Bowes the flexibility to invest in our people, our clients, our company, and the communities where we live and work,” said Marc B. Lautenbach, President and CEO. “We believe that the investments we make in our employees and our clients not only strengthen our business for the long term, but ultimately benefit our shareholders.”
In addition, Pitney Bowes plans to provide additional investments that contribute to the long-term growth of the Company, including funding the financing offerings within Pitney Bowes to support growth in its small and medium-sized business clients in the U.S. – Jan. 31 2018, Pitney Bowes press release excerpt
Shortway Brewing Co. (Newport, Connecticut) -- Increasing wages and hiring new employees:
Mr. Shortway said the new tax plan, along with the Craft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act, also passed last year, have already helped the brewery save money. The craft beverage act greatly reduced excise taxes on small-scale brewers and the tax plan has additional provisions designed to help small businesses.
Mr. Shortway said he was able to give his employees a small raise and hire more workers as a result of the tax savings. He said although it is a bit early to know what the long-term impact of the tax plan will be, he expects it will keep helping going forward.
“Growth is picking up,” he said. - May 11, 2018, News-Times article excerpt
The Travelers Companies, Inc. (Hartford, Connecticut) -- $1,000 bonuses for 14,000 employees with a base salary less than $75,000:
Today, comprehensive U.S. tax reform has been signed into law. One objective of the legislation is to spur economic growth and therefore the U.S. economy.
In addition to benefiting from economic growth, Travelers will benefit directly from the legislation in two important ways. First, like all companies, our corporate tax rate will decrease from 35% to 21%. Second, the legislation will level the playing field for U.S. insurers by eliminating a loophole that foreign insurers have used to our disadvantage for decades to move their U.S. profits offshore to avoid paying their fair share of U.S. taxes.
One of the opportunities all of these benefits create for us is to make additional investments in our business. I shared at a recent all-employee meeting that our vision as it relates to investment and innovation is to strengthen our competitive advantages with two goals in mind: be the undeniable choice for the customer and an indispensable partner for our agents and brokers.
The leadership team decided that given our confidence in our business and the way we are successfully positioned for the opportunities ahead, we should start making additional investments immediately. We also came to the conclusion that we should use the opportunity to make our first investment in our most valuable asset and greatest competitive advantage — our people.
I’m pleased to announce that we will be giving approximately 14,000 employees with a base salary of $75,000 per year or less and who meet our performance expectations a special one-time bonus of $1,000. The bonus will be paid in January to then current employees. Eligible employees will hear more shortly.
In addition, while we have only a small number of U.S.-based employees making less than $15 an hour, we will increase their hourly wage to $15. – The Travelers Companies, Inc. note to employees
AVANGRID (Orange, Connecticut) – the utility is passing savings from tax reform to customers:
AVANGRID, Inc. (NYSE: AGR), a diversified U.S. energy company, today issued the following statement regarding the impact of the 2017 tax reform act.
AVANGRID’s regulated natural gas and electricity companies will pass along to customers the full benefit of any tax savings that the companies realize as a result of the 2017 federal tax reform act.
Among other changes, the tax reform act reduces the federal corporate tax rate from 35 to 21 percent. As a matter of fairness, AVANGRID believes that any resulting tax savings should be extended to customers. – Jan. 10, 2018 AVANGRID press release
United Technologies Corporation (Farmington, Connecticut) – 35,000 new employees to be hired, and $15 billion in capital expenditures and research/development over the next five years:
The competitive tax system resulting from U.S. tax reform is encouraging global companies, such as United Technologies, to make long-term investments in innovation in America. – May 23, 2018 United Technologies Corporation press release excerpt
Hartford Financial Services Group Inc. (Hartford, Connecticut) -- $1,000 bonuses for employees making less than $75,000 per year. This amounts to 9,500 employees:
The Hartford Financial Services Group Inc. on Friday became the latest company to announce bonuses tied to a federal overhaul reducing the corporate tax rate.
Chief Executive Officer Christopher Swift told reporters the investment and insurance company will distribute bonuses of $1,000 each to employees who are paid less than $75,000 a year. – Jan. 5 Hartford Courant article excerpt
Cigna Corporation (Bloomfield, Connecticut) – Base wage raised to $16 per hour; increased 401(k) matches:
Global health service company, Cigna (NYSE: CI), today announced that the net financial benefits of United States tax reform will allow the company to further accelerate investments in our employees, our capabilities and our customers, clients, partners, and communities.
Through a series of moves, Cigna is reaffirming the critical role of employees, further fueling the company’s commitment to be champions for its communities, and continuing its investments in innovation and capabilities that drive differentiated value for customers and clients.
“It is because of our employees that Cigna continues to deliver on our mission to improve the health, well-being and sense of security of those we serve,” said David Cordani, Cigna President and Chief Executive Officer. “Reinvesting a portion of savings from tax reform in our employees is a reinvestment in our mission.”
Effective today, Cigna is establishing a minimum wage across its U.S. employee base of $16 an hour, substantially exceeding the national minimum wage in the United States as well as the hourly rate paid at many global corporations.
Cigna will also provide salary increases above the $16 an hour level, largely to front line employees. These investments in employee wages will total more than $15 million.
Additionally, Cigna is adding $30 million to its 401(k) program to match an additional one percent of employee compensation contributed to the 401(k) in 2018. This match will benefit the retirement accounts of over 30,000 employees. – Jan. 31, 2018 Cigna Corporation press release
Information Services Group (Stamford, Connecticut) – $500 additional contribution to U.S. based employees’ 401(k) accounts, additional funds for global digital initiatives:
“Today it (Information Services Group) will earmark funds for additional investment in global digital initiatives over the next two years to accelerate growth, and make an additional contribution of $500 to every U.S. employee's 401(k) retirement account on U.S. Tax Day, April 17, 2018. The moves are in response to the recent passage of the federal Tax Cut and Jobs Act.”—Dec. 22, 2018 Information Services Group press release excerpt
Walmart – Connecticut employees at 33 Walmart store locations received tax reform bonuses, wage increases, and expanded maternity and parental leave. Walmart employees who adopt children will be given $5,000 to help cover expenses.
AT&T -- $1,000 bonuses to 1,272 Connecticut employees; Nationwide, $1 billion increase in capital expenditures:
Today, Congress approved legislation representing the first comprehensive tax reform in a generation. The President is expected to sign the bill in the coming days.
Once tax reform is signed into law, AT&T* plans to invest an additional $1 billion in the United States in 2018 and pay a special $1,000 bonus to more than 200,000 AT&T U.S. employees — all union-represented, non-management and front-line managers. If the President signs the bill before Christmas, employees will receive the bonus over the holidays.
“Congress, working closely with the President, took a monumental step to bring taxes paid by U.S. businesses in line with the rest of the industrialized world,” said Randall Stephenson, AT&T chairman and CEO. “This tax reform will drive economic growth and create good-paying jobs. In fact, we will increase our U.S. investment and pay a special bonus to our U.S. employees.”
Since 2012, AT&T has invested more in the United States than any other public company. Every $1 billion in capital invested in the telecom industry creates about 7,000 jobs for American workers, research shows. -- Dec. 20, 2017 AT&T Inc. press release
The United Illuminating Company (New Haven, Connecticut) - the utility will pass tax reform savings to customers.
Webster Financial Corporation (Waterbury, Connecticut) – Base wage raised to $15 per hour; $1,000 bonuses to full-time employees below vice-president level; $1 million in additional charitable contributions:
Webster Financial Corporation (NYSE: WBS), the holding company for Webster Bank, N.A. and its HSA Bank division, today announced an acceleration of investment in its employees and the communities it serves following the passage of new federal tax reform legislation.
These investments include:
- Payment of a one-time $1,000 cash bonus in the first quarter of 2018 to full-time employees who are below the vice president level. This payment will benefit approximately 70 percent of all Webster full-time employees;
- Increasing Webster's minimum wage to $15 per hour by the end of 2018;
- Beginning in 2018, augmenting Webster's annual philanthropic and community investment by $1 million; and,
- Enhancing Webster's investment in strategic employee development initiatives and early career programs, creating new job opportunities in our markets. – Jan. 4 2018, Webster Financial Corporation press release excerpt
T.J. Maxx – 28 stores in Connecticut – Tax reform bonuses, retirement plan contributions, parental leave, enhanced vacation benefits, and increased charitable donations:
The 2017 Tax Act benefited the Company in the fourth quarter and full year Fiscal 2018. The Company expects to continue to benefit from the 2017 Tax Act going forward, primarily due to the lower U.S. corporate income tax rate. As a result of the estimated cash benefit related to the 2017 Tax Act, the Company is taking the following actions:
Associates
- A one-time, discretionary bonus to eligible, non-bonus-plan Associates, globally
- An incremental contribution to the Company’s defined contribution retirement plans for eligible Associates in the U.S. and internationally
- Instituting paid parental leave for eligible Associates in the U.S.
- Enhancing vacation benefits for certain U.S. Associates
Communities
Made meaningful contributions to TJX’s charitable foundations around the world to further support TJX’s charitable giving – Feb. 28, 2018 The TJX Companies Inc. press release excerpt
Windsor Federal Savings (Windsor, Connecticut) – $250 bonus for all employees with the exception of upper management:
With the signing of the tax reform bill into law all employees of Windsor Federal Savings with the exception of senior management will receive a one-time special bonus of $250. This bonus will coincide with their raising the hourly minimum wage of all full-time employees to $15.00 per hour.
George Hermann, President and CEO of Windsor Federal Savings, says the bank has a positive outlook on the economy due to the tax reform. “The relief that this tax bill provides to business should help to spur our economy, and is important to building meaningful, long-term growth in Connecticut, and beyond. The awarding of these bonuses and our minimum wage increase is our way of sharing our optimism with our most important asset: our valued employees.” – Windsor Federal Savings press release
Home Depot -- 29 locations in Connecticut, bonuses for all hourly employees, up to $1,000.
Lowe's --2,000+ employees at 17 stores and one distribution facility in Connecticut. Employees will receive bonuses of up to $1,000 based on length of service, for 260,000 employees; expanded benefits and maternity/parental leave; $5,000 of adoption assistance.
Waste Management Inc. (Multiple locations in Connecticut) -- $2,000 bonuses:
In light of the meaningful contributions of its employees and the new U.S. corporate tax structure, the company will distribute US $2,000 in 2018 to every North American employee not on a bonus or sales incentive plan; that includes hourly and other employees.
“We are about to get a tax benefit as our U.S. corporate tax rate goes from 35 percent to 21 percent. In considering how to best spend that, we wanted to find a way to help grow our economy, which in turn, will help grow our business, and give some of the tax savings back to those hardworking employees who do not get the opportunity to participate in our salaried incentive plans,” said Jim Fish, president and chief executive officer, Waste Management.
“So, we are offering each North American hourly full-time employee and salaried employee who does not participate in any sales incentive or bonus plan during 2018, a cash bonus of US $2,000 to show our appreciation to so many of our valued employees while growing our business and returning a good portion of the tax savings directly to the overall economy,” he continued. – Jan. 10, 2018 Waste Management Inc. press release excerpt
Ryder (Eight locations in Connecticut) – Tax reform bonuses to employees.
Cintas (Multiple locations in Connecticut) -- $1,000 bonuses for employees of at least a year, $500 for employees of less than a year.
Chipotle Mexican Grill (Multiple locations in Connecticut) – Bonuses ranging from $250 to $1,000; increased employee benefits; $50 million investment in existing restaurants.
Apple (Apple store locations in Danbury, Farmington, Greenwich, New Haven, South Windsor, Stamford, Trumbull) - $2,500 employee bonuses in the form of restricted stock units; Nationwide, $30 billion in additional capital expenditures over five years; 20,000 new employees will be hired; increased support of coding education and science, technology, engineering, arts, and math; increased support for U.S. manufacturing.
McDonald’s (150+ locations in Connecticut) – Increased tuition investments which will provide educational program access for 400,000 U.S. employees. $2,500 per year (up from $700) for crew working 15 hours a week, $3,000 (up from $1,050) for managers, and more:
McDonald’s Corporation today announced it will allocate $150 million over five years to its global Archways to Opportunity education program. This investment will provide almost 400,000 U.S. restaurant employees with accessibility to the program as the company will also lower eligibility requirements from nine months to 90 days of employment and drop weekly shift minimums from 20 hours to 15 hours. Additionally, McDonald’s will also extend some education benefits to restaurant employees’ family members. These enhancements underscore McDonald’s and its independent franchisees’ commitment to providing jobs that fit around the lives of restaurant employees so they may pursue their education and career ambitions.
The Archways to Opportunity program provides eligible U.S. employees an opportunity to earn a high school diploma, receive upfront college tuition assistance, access free education advising services and learn English as a second language.
“Our commitment to education reinforces our ongoing support of the people who play a crucial role in our journey to build a better McDonald’s,” said Steve Easterbrook, McDonald’s President and CEO. “By offering restaurant employees more opportunities to further their education and pursue their career aspirations, we are helping them find their full potential, whether that’s at McDonald’s or elsewhere.”
Accelerated by changes in the U.S. tax law, McDonald’s increased investment in the Archways to Opportunity Program includes:
- Increased Tuition Investment:
- Crew: Eligible crew will have access to $2,500/year, up from $700/year.
- Managers: Eligible Managers will have access to $3,000/year, up from $1,050.
- Participants have a choice for how they apply this funding – whether it be to a community college, four year university or trade school. There is no lifetime cap on tuition assistance – restaurant employees will be able to pursue their education and career passions at their own pace. The new tuition assistance is effective May 1, 2018 and retroactive to January 1, 2018.
- Lowered Eligibility Requirements: Increase access to the program by lowering eligibility requirements from nine months to 90 days of employment. In addition, dropping from 20 hours minimum to 15 hours minimum (roughly two full time shifts) per week to enable restaurant employees more time to focus on studies.
- Extended Services to Families: Extension of Career Online High School and College Advisory services to restaurant employees’ family members through existing educational partners Cengage and Council for Adult and Experiential Learning (CAEL).
- Additional Resources: Career exploration resources for eligible restaurant employees to be available later this year.
- Creation of an International Education Fund: Grants to provide local initiatives and incentives in global markets to further education advancement programs.
“Since its inception, Archways to Opportunity was meant to match the ambition and drive of restaurant crew with the means and network to help them find success on their own terms,” said David Fairhurst, McDonald’s Chief People Officer. “By tripling tuition assistance, adding education benefits for family members and lowering eligibility requirements to the equivalent of a summer job, we are sending a signal that if you come work at your local McDonald’s, we’ll invest in your future.”
After launching in the U.S. in 2015, Archways to Opportunity has increased access to education for over 24,000 people and awarded over $21 million in high school and college tuition assistance. Graduates have received college degrees in Business Administration, Human Resources, Communications, Accounting, Microbiology and more. – March 29, 2018 McDonald’s Corporation press release excerpt
Comcast (Multiple locations in Connecticut) -- $1,000 bonuses; nationwide, at least $50 billion investment in infrastructure in next five years.
Starbucks Coffee Company (Multiple locations in Connecticut) –$500 stock grants for all retail employees, $2,000 stock grants for store managers, and varying plan and support center employee stock grants. Nationally, 8,000 new retail jobs; an additional wage increase this year, totaling approximately $120 million in wage increases, increased sick time benefits and parental leave.
U-Haul (Multiple locations in Connecticut) – $1,200 bonuses for full-time employees, $500 for part-time employees.
CarMax (Retail locations in Hartford and New Haven) – $250-$1,500 bonuses depending on length of service:
“The nation’s largest retailer of used cars, announced plans to provide one-time bonuses to most hourly and commissioned full-time and part-time associates as a result of the recently passed Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. Bonus amounts will vary from $200 up to $1,500 based on length of service with the company.” – Feb 23. 2018, EPR Retail News article excerpt
FedEx (Multiple locations in Connecticut) – Accelerated and increased compensation; pension plan contributions:
“FedEx Corporation is announcing three major programs today following the recently enacted U.S. Tax Cuts and Jobs Act:
- Over $200 million in increased compensation, about two-thirds of which will go to hourly team members by advancing 2018 annual pay increases by six months to April 1st from the normal October date. The remainder will fund increases in performance- based incentive plans for salaried personnel.
- A voluntary contribution of $1.5 billion to the FedEx pension plan to ensure it remains one of the best funded retirement programs in the country.
- Investing $1.5 billion to significantly expand the FedEx Express Indianapolis hub over the next seven years. The Memphis SuperHub will also be modernized and enlarged in a major program the details of which will be announced later this spring.
FedEx believes the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act will likely increase GDP and investment in the United States. – Jan. 26 2018, FedEx press release
Wells Fargo – 69 locations in Connecticut; Raised base wage from $13.50 to $15.00 per hour; $400 million in charitable donations for 2018; $100 million increased capital investment over the next three years.
Note: If you know of other Connecticut examples, please email John Kartch at jkartch@atr.org
The running nationwide list of companies can be found at www.atr.org/list
More from Americans for Tax Reform
Boom! Thanks to GOP Tax Cuts, Manufacturers are Hiring and Expanding
Thanks to the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act enacted by congressional Republicans and President Trump, American manufacturers are hiring new employees, building new facilities, purchasing new equipment, and investing in current employees through pay raises, increased benefits, and bonuses.
ATR has compiled manufacturer examples, including:
Advanced Superbrasives (Mars Hill, North Carolina) manufactures uniquely bonded diamond and CBN grinding wheels, filtration, and dressing machines:
Thanks to tax reform, Advanced Superabrasives of Mars Hill, North Carolina, is creating high-paying jobs, investing in workforce training and growing its operations. But what’s even more impressive is it has already given many of the 43 employees not just one, not just two, but three pay raises in 2018. - July 25, 2018, National Association of Manufacturers Shopfloor blog excerpts
Baker Boy (Dickinson, North Dakota) manufactures baked goods including donuts, breads, rolls, biscuits, and more:
Baker Boy, a North Dakota baked goods manufacturer, is producing a brand new donut thanks to the GOP tax cuts. They are also purchasing new equipment, expanding business operations, and hiring new employees.
Never before seen in North America, Magic Ring Donuts are jelly or creme-filled donuts that have a hole in the middle and are injected with filling in the donut ring. The donuts are manufactured with new technology that is only currently used overseas.– October 23, 2018 ATR Blog Post
Ball Corporation (Broomfield, Colorado) - Expanding operations, hiring new employees:
We have also heard from Ball Corporation Senior Vice President and CFO Scott Morrison, who told us that his company is looking to expand its presence in the United States and add 400 more workers to its payrolls. - January 9, 2018, National Association of Manufacturers Shopfloor blog excerpt
Beck Manufacturing International (Converse, Texas) manufactures concrete mixers:
Tom Beck, vice president of operations at Beck Manufacturing International in Converse, said he expects his company, which builds cement mixer bodies that mount on trucks, will see a reduction of close to 10 percent in its tax rate.
The savings will flow into Beck Manufacturing International investments, including an under construction manufacturing site that will double his company’s capacity in Converse, he said.
“That money that we hang on to … that’s absolutely going directly toward the new facility that will employ more people,” Beck said. - February 7, 2018, San Antonio Express-News article excerpt
Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC (Elyria, Ohio) manufactures active safety technologies, energy management solutions, and air brake charging, and control systems and components under the Bendix® brand name for medium- and heavy-duty trucks, tractors, trailers, buses, and other commercial vehicles throughout North America.
Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems LLC, an Elyria, Ohio, vehicle-parts supplier, has seen demand for its brakes and other products surge over the past year and a half as the transportation industry has picked up steam. To meet that demand and maximize capacity, the company has increased investment in machinery and has added a rotation that allows it to run full shifts seven days a week. - July 17, 2018, Wall Street Journal article excerpt
Big River Steel (Osceola, Arkansas) manufactures advanced high-strength steels including dual phase, complex phase, martensitic steel, and farrite bainite steel products. It also produces high-strength and light-weight steels that are used in the automotive industry; wide and thick steels that are used in the pipe and tube applications; and electrical steels that are used in the energy industries:
Big River Steel is investing $1.2 billion in expansion and creating an additional 500 jobs. That means more opportunity for American workers.
A spokesman for the state notes the jobs will pay on average about $75,000 annually. - June 29, 2018 Arkansas Times article excerpt
Bio-Techne (Minneapolis, Minnesota) manufactures scientific tools:
Many of you, particularly in the U.S., have probably been keeping up with the news the past few months on U.S. tax reform. With the passage of the bill in Congress yesterday and the President’s signature, the new tax law is now official. How does this affect our company? A lot. Our current corporate income tax levels average between 29% and 31%. With this new tax law, over the next year our tax rates will drop to levels potentially as low as 21%. We don’t know the total answer yet because the law is complicated, and includes tax calculations from other countries where we do business as well. What I can tell you is that we are likely to pay substantially less taxes in the U.S. and overall.
There has been extensive media coverage here in the U.S. on what companies will do with these gains. The U.S. Government’s primary goal for the new law is that companies will use the additional monies to invest in growth, and not simply to benefit shareholders through a dividend increase or share buyback. I am happy to tell you that we will use the savings to invest in our company and in you. We will use the funds to continue our investment in the company through expansion and acquisitions. But we also want to invest in our employees. Our board of directors has approved a recommendation to pay a bonus of US $500 to every employee globally. The bonus will be paid to all employees employed as of December 31, 2017 (other than the Corporate Leadership Team) and will be included in a January 2018 payroll. Management and the Board value each of you and your contributions, and this bonus is one way we wish to show our appreciation for your contributions to our strong business performance and excellent execution.
I look forward to working with all of you to create great future of continued growth for Bio-Techne. On behalf of the entire management team, thank you. – Dec. 21, 2017 special message to employees from Bio-Techne CEO Chuck Kummeth
Blair Strip Steel Company (New Castle, Pennsylvania) -- The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act allowed the company to raise wages, hire new people, and buy new equipment.
“I want to thank Mike Kelly for his role in the successful effort to reduce taxes on behalf of the company and it’s employees, said Bruce Kinney, president and CEO of Blair Strip Steel Company. His efforts are a key part of rebuilding and sustaining a healthier manufacturing climate in Pennsylvania and across the United States.” -- August 6, 2018 NAM Shopfloor Blog
Brown-Forman Corporation (Louisville, Kentucky) manufactures alcohol, including Jack Daniel's, Early Times, Old Forester, Woodford Reserve, Canadian Mist, GlenDronach, BenRiach, Glenglassaugh, Finlandia, Herradura, Korbel, and Chambord:
Paul Varga, Chief Executive Officer of Brown-Forman, said, "These capital deployment actions underscore the strength of the company’s balance sheet and health of our business, and are augmented by the anticipated benefits due to tax reform.
--
The company has also decided to fully fund its current pension liability of $120 million, further strengthening an important employee retirement benefit. Additionally, with the goal of helping to fund the company’s ongoing philanthropic endeavors in the communities where Brown-Forman employees live and work, the company is pursuing the creation of a foundation with a contribution of $60-$70 million. The company anticipates that the foundation’s proceeds will provide a consistent amount of revenue per year for its charitable giving program independent of the company’s yearly earnings.– Jan. 23, 2018 Brown-Forman Corporation press release excerpts
BWX Technologies, Inc. (Ohio and Indiana) -- Hiring more than 170 new employees because of tax reform. The company is also investing $210 million in these states because of tax reform:
BWX Technologies, Inc., a supplier of nuclear components and fuel to the U.S. government, is hiring more than 170 new employees and further expanding its operations across three manufacturing facilities in Ohio and Indiana over the course of the next four years, investing approximately $210 million in these two states as a result of tax reform.
“Due to tax reform, we saw a favorable impact to our tax rate of about 8 to 10 percent,” said Rex Geveden, BWXT’s president and chief executive officer. “This has resulted in significant cash savings that we have used for various needs, including reinvestment of capital into our business and hiring additional employees for future growth.” -- July 22, 2019 National Association of Manufacturers Shop Floor Blog
Cardinal Manufacturing Company, Inc. (Indianapolis, Indiana) manufactures custom high quality interior signs and sign plans:
Cardinal is the leading manufacturer of Interior Signage in the Midwest. We are pleased and proud to announce our small business is rewarding our (17) Team Members at this time in 2018: Profit sharing Bonuses for those enrolled in the plan, bonuses for those new employees that are not yet eligible to enroll, and an average pay increase of over $1.00 per hour, across the board, to our fantastic Team. Cardinal will also use the additional funds available from the new tax cuts to invest in our Company’s growth and development. - August 13, 2018, Laura Mulligan, President of Cardinal Manufacturing Company Inc.
Carpenter Technology (Reading, Pennsylvania) manufactures high-performance specialty alloy-based materials and process solutions for critical applications in the aerospace, defense, transportation, energy, industrial, medical, and consumer electronics markets:
The company announced Monday that it will invest $100 million in soft magnetics capabilities and a new, precision strip hot rolling mill in Reading. The new mill, officials said, will allow Carpenter to meet the increasing demand for aerospace, consumer electronics, and electric vehicle manufacturing customers.
"With more than 90 percent of our products manufactured in the U.S., this type of capital investment will strengthen our foundation for long-term sustainable growth, provide good-paying jobs and increase value for shareholders for years to come," said Tony Thene, Carpenter Technology's president and CEO. "Today's announcement demonstrates the benefits of an effective partnership between public policy and U.S business."
Carpenter said it estimates the company will save as much as $100 million in taxes over the next five years as a result of the recently enacted Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. The company said those savings will allow it to increase investment in its manufacturing operations over the same time period. – March 26, 2018 WFMZ News article excerpt
Centennial Bolt (Denver, Colorado) manufactures bolts, nuts, screws, rivets, washers:
Mark Cordova, President of Centennial Bolt and a longtime champion of American manufacturing is part of the National Association of Manufacturers’ Executive Committee, is hailing the recently signed legislation...
“I’m mapping out putting in a new plant in the Midwest,” Cordova said. The new product line he plans to launce from that facility “is something right now that’s being manufactured primarily in China. We’re actually going to be at a competitive level to build it in the United States again.”
Other advances Cordova attributed to tax reform include:
“Tax savings aren’t just for me,” said Cordova. “It’s so people can have a better life. It’s always been a family motto: our goal is that people will do better for themselves so they can improve their lives and take care of their own.” Centennial Bolt’s new equipment will not just allow the firm to increase production and make work easier for employees—but Cordova said it’ll give the men and women on his shop floor a new reason to be hopeful, rather than watch more and more of their manufacturing jobs go overseas.- April 24, 2018 National Association of Manufacturers Shopfloor Blog article excerpt
Circuit Interruption Technology Inc. -- CIT Relay & Switch (Rogers, Minnesota) manufacturers a broad array of automotive, telecom, security, industrial, and audio thru-hole and surface mount switches and relays:
Circuit Interruption Technology Inc. dba CIT Relay & Switch manufactures and distributes electromechanical relays and switches to the electronics, security, HVAC, appliance and automotive industries. Employees were notified just before Christmas of one extra week pay added to their final year end check as a result of the new tax reform measure. Due to the positive atmosphere created by the passage of the tax bill Company profit sharing combined with normal 401K contributions amounted to an additional 5% per employee for 2017. CIT has added 10% to our staff thus far in January 2018 and more additions are expected. – Rick Hampton, CIT Relay & Switch
CMC Steel (Cayce, South Carolina) manufactures steel and metal:
“Many businesses in South Carolina have already announced pay and benefit increases, like CMC Steel Company” - Feb. 12, 2018, Rep. Joe Wilson Press Release
Complex Chemical Company Incorporated (Tallulah, Louisiana) manufactures chemicals like brake fluids and antifreeze:
Thanks to tax reform, Complex Chemical Company Incorporated of Tallulah, Louisiana, is hiring more workers, raising wages and making critical new investments that will help grow its business.
Travis Melton, Complex Chemical’s vice president of sales and marketing, said that his company’s first order of business after tax reform passed was to give an immediate raise to every single one of its 120 employees. It’s the first time in several years that the company was able to give such substantial, across-the-board pay increases.
Melton also explained that tax reform is helping Complex Chemical reinvest in its business and accelerate its expansion plans.
“We’ve had an expansion in the works for two years,” Melton said. “Because the corporate tax rates have been reduced, it’s easier for us to move forward with this expansion and another one we have around the corner. Tax reform helps move these investments.” - July 18, 2018, National Association of Manufacturers article excerpt
Conger Construction Group (Lebanon, Ohio) – Because of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, the company was able to double the amount of employees, offer bigger bonuses, give more paid time off, and provide better healthcare benefits to workers.
“Justin Conger, owner and president of Conger Construction Group in Lebanon, Ohio, a C corporation, attributes the explosion of his business to the TCJA’s flat corporate tax rate of 21 percent, and he thinks his company’s success indicates the health of the overall economy.
“Construction is a lagging indicator of the economy,” he told members of the House Committee on Small Business on Wednesday. “If our clients or other businesses are not growing, expanding, or re-investing in their facilities, there is no need for commercial construction services. There is a lot of work to be completed before a project can start; from an owner obtaining financing, to architectural drawings being completed, to regulatory approval from local jurisdictions. Businesses all over Ohio are growing and expanding by utilizing the benefits of the TCJA and reinvesting additional generated capital into their businesses. In talking with past, future, and current clients, over 80 percent indicate the reason for their investment in construction services is due to the economy and current tax structure.”
“Conger said the number of employees at his company doubled in the last year and a half, and he’s been offering bigger bonuses, more paid time off and better healthcare benefits to workers because business has been so good. Conger said they’re also expanding office space due to the increased number of employees.”
“Those are real numbers and big numbers in Warren County and Lebanon, Ohio,” he said. – July 25, 2019 Inside Sources article
Cox Manufacturing (San Antonio, Texas) manufactures screw machine products and precision turned products:
For Cox, those savings may give the manufacturer some much-needed relief as it adds staff and equipment necessary to handle the increased orders the company’s been receiving over the last month or so, President Bill Cox said.
“The biggest benefit I think is not the tax savings, but the activity that’s going on. It’s just like crazy,” said Cox, whose company employs 150 and makes machined and other parts. “I had some older machines that we wanted to phase out and I just couldn’t believe how quickly they sold. I’m getting pressure to release them sooner than I wanted to.”
Demand has picked up dramatically since the bill was signed into law, he said. His backlog of orders has grown from six to eight weeks in December to 10 to 12 weeks now, and he’s having to move up construction of a new 8,000-square-foot manufacturing plant by at least a year in order to meet the growth.
“We needed it yesterday,” he said of the new facility.
Cox said his backlog of orders is starting to cost him work. The new factory and equipment — which he hopes to bring online this year — will cost at least $1.5 million, create 15 jobs and would add to his 54,000 square feet of existing manufacturing space. - February 7, 2018, San Antonio Express News article excerpt
C.R. Onsrud (Troutman, North Carolina) -- The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act has allowed the company to hire 40 new employees and invest over $8 million in plant upgrades and new equipment.
“At C.R. Onsrud, we appreciate Rep. Budd’s commitment to pro-growth policies and regulatory reform, said Tom Onsrud, president and CEO of C.R. Onsrud. His vote for the tax legislation was a clear message that he stands with manufacturers and manufacturing workers across America. As a direct result of the tax legislation, C.R. Onsrud has hired an additional 40 employees and, due to the immediate capital expensing provision of the law, has invested over $8 million in plant upgrades and equipment necessary to grow our business. Because of Rep. Budd’s leadership in Washington, manufacturing in North Carolina will only continue to flourish.” -- August 30, 2018 NAM Shopfloor Blog
Cummins (Columbus, Indiana) manufactures diesel and alternative fuel engines and generators, and related components and technology
Cummins is accelerating several compensation and benefits programs that have been under consideration for some time. And, in the U.S. specifically, those results combined with the recent tax legislation have allowed us to bring those programs to fruition even more quickly that we had originally planned. For example, I hope you saw that at the beginning of the year we decreased the out-of-pocket maximums in our U.S. medical plans for all employees earning under $60,000 per year. And, for our employees in our U.S. medical plans whose base salary is $40,000 or less per year, we will provide a one-time additional $1,000 employer-seed contribution in their 2018 Health Savings Account (HAS). This is on top of the increased HSA employer contribution that was announced for the 2018 plan year. In addition, we are looking at opportunities in the coming year, and as our collective bargaining agreements expire, to:
More information about these programs will be shared in the coming months. And, rest assured that we are also evaluating how Cummins can improve compensation and benefits globally to support our employees in the best possible way. Maintaining a strong compensation and benefits program enables Cummins to remain competitive in the marketplace, and provide sustainable growth for employees throughout their career.
I want to thank you for all of your work to make our company successful in 2017, and providing a strong foundation for a great 2018.
Rich Freeland
President & Chief Operation Officer
Custom Truck & Body Works (Woodbury, Georgia) manufactures specialized emergency vehicles including ambulances, fire trucks, and swat trucks:
“Two that I will highlight at some point tonight will be Shred-X in Griffin, Georgia, and Custom Truck and Body Works in Woodbury. Both of these businesses are expanding and hiring more workers, and this is a great story for the State of Georgia and the Third District. We are awfully proud of them.” - March 20, 2018, Rep. Drew Ferguson statement on the House floor
Danko Arlington Inc. (Baltimore, Maryland) manufactures a variety of aluminum and bronze custom-made products:
Danko Arlington and its employees have also benefited from the tax cuts. Just in the past few months, the company purchased and fully depreciated a new 3-D sand printer in December 2017, provided higher wage increases in January, renovated its seventy-five-year-old pattern shop into a state-of-the-art additive manufacturing center in February, and hired six more workers in March.
Overall the company is looking forward to the expanding economy — including increased funding for defense. Danko Arlington is not alone. According to a recent survey from the National Association of Manufacturers, optimism among manufacturers registered its second-highest level ever recorded (93.5 percent) in the 20-year history of the survey. - April 12, 2018, Danko Arlington release excerpt
Dixon Valve (Chestertown, Maryland) manufactures hose fittings and accessories:
A Maryland manufacturer will pay $1,000 bonuses to full-time employees as a result of the Republican tax cuts, a move cited by House Speaker Paul Ryan’s press office Wednesday as an example of the tax law working.
Dixon Valve, a company in Chestertown that makes hose fittings and accessories, said the bonuses were a “direct result” of the tax overhaul and regulatory relief.
Hundreds of companies have announced bonuses, raises or other benefits for workers tied to the tax overhaul, according to the anti-tax group Americans for Tax Reform.
Dixon Valve’s announcement stands out, though, because it is one of the companies that Ryan visited in October as he was trying to build support for the massive legislation. – March 28, 2018 Washington Examiner article excerpt
Dong-A Hwa Sung (Martin, Tennessee) - manufactures home appliances and automotives:
“Additionally, in my district, a South Korean manufacturer announced a $13 million investment in Martin, Tennessee, and 220 job opportunities at the company’s first United States-based location.” - May 8, 2018, Rep. David Kustoff statement on House floor
Dyersville Die Cast (Dyersville, Iowa) manufactures custom aluminum die-castings:
“Dyersville Die Cast employees will be getting bonuses thanks to the recently passed tax reform bill.
Full-time employees who were with the company prior to Oct. 1, 2017 will receive a $200 bonus on March 9. But, that’s not all.
All full-time, hourly employees will also be receiving $50 monthly bonuses for at least the next 12 months.
In addition, employees will still receive their regular “profit bonus” in June, according to General Manager Bob Willets.
The big news is thanks to that fact that Dyersville Die Cast is slated to save approximately $200,000 thanks to the new tax law, and have decided to dole out $150,000 of that to its workers” – Feb. 21 2018, Dyersville Commercial article excerpt
Eagle Manufacturing (Wellsburg, West Virginia) manufactures Safety Cans, Safety Cabinets, Secondary Spill Containment Products, Poly Drums, Material Handling Products and Cigarette Receptacles
The company traditionally has sought to buy used equipment at low prices when replacement of machinery was necessary, according to Trimmer.
“Because of that tax break, we can invest and buy our next machines,” he said. “My department is now looking to buy a $2 million machine, rather than a 1990 classic. It will pay for itself in a short manner of time.”
Trimmer said the company is about to sign some government contracts that will put Eagle cabinets and metal products on the next generation of U.S. naval destroyers.
This could result in as many as 25 jobs being created, he said. – May 3, 2018, The Intelligencer article excerpt
Eastman Chemical (Kingsport, Tennessee) manufactures a broad range of advanced materials, chemicals and fibers:
Kingsport, Tenn.-based Eastman Chemical said it was investing savings in research and development, innovation programs and capital projects to expand manufacturing. - June 29, 2018, Tennessean article excerpt
Eli Lilly (Indianapolis, Indiana) manufactures pharmaceuticals:
The latest tax reform win comes from Indiana, where pharmaceutical manufacturer Eli Lilly and Co. recently opened a new $75 million research facility in Indianapolis. The company’s CEO credited tax reform and other pro-growth policies that helped make it possible.
“Congress and this (presidential) administration have enhanced our ability to acquire and develop U.S.-born innovation,” Dave Ricks, chairman and CEO of Lilly, said in a statement. “The tax reforms they’ve adopted place U.S. companies like Lilly on a level playing field with our global peers.” - July 9, 2018, National Association Of Manufacturers Shopfloor blog excerpt
Ellwood Group (Ellwood, Pennsylvania) manufactures steel and other heavy metals:
The tax reform is incentivizing the Ellwood Group to invest $10 million into the plant, including an expansion that will house a massive robot.
Ellwood Group CEO David Barensfeld says 500 people currently work at the plant; 200 of them making military equipment. "Two-thousand-pound capacity to automatically transfer unfinished bombs, so that they can be finished and sent to the Air Force... And, we expect to expand employment by, perhaps, 10 percent in the next short while, because of the increased demand for bombs." - August 9, 2018, YourErie.com article excerpt
Ennis, Inc. (Midlothian, Texas) manufactures forms, labels, tags, envelopes, folders and more:
Keith S. Walters, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Ennis, Inc. (NYSE: EBF), a manufacturer of business forms and other business products headquartered in Midlothian, Texas, announced today that in conjunction with the signing of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, the Ennis Board of Directors has approved a special one-time bonus to more than 2,200 non-management employees in the amount of $500.00 each. This payment will take place with the first payroll period in January 2018.
In addition, in response to this landmark act the Board of Directors has declared a special one-time cash dividend of $0.10 a share of our common stock. The dividend will be paid on February 9, 2018 to shareholders of record on January 12, 2018.
“Congress and the President by their passage of this historic law have improved the prospects of the American worker and American company success. We recognize this historic opportunity for our Company, our employees and our shareholders,” said Mr. Walters. – Dec. 22, 2017 Ennis, Inc. press release
Evans Tool & Die (Conyers, Georgia) - Creates New Jobs, Invests Heavily in New Equipment:
“Generosity is one of our core values,” explained Dee Barnes, President and CEO of Evans Tool & Die. “We’ve always shared profit with our employees, and we have always given bonuses each year. With tax reform we will be able to increase those bonuses to our employees.
“We have a 40,000 square foot warehouse that’s ready to be used,” said Barnes. “We’re ready to grow, buy another stamping press, buy new equipment. In recent years, we haven’t been able to invest heavily into new equipment but now tax reform has definitely made it a good time to invest. Tax reform is causing new business to filter down to Evans, because we make small parts that go into bigger products. The supply chain has definitely been effected positively by tax reform.”
Evans is creating new jobs, but the labor pool for tool manufacturers is small. As a result, Evans is investing heavily in apprenticeship training for new employees and their existing employees.
“We’re raising up our own workers to ensure we have quality toolmakers,” said Barnes. “You can’t just go out and hire toolmakers anymore, because there aren’t any. We’ve partnered with tech schools to help them rebuild tool manufacturing programs. And we do everything we can to reward our employees, so they stay want to stay at Evans Tool & Die. Plus, we’re proud to help our workers provide for their families, with incredible healthcare and great benefits.” – September 13, 2018 – National Association of Manufacturers
Excel Boat Company (Ridgely, Tennessee) manufactures boats:
“In Lake County, Excel Boat Company announced they will be opening a manufacturing plant that will bring 200 good-paying jobs and a total economic development investment of $9 million.” - May 8, 2018, Rep. David Kustoff statement on House floor
Expanded Technologies, Inc. (Marietta, Georgia) manufactures light gage expanded metal:
Expanded Technologies, Inc. (ETI) is a privately held corporation based in Marietta, GA which specializes in the manufacture of light gage expanded metal used in the support of HVAC filtration.
As a result of the Tax Cut and Job Act recently enacted by the Trump Administration, we are pleased to announce that ETI will give each of its 77 employees a bonus of $500 cash along with an additional sum for each year of service." -- Statement by Jean-Luc Liverato of Expanded Technologies, Inc.
Ferroloy (Kansas) -- Doubled the size of its workforce:
Ferroloy, a Kansas-based small business that manufactures ductile and gray iron castings, was once on the verge of bankruptcy. But with the help of tax reform, they have doubled the size of their workforce and are in the process of dramatically expanding their facilities.
“We could tell in early 2018 that activity was picking up, so we added a second shift and more than doubled our workforce by the end of the year,” Soucie explained.
Soucie cited tax reform as a significant driver in allowing Ferroloy’s expansion plans to move faster than they otherwise would. More importantly, tax reform has ushered in the strongest economy in more than a decade, which is impacting Ferroloy by increasing demand for their products.
“To me, tax reform is an opportunity to level the playing field,” Soucie explained. “Large businesses have a significant competitive advantage due to scale and capability relative to smaller businesses. Over 50 percent of our working population is employed in small businesses. If you want small businesses to grow and prosper in this country, we need laws, like tax reform, that can drive economic growth and drive business.”
In Soucie’s eyes, keeping tax reform on the books is a no-brainer.
“I don’t understand why some people in Washington want to roll back something that allows small businesses to compete,” Soucie added. “Maybe it’s me being politically naïve, but economically, tax reform that allows small businesses to compete just makes sense.” --June 5, 2019 National Association of Manufacturers Shop Floor Blog
FireBird Bronze (Damascus, Oregon) manufactures casting artwork:
We are a small manufacturing business casting artwork for artist in bronze we have 9 employees and because of the tax cuts and the current business friendly climate we are for the first time offering employees health care insurance costing our company 40k per year. – Rip Caswell, FireBird Bronze
First Solar (Perrysburg, Ohio) manufactures solar panels:
First Solar cited two reasons for the expansion, more than doubling the company's output: along with higher solar demand, it pointed to changes in the corporate tax rate. Combined with the tariff decision six months ago, the solar company has benefited from the Trump Administration's decisions.
The expansion will cost $400 million, with a workforce of approximately 500 associates and an annual payroll of approximately $30 million. The company said via a statement it "has options for potential further manufacturing expansion in the future," depending on domestic demand for panels.
First Solar says it has invested approximately $3 billion in Ohio since the company's inception, and state and local officials have worked with the company to create a "business-friendly environment." - June 13, 2018, Utility Dive article
Flavorchem Corp. (Downers Grove, Illinois) -- Because of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, the company was able to make a $4 million investment in new equipment.
“During the visit, Flavorchem announced a previously-undisclosed $4 million investment in new equipment helped made possible due to the historic tax reform law enacted last year. Roskam was able to view the upgraded spray dryer and air pollution control device while touring the facility.
Rep. Roskam’s leadership on tax reform supported our long-term, community-focused strategic plan of making a $4 million expansion of our production and enabled us to keep our strong commitment to meeting the highest standards of quality, safety and supply chain contingency, said Ken Malinowski, President of Flavorchem Corporation.” -- July 2, 2018 NAM Shopfloor Blog
GE Appliances (Louisville, Kentucky) manufactures kitchen appliances:
With help from the GOP tax cuts, GE Appliances is investing $200 million in U.S. manufacturing operations and adding 400 jobs. - October 18, 2018, ATR blog post
Global Water Services (Lisbon, Iowa) -- Hired new employees and built a new warehouse because of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.
When small business owners anticipated how much they would save in taxes under the federal Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, many reinvested those savings in their businesses and their employees.
The owner of Global Water Services in Lisbon, Keith Huebner, built a new warehouse and added employees. -- June 3, 2019, Des Moines Register
Goad Company (Independence, Missouri) manufactures corrosion-resistant tanks and a nationally recognized tank lining applicators:
$1,000 bonuses to employees.
Great Southern Wood Preserving, Inc. (Abbeville, Alabama) manufactures lumber products:
Great Southern Wood Preserving, Incorporated, has begun an active and ongoing process to increase employee benefits by reinvesting its tax savings in its people, the company has announced. The company expects full implementation to take place in 2018.
In late 2017, Congress passed and the President signed into law legislation providing significant tax breaks for corporations. Across America, many companies have chosen a variety of options for applying these savings, such as providing one-time bonuses to employees, increasing charitable giving and reinvesting in facilities upgrades.
For its part, Great Southern Wood will make investments on an ongoing basis to lower healthcare costs for eligible employees, allow employees to accrue more paid time off based on length of service, develop scholarships for dependents of employees and enhance other benefits going forward.
“I’m very pleased that every employee across the company will see the results of the change in tax laws,” said Jimmy Rane, Great Southern Wood’s founder, president and CEO. “The success we’ve enjoyed as a company comes from every one of us working hard and doing our part, and I can’t think of a better way to apply our tax savings than by further investing in benefits programs for our employees. We strive to be an employer that draws the best and brightest to our company, and we believe that providing stronger benefits is essential to this continuing effort.”
Great Southern employs almost 1,200 at locations in eleven states. [Texas, Missouri, Arkansas, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Maryland, Florida] -- March 29, 2018 Great Southern Wood Preserving, Inc. press release
Geetings, Inc. (Pella, Iowa) -- Was able to purchase new semitrailers and give employees raises because of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.
When small business owners anticipated how much they would save in taxes under the federal Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, many reinvested those savings in their businesses and their employees.
Lana Pol, who owns several small businesses including Geetings, Inc., a transportation firm in Pella, says she gave employees raises and purchased six new semitrailers. -- June 3, 2019 Des Moines Register
Guy Chemical Company Inc. (Somerset, Pennsylvania) manufactures silicone sealants, silicone greases and two part epoxy adhesives.
Guy Chemical is increasing bonuses between 25 – 50%, increasing wages and investing in new equipment. So far in 2018 we bought a new forklift, furnished a new laboratory and updated some of our computer equipment. We have also invested in a new ERP software system to run our company. – April 4, 2018 statement to Americans for Tax Reform from Guy Berkebile, President of Guy Chemical Company Inc.
Hancock Lumber (Casco, Maine) -- Used savings from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act to increase wages, increase 401k contributions, increase holiday bonuses, as well as cover 100% of annual health insurance increases.
“It’s pretty straightforward,” said Hancock Lumber CEO Kevin Hancock. “As a result of tax reform, our cumulative tax rate fell from 38 percent to 28 percent. We’re keeping a dime-on-a-dollar more of our earnings. And we’ve reinvested 100 percent of that back into the business.”
“The first priority of the company is, and always has been, the people who work here,” said Hancock. “In the twelve months following tax reform we increased our employees’ wages. We increased our 401k contribution. We increased our annual bonuses, we increased our holiday bonuses, and we picked up 100 percent of the cost of our annual health insurance increases.”
“We’ve been able to accelerate our reinvestment plans,” said Hancock. “Tax reform is allowing us to do in three years what might’ve taken us four to five years to do otherwise. That’s pretty significant.”
“Most importantly, this isn’t a one-time boost. Tax reform’s benefits will show up every single year in the future,” said Hancock. “It’s strengthening our future plans as much as our present plans. Simply put, any time a good company is able to keep more of its own money, good things happen.” -- Aug. 20, 2019 NAM Shopfloor Blog
Harris Corporation (Melbourne, Florida) manufactures tactical radios, assured communication systems and related products:
Harris Corporation (NYSE:HRS) today announced that, as a result of the passage of the tax reform bill, the company anticipates making an additional contribution to its employee pension fund, increasing its investment in research and development, and providing a one-time stock grant to all of its non-executive employees. The actions are expected to occur within the company’s fiscal 2018.
To increase current and former employee retirement stability, Harris anticipates contributing an additional $300 million into the company’s employee pension fund.
The company also will invest an incremental $20 million in technologies to accelerate innovation and affordability initiatives for its customers. This investment in research and development will leverage and enhance the company’s strong engineering talent, strengthen Harris’ position and help it capture new market opportunities in areas such as small satellites, software defined electronic warfare systems, open systems avionics, robotics and air traffic management solutions.
In addition, the company will grant each of its approximately 17,000 non-executive employees 10 shares of Harris common stock that will vest over two years. The grants have a current market value of about $1,470 each, or approximately $24 million in total.
“We are pleased to share the benefits of our strong performance and the recent tax reform legislation with our employees,” said William M. Brown, chairman, president and chief executive officer. “This represents an investment in Harris’ greatest asset and differentiator – our talented employees. Coupled with our innovation and technology investment, we are using this opportunity to further strengthen the company and position Harris for future success.” -- Jan. 30, 2018 Harris Corporation press release
Haworth Inc. (Holland, Michigan) manufactures adaptable workspaces including raised floors, movable walls, office furniture and seating:
Matt Haworth, chairman of the family-owned company, announced to staff on Wednesday, Jan. 24, that full time employees would receive one-time bonuses of $1,000, and part-timers would collect $500.
More than 4,500 employees who work for Haworth-branded companies around the globe will collect the rare bonus.
--
Matt Haworth says the company is able to make the $5 million investment because of several factors including strong 2017 revenues which will be announced next month and an improved business climate state and nationally. The latter he attributes to a rollback of regulations and taxes, which lower company's operational costs. – Jan. 25, 2018 Grand Rapid News article excerpts
Hudson Facades (Linwood, Pennsylvania) manufactures facades:
“We raised wages, yes,” said Allen Cohen, managing partner of New Hudson Facades, of the approximate 5 percent raise given to employees. “In addition to that, Related Companies [a partner company] has given every factory employee, $3,000 in their 401(k).” – Feb. 20 2018, WHYY article excerpt
Huntington Ingalls Industries (Newport News, Virginia) manufactures military ships:
Workers at Huntington Ingalls Industries will receive a one-time bonus in the company’s response to the federal Tax Reform Act.
A $500 bonus will be given to all employees except for those who work through an incentive plan.
HII is the parent company of Ingalls Shipbuilding, which employs about 11,500 workers and is the largest manufacturing employer in Mississippi.
HII President and CEO Mike Petters announced the news Thursday in a letter provided to the Sun Herald.
The bonus one of several contributions the company plans to make, according to Petters’ letter. – Feb. 15, 2018 Sun Herald article
IDEXX Laboratories Inc. (Westbrook, Maine) manufactures diagnostic tests for pets, poultry and livestock as well as quality and safety tests for water and milk:
IDEXX Laboratories Inc. (NASDAQ: IDXX), Maine's largest publicly traded company, on Thursday announced plans to share the benefits of federal tax reform with employees by paying more into their retirement plans.
For every dollar a 401(k) participant contributes, the Westbrook-based company will match that amount dollar-for-dollar up to 5% of an employee's salary.
The company said the move is a reinvestment of financial benefits realized from US. tax reform to help employees save for retirement, and that 90% of its U.S. employees participate in its 401(k) program.
"IDEXX strives to create long-term value for our employees, customers and shareholders, and we believe in providing benefits to our employees that allow them to invest in their future," said Giovani Twigge, IDEXX's chief human resources officer, in a statement.
He added: "This 401(k) plan increase for our U.S. employees — nearly 2,500 of which are based here in Westbrook, Maine—is yet another example of this commitment of creating long-term value for our employees."
IDEXX makes diagnostic tests for pets, poultry and livestock as well as quality and safety tests for water and milk. It employs more than 7,000 people worldwide and has customers in over 175 countries.
As of Thursday's market close, the company was valued at around $16.9 billion.”— Feb. 2 2018, Mainebiz news article excerpt
Industrial Weldors & Machinists (Duluth, Minnesota) manufactures custom industrial equipment parts:
“This is an American success story of generations,” Pence said of IWM, a third-generation family business that gets 70 percent of its work by rebuilding massive rock crushers used to extract taconite iron ore on the Iron Range.
Trump tax cuts helped the business and its employees, Pence said — including thousands of dollars in investments by the company into IWM employee pensions earlier this year.
“That’s what it’s all about,” Pence said.
It was an easy fact to check after the vice president’s remarks. All four sibling owners of the company were on hand — Dawn Bergh and her brothers Rick, Rob and Randy Abernethy. Bergh confirmed the pension investments for the company’s 32 employees.
“The boilermakers’ pension is in the toilet,” Bergh said. “They’re worried about it. We wanted to give them something that would keep them around. It’s really hard to get employees. We’re hiring right now for both a welder and a machinist.” -August 8, 2018, Twin Cities Pioneer Press article excerpt
Johnson & Johnson (New Brunswick, New Jersey) manufacturers a broad range of products used in the baby care, oral care, beauty, over-the-counter pharmaceutical, women’s health and wound care markets; products used for immunology, infectious diseases and vaccines, neuroscience, oncology, and cardiovascular and metabolic diseases; and a broad range of products used in the orthopaedic, surgery, cardiovascular, diabetes care and vision care fields:
“Now regarding tax reform, what we said from the very beginning is that one of the major reasons, in addition to lowering the rate, is just frankly the flexibility that it provides us, and we think it actually helps make us more competitive, particularly on an international level if we happen to be in a competitive situation with other companies because now we have greater flexibility on how we can access that cash. So we think net-net, it's a positive for us. As you heard Dominic [J&J CFO] mention earlier, regarding the more immediate tax reform impact, we think that the -- the wise thing to do is to invest a good portion of that back into R&D. If you look over the past several years, the output, the productivity, particularly in our pharmaceutical pipeline, but also in others of our investments in R&D, we think, have been at the high end. And we think ultimately doing that, we'll have the greatest impact on our business, will help us get out to better serve underserved needs around the globe, and that's where we're heading in that direction.” – CEO Alex Gorsky
"We are pleased by the final passage of the U.S. tax cuts and jobs act.” – CFO Dominic Caruso
Jamison Door (Hagerstown, Maryland) manufactures cold storage doors, high speed fabric doors, sound reduction doors, recirculatory air doors, RFID portals and other new technologies:
Jamison Door, which manufactures temperature-controlled doors, has been a family-owned business since 1906. The company’s commitment to the men and women on its shop floor means that every single employee is sharing in the benefits of tax reform.
Jamison’s 120 employees received two bonuses, each equivalent to one week’s salary—first in August, in anticipation of tax reform, and again in February, after the new law took effect.
That is just the beginning: this year, Jamison plans to do even more, offering another raise to its employees.
Jamison Door is also taking advantage of tax reform and using its tax savings to reinvest in its business. That means growing its facilities, investing in new technology and creating skilled jobs in the Hagerstown plant.
Over the next year, Jamison is adding more than 50,000 square feet in new manufacturing space.
“Right now, we’re in the process of adding a significant-sized facility to add different product lines,” added Chairman and CEO John Williams, referencing his company’s plan to expand a product line of high-speed roll-up doors. “It’s a 400 percent increase in plant size.”
“We are spending about $1.5 million on new state-of-the-art equipment in our main plant, which makes foamed-in-place cold storage doors, and more than $3.5 million on the new plant for high-speed roll-up doors. These are significant investments for a company our size, and we feel comfortable making these investments because of the favorable business climate and the benefits of the lower tax rates.”
Expanding the company’s facilities also means Jamison will need more workers, and it plans to increase hiring dramatically. Over the next three years, Jamison plans to increase its workforce by more than 115 percent.
“Tax reform has absolutely made it more feasible to undertake these projects,” explained Williams. “Tax reform is necessary for us to keep expanding and to keep our business strong.” - July 5, 2018, National Association of Manufacturers article excerpt
Jergens, Inc. (Cleveland, Ohio) manufactures tooling components, fasteners and hoist rings:
Thanks to the tax package, Jergens took what would normally be a cost of living increase for its workers, doubled it and built it in as a permanent part of wages, rather than making it a one-time bonus as some companies did. That means a worker making $25 an hour got a raise of about $2,000 a year. – Feb. 4, 2018 Cleveland.com article excerpt
JSW USA (Mingo Junction, Ohio) -- Committed to $1 billion of new investment in the USA in addition to the hiring or re-skilling of 500 workers:
Today JSW USA CEO John Hritz and Ryan Brindley, an employee at their Mingo Junction, Ohio, state-of-the-art steel mill met with President Trump, Vice President Pence, Ivanka Trump, and other cabinet officials and governors at the White House to celebrate the one-year anniversary of the Pledge to American Workers.
Hritz, who signed the Pledge in January committing to $1 billion of new investment in the United States and the hiring or re-skilling of 500 workers, visited with the President to show his support for the employees of JSW USA and to ensure Administration policies continue supporting a strong steel industry in America. -- July 25, 2019 Business Wire
Kaman Corp. (Bloomfield, Connecticut) manufactures helicopters and aviation accessories:
Bloomfield manufacturer Kaman Corp. says it's joining the list of U.S. employers sharing the wealth with workers in the wake of federal tax reform.
The maker-supplier of aeroparts, custom aircraft and power-distribution products disclosed Wednesday that about 2,400 workers who were on its payroll on or before Oct. 1, 2017 and who earned less $75,000 a year are eligible for a $1,000 bonus. However, each must remain on the payroll through Aug. 31 to collect, CEO Neal J. Keating told staff in a memo. – April 18, 2018, Hartford Business Journal article excerpt
Kalmbach Feeds (Upper Sandusky, Ohio) - Invested in new equipment and capital improvements because of tax reform.
“I want to thank Rep. Bob Latta for his role in the successful efforts to reduce taxes and regulations, said Paul Kalmbach, President and CEO of Kalmbach Feeds. These reforms have made it easier for Kalmbach Feeds to invest in new equipment and capital improvements. Congressman Latta’s efforts have assisted in supporting a healthier manufacturing climate in Ohio and across the United States.” -- August 23, 2018 NAM Shopfloor Blog
Kanga Roof (Austin, Texas) – Tripled their revenue and was able to double their payroll.
“Round Rock roofing business co-owner Stacie Feller credited Trump with boosting businesses’ confidence.
“She and her husband Scott’s Kanga Roof Austin has has more than tripled its revenue and more than doubled its payroll, to 24 employees, since January 2017, she said.”
“I’m very proud to say with some of the tax cuts, some of the things, this year, 2019, was the first year we were able to offer health insurance and a simple [Individual Retirement Account] plan for our employees,” she said. “We just couldn’t afford it before.” -- Aug. 29, 2019 Dallas Morning News article
Kevin-Charles Furniture (New Albany, Mississippi) - 5 percent employee pay raises, new facility investments:
Kevin-Charles Furniture in New Albany opened its doors in 2002 with just six employees. The New Albany-based furniture manufacturer has grown to 65 employees. Company President Rusty Berryhill said 2018 is going to be a good year for the company and its employees because of the new tax law. Kevin-Charles Furniture will be among the companies in Mississippi and across the nation who will have their corporate tax rate reduced from 35 percent to 21 percent.
The tax credits available for investment in equipment will make it possible for the company to purchase additional machinery. "We're really excited about the tax bill and what it is going to do for our operation," Rusty said. "I applaud the efforts of Congress to build back a business climate that makes it easier to invest in our people and facilities."
Additionally, the tax savings made it easier for Kevin-Charles Furniture to give employees a five percent pay raise. Carol Crisel, a seamstress for Kevin-Charles Furniture, has worked at the New Albany operation for 15 years. She and her husband are helping to raise two of their grandchildren. Carol said she is thankful that the new tax law made it possible for the pay increase. Doubling the child tax credit from $1,000 to $2,000 for each child is also going to be a tremendous help. - January 9, 2018, Rep. Trent Kelly letter excerpt
Ketchie (Concord, North Carolina) -- $500,000 capital investment in equipment:
“Because of this huge demand, Ketchie was able to make a number of capital investments,” Silver said.
Silver said the company had it’s best year in history, with sales increasing by 25% year after year. -- June 19, 2019 National Association of Manufacturers Shop Floor Blog
Kris-Tech Wire (Rome, New York) manufactures copper wire:
On the tour, Graham Brodock the President and CEO informed Rep. Tenney that Kris-Tech Wire has reinvested in the company as a result of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Kris-Tech is building an addition and acquiring new equipment-thanks to the newly created ability to write off equipment charges. Kris-Tech has over 400 employees and a deep commitment to continuing to invest in the facility and employees here in Rome. - August 2, 2018, Rep. Claudia Tenney press release excerpt
Lawrence Paper Company (Lawrence, Kansas) manufactures corrugated boxes, retail packaging and display products for industrial, commercial, or retail use:
The tax bill signed by President Donald Trump last month was met with mixed reviews by some wondering who it would truly benefit, but the Lawrence Paper Company who employs three-hundred workers throughout its Freemont, Nebraska, Lawrence and Hutchinson locations is confident the tax bill will contribute to their future success as a business.
"Assuming you've got the same amount coming in then obviously you're going to make more as a company that we can then again do three things, reinvest it into the business, into your people or pass it along to your shareholders," says Tony Schleich, president of the Hutchinson company division.
Re-investing into its employees is the first step company owners took. This week, they surprised their 300 workers with the news each would receive a $500 bonus.
Employees like Josh Marshall were surprised at the news.
"This money is going to help me recover from the holidays and everything like that," Marshall said. – Jan. 10 CBS KWCH Channel 12 news report
Lee Container Company (Homerville, Georgia) manufactures polyethylene plastic containers:
“Lee Container Company in Homerville, which I visited a couple of weeks ago, said the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act will enable them to purchase more equipment and grow their business.” - March 20, 2018, Rep. Buddy Carter statement on House floor
LiDestri Food and Drink (Rochester, New York) manufactures food, beverages, and spirits:
The Rochester based producer of food, beverages and spirits gave all of their 1,200 employees at each of their five U.S. facilities an extra full paycheck.
They were notified on Wednesday that their mid-month paycheck had been doubled, because of strong company performance and the recently approved federal tax legislation.
“When we learned that the recent tax cuts would provide the company with some unaccounted-for funds, we immediately thought it should be shared with our workforce,” said Co-President Stefani LiDestri. “It just so happened that it came together on Valentine’s Day, the perfect time to let our employees know how much they mean to us.”
She said that the recent federal tax cuts will provide some unaccounted for funds, and the company thought it should be shared with the workforce.
Locally, LiDestri has facilities in Fairport and at the Eastman Business Park. – Feb. 15, 2018 WXXI news article
Lima Pallet Company (Lima, Ohio) manufactures custom wood pallets and crates:
Lima business owner Tracie Sanchez said the tax cut has helped her business. Now she’s adding 15-20 jobs and finishing a half a million dollar expansion project.
"Within probably the first week, we ended up giving all of our employees a raise, which has been much needed," said Sanchez, president, and owner of Lima Pallet Company. "We haven’t been able to do that for several years in a row. We also invested in some equipment. We hope to have that hooked up here within the next 30 days."
Portman said growth can already be seen and more is expected. – March 26, 2018 WLIO News article excerpt
Loenbro (Great Falls, Montana) manufactures pressure vessels and tanks:
“Other Montana businesses are making investments thanks to tax reform. Loenbro, a Great Falls industrial construction and manufacturing firm that employs more than 600, said the tax reform immediately added 15 percent to their bottom line. Tax reform is leading them to increase worker benefits, enhance training programs, and invest in construction equipment that will create more jobs. - June 19, 2018, Rep. Greg Gianforte statement on U.S. House Floor
Mack Molding (Arlington, Vermont) is a full service contract manufacturer:
Mack Molding, an injection molder and contract manufacturer based in Vermont, announced this week that it is investing $5.4 million to upgrade two existing facilities in response to “favorable tax changes” and a surging economy. - July 16, 2018 National Association of Manufacturers Shopfloor Blog article excerpt
Marlin Steel (Baltimore, Maryland) manufactures custom wire baskets, wire forms, sheet metal and engineering products:
At Marlin Steel, which only buys American steel and exports to 39 countries, we have already done just that. We increased our workforce by 10 percent to manage more than $1 million in new USA-made equipment. Tax reform gave us the confidence to make these important investments — investments not just in our company but in the lives of hardworking Marylanders. One of the machines we bought makes products here in Baltimore that we will export to Mexico two times a week.
Our existing employees are also better off, given that tax cuts mean they are taking home more money in their paychecks. It’s a little extra security after years of economic anxiety and uncertainty. One of our employees put the savings toward buying his new house. Some of our new employees hired since tax reform have also achieved important life goals: One bought a car; another moved to a new apartment; and a third is able to pay off debt, support his daughter and move to a new apartment. - June 21, 2018, Baltimore Sun article excerpt
McKee Foods (Collegedale, Tennessee) manufactures American snack food and granola:
McKee Foods employees came to work Tuesday, April 3, expecting a routine day baking and packaging products such as Little Debbie Chocolate Cupcakes, Donut Sticks and Honeybuns, and were surprised with an unexpected $1,000 cash award for full-time employees and $500 for part-time employees.
“The recent federal tax legislation will provide benefits to the company and will allow us to invest back into the business," said Mike McKee, president and CEO. "The first thing we thought about was investing in our employees."
The announcement and disbursements of checks coincided with the company’s routine, yearly Spring Report Meetings, where all employees are invited to hear an update on the company from leadership. Attendance is optional and on-the-clock.
“We decided to keep this a tightly-guarded secret to make it more fun and impactful,” said Debbie McKee-Fowler, executive vice president. “Except for our September Profit-Sharing Meetings, this is about the most fun I’ve had at work in my entire career.” Ms. McKee-Fowler and other members of the McKee family helped pass out checks. Some employees were puzzled when members of the Payroll Department showed up to help pass out T-shirts, but in general the secret was well-kept and well-guarded, said officials.
McKee Foods employees received a one-time lump some cash award of $1,000 for all full-time, regular employees; $500 for all part-time, regular employees; and, $250 for all spare, limited, and provisional employees, who were employed on or before Friday, March 23.
Employees were very happy with the surprise. Comments ranged from, “I had some unexpected things happen last week that had me strapped; this will help a lot.” To simply, “Thank you.” – April 12, 2018 Chattanoogan.com news article excerpt
MEC Aerial Work Platforms (Kerman, California) manufactures line of scissor lifts, boom lifts, and telehandler products:
Company owner David White says the tax cut legislation deserves some of the credit for a boost in sales and hiring.
"Its more of an indirect effect, and as the economy has improved, and as there are more new construction starts, and our products are used in that new construction, they are used in industrial construction, and upgrades. So that has resulted in increased production, increased sales volume, which has directly affected us of course."
White says sales are way up and he's given each of the 130 employees a $1,000 bonus. – May 2, 2018, ABC 30 Actions News.com article excerpt
Melaleuca (Idaho Falls, Idaho) manufactures health and cleaning products:
Melaleuca CEO Frank VanderSloot sent a Tweet today announcing that Melaleuca employees will receive bonuses of $100 for every year they’ve been with the company. He then challenged all Idaho employers to share the wealth from the GOP tax bill and pass along the tax rate cut to those who built their businesses.
Melaleuca employees will receive bonuses of $100 for every year of service to the company, meaning that five-year employees receive $500, 10-year employees receive $1,000 and 20-year employees receive $2,000. Melaleuca has approximately 2,000 U.S. employees. - December 21, 2017, Idaho State Journal article excerpt
Metallix (Shrewsbury, New Jersey) is a precious metal recycling manufacturer:
First order of business? Giving each of Metallix’s 98 workers a $1,000 bonus, an unexpected surprise that came just days after tax reform took effect.
“From the outset, the company wanted to share the benefits of tax reform with our employees,” said Maria Piastre, president of Metallix. “On February 14, every employee received a net $1,000 after-tax bonus in response to tax reform. Coming so soon after our usual end-of-year bonuses, it was completely unexpected by Metallix employees, and we were all very happy to receive it.”
Metallix wasn’t shy about tying these bonuses directly to tax reform. Each employee also received a letter from Metallix owner Eric Leiner, who explained that tax reform was going to mean a big boost to the company—and that he wanted to make sure employees were receiving their share of the good fortune. Metallix employees clearly took this sentiment to heart.
Piastre said that, months after the bonuses were given out, many employees still had Leiner’s letter hung proudly at their desks.
Piastre also explained that Metallix was using some of the benefits of tax reform to grow their business—and that significant investments were now more feasible because the company’s taxes had been so substantially lowered. - August 2, 2018, National Association of Manufacturers Shopfloor Blog article excerpt
Mid-AM Metal Forming (Rogersville, Missouri) manufactures metal fabrications:
Mid-AM Metal Forming is giving its 140 employees cash bonuses.
The local company is one of many companies, like Jet Blue and AT&T, giving employees a bonus because of the tax law reform.
"Mid-AM Metal Forming is excited about the positive implications the tax reform package will have both on the manufacturing industry and its employees," President Steve Johnson said in a news release. "We have very dedicated employees that assist in making us a success. We are excited to surprise all of them with this reward.”
The company does metal stretch forming, bending, metal fabrication and painting services, according to the news release, serving aerospace, automotive, marine and architectural purposes. – Jan. 6 2018, OzarksFirst.com article excerpt
Miles Fiberglass (Oregon City, Oregon) manufactures fiberglass:
Lori Miles-Olund, who is the president of the family-owned business that her father founded in 1963, explained how Miles Fiberglass plans to pass along the benefits to its employees:
Miles Fiberglass also plans to expand its facilities and workforce dramatically. “We anticipate our sales to double this year due to the economic climate,” Miles-Olund told the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), adding that demand for composite component parts is “far more than we’d seen in the past.” – June 1, 2018, National Association of Manufacturers Shopfloor Blog article excerpt
Mincey Marble (Gainesville, Georgia) manufactures cast marble products:
“As the owner of a family business, I want to share how tax reform is benefitting Americans at every level. Companies big and small are passing along tax savings to the workers who help build our economy. I hope that the bonuses Mincey Marble is providing encourage other businesses in our great state to pay it forward, because the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is the kind of meaningful change that can help transform communities by bringing relief to American workers and families,” said [Mincey Marble President and CEO Donna] Mincey.
Employees at Mincey Marble will receive bonuses of up to $1,000 depending on their length of service with the company. Even employees hired this year will see a bonus, and the checks are scheduled to arrive during the week of Valentine’s Day as a sign of the company’s appreciation for its associates. – Jan. 31 2018, press release
Mill Steel Company (Grand Rapids, Michigan) manufactures hot-rolled, cold-rolled, painted, and coated steel:
Mill Steel Co., one of the nation's largest distributors of flat-rolled carbon steel, is pleased to award a $1,000 bonus to all 400 of its full-time associates following the tax cut passed by Congress and signed by President Trump.
Mill Steel announced this morning that all full-time associates across its nine operations nationwide, no matter each individual's seniority, will receive a one-time bonus from the recent tax overhaul that reduces corporate tax rates. – Feb. 8 2018, Mill Steel Company press release excerpt
Nephron Pharmaceuticals Corporation (West Columbia, South Carolina) generic respiratory medication/inhalation solutions:
Nephron Pharmaceuticals Corporation (Nephron) CEO Lou Kennedy today announced five percent increases for all employees with the exception of commissioned employees. The raises are a direct result of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act that was signed into law last week by President Donald Trump.
"We are excited that the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act has given us an opportunity to recognize their hard work and sacrifices with well-deserved raises," said Lou Kennedy, CEO of Nephron. – Dec. 27 2017, Nephron Pharmaceuticals Corporation press release
Nine Line Apparel (Savannah, Georgia) manufactures clothing:
“The bonuses range from $500 to $20,000” - March 28, 2018, Rep Buddy Carter video excerpt
Nucor Corp. (Charlotte, North Carolina) -- Because of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, the company is expecting to build a new steel-plate mill in the United States which will create 400 new jobs:
Nucor Corp. announced plans on Jan. 7 to build a $1.35 billion steel-plate mill in the United States that would create approximately 400 new jobs.
Nucor’s CEO, John Ferriola, attributed the expansion to President Donald Trump’s policies. Trump pushed through a significant tax cut for business in 2017 and imposed tariffs on foreign steel to protect American manufacturers.
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“This administration is taking the decisive and meaningful actions that American manufacturers need to compete on a level playing field,” Ferriola said in a statement.
“Tax reform, continued improvements to our regulatory approach and strong trade enforcement are giving businesses like ours the confidence to make long-term capital investments here in the U.S. that create jobs and ensure our success for decades to come.” -- July 24, 2019, Epoch Times Article
Overseas Hardwoods Company (Stockton, Alabama) manufacturers of high performance hardwood lumber products for the Marine, Millwork, Outdoor Living, and Transportation industries:
$1,000 tax reform bonuses to employees.
Novelis, Inc. (Atlanta, Georgia) manufactures aluminum rolled products:
Since 2008 manufacturing in the United States has added more than a million new jobs, and today that momentum continued with a major announcement by Novelis, Inc.—spurred on, in part, by the recently enacted tax reform legislation.
The global leader in aluminum rolled products and the world’s largest recycler of aluminum broke ground this week on its $300 million automotive aluminum sheet manufacturing facility in Guthrie, Kentucky. This new investment, made possible due to tax reform and a “favorable economic environment,” will create approximately 125 new jobs. – May 14, 2018 National Association of Manufacturers ShopFloor.org blog post
Pan Am Systems, Inc. (North Billerica, Massachusetts) manufactures wood products including railroad ties:
Pan Am Systems, Inc. is a diversified holding company. Its subsidiaries include Pan Am Railways – the nation’s largest regional rail carrier by mileage operating in five states; Perma Treat Corporation – a wood products manufacturer, including railroad ties, and Pan Am Brands, a trademark licensing company.
In an effort to highlight the benefits of the landmark Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“TCJA”), Pan Am Systems, Inc. is pleased to announce that it will be issuing a one-time bonus of $1,100.00 to each employee of the company and its subsidiaries, effective today. This bonus is intended to; (a) acknowledge the importance of our employees; and (b) provide those employees with additional compensation to use as they elect.
As noted by the President, the TCJA is intended to make resources available for investment by businesses that will have downstream effects of expanding and creating wealth among all citizens. Pan Am shares this goal and is committed to future capital investment to foster growth of the company. Pan Am strongly believes that programs such as the TCJA and the 45G tax credit, supported by continued reduction in overly burdensome regulations, provide substantial incentives for investment in America’s growth. – May 23, 2018 Pan Am Systems, Inc. press release
Pivot Manufacturing (Phoenix, Arizona) manufactures industrial machinery:
Two high-speed machines arrived less than a month after the president signed the tax bill. The law lets Macias avoid paying federal tax on 20 percent of his company’s income. - May 16, 2018, KJZZ.org article excerpt
Plexus Corp. (Neenah, Wisconsin) manufactures electronics industry products:
“In order to reward employees for their contributions towards Plexus’ success, Plexus will provide existing, full-time, non-executive employees a one-time cash bonus. This bonus will be provided in the fiscal second quarter to nearly 16,000 employees, totaling approximately $13 million.” – Feb. 20 2018, Plexus press release excerpt
Pratt Industries (Conyers, Georgia) manufactures corrugated packaging:
Anthony Pratt, the richest person in Australia, will be investing nearly $2 billion in the U.S. in hopes of creating new jobs and doubling American food production – and he credits it all to President Trump’s business-friendly Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017.
The tax overhaul slashed the corporate tax rate to 21% from 35% in hopes of making the U.S. more competitive with foreign countries.
“It’s going to lead to a tsunami of investment in the United States,” he said during an interview with FOX Business’ Stuart Varney on Tuesday. “We make corrugated boxes, everything that's manufactured goes in a box. So we think we’re a barometer of the economy.”
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The billionaire cardboard king hopes to add 5,000 jobs more to the economy with his latest investment. - June 26, 2018 Fox Business Network article excerpt
Power Curbers, Inc. (Salisbury, North Carolina) -- Added new jobs, added bonuses for workers, and is investing more in research and development because of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act.
“All of us at Power Curbers Companies are pleased with Rep. Budd’s vote to enact the new tax law, said Dyke Messinger, President of Power Curbers, Inc. Our employment has grown since the law was enacted; we paid a bonus for 2017 and will pay another bonus for the first six months of 2018. In addition, we are investing heavily in R&D, which will continue to strengthen the company for the long term.” -- July 2, 2018 NAM Shopfloor Blog
Quake Manufacturing (Fort Wayne, Indiana) manufactures fixtures, gauges, tools, prototype parts, and quality machined parts:
“Quake realized there was some extra money after Trump’s tax plan took over. So he decided to give it back to his 12 employees. “I’ve managed to add long-term disability, short-term disability, dental insurance.”
Plus everyone gets a $1,000 bonus and a paid gym membership. A nice surprise on their next check. “I want to reward the guys. Guys have been working hard. A lot of guys have been putting in a lot of overtime. I just don’t see any reason not to kick back to them.” – Feb. 21 2018, Wane.com article excerpt
RGF Environmental Group, Inc. (Riviera Beach, Florida) manufactures catalytic oxidation systems for total organic oxidation:
“We, as a privately held manufacturing firm in Riviera Beach, Florida, will benefit greatly from the Tax Reform act recently passed. Because of this savings, we have given all our employees a $1,000 Bonus (This is in addition to their 2017 year-end bonuses. – Sharon B. Rinehimer, Executive Vice President/General Counsel, RGF Environmental Group, Inc.
Rockford Ball Screw (Rockford, Illinois) linear motion solutions including ball screws and guide rails:
Linda McGary broke ground Thursday on a 30,000-square-foot expansion at Rockford Ball Screw, the manufacturing firm her father launched in 1973 in the basement of their family home.
McGary, 56, is quick to point out that she’s neither an engineer nor a skilled machinist, but she has a clear vision for Rockford Ball Screw: growth.
The company of 70 employees is looking to hire 25 more as part of the expansion — to be completed by mid-November — at its 60,000-square-foot plant in Southrock Industrial Park. Manufacturers often green light expansions after landing a big purchase order that will outpace present capacity, but that’s not the case with Rockford Ball Screw.
Fueling her company’s expansion, McGary said, are lower corporate tax rates and rules under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act signed into law last year by President Donald Trump. And Rockford Ball Screw has a promising shot, she said, at reviving a business relationship with a firm that years ago was one of its biggest customers. - June 28, 2018, Rockford Register Star article excerpt
Rockwell Automation (Twinsburg, Ohio) -- Because of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, the company was able to raise wages, add new jobs, and buy new equipment.
“Manufacturing’s success hinges on having a highly skilled production workforce that supports the advanced technologies that are essential to modern manufacturing competitiveness, said Bruce Quinn, Rockwell Automation vice president of public affairs. No matter how much you automate, people remain your most important asset. We are confident that the impact of U.S. tax reform on our customers could strengthen our future performance. Corporate tax reform enables us to use excess cash to invest in organic growth and acquisitions.” -- August 13, 2019 NAM Shopfloor Blog
Sabel Steel (Montgomery, Alabama) manufactures metal based products for various industries including agriculture, oil, gas, mining, transportation, & paper mills:
Montgomery, Alabama’s, Sabel Steel is investing heavily in expanding its facilities—which means new jobs, new investment and large pay raises for most of its 230 employees across the South.
“When you’re a business, there are a lot of things to consider,” said Keith Sabel, president and CEO of Sabel Steel. “Taxes are a large part of it.”
Because the tax rate for companies like Sabel Steel—a family-owned steel distributor—has been lowered under tax reform, Sabel is able to maximize the benefits for his company.
First on the list? Rewarding the employees who work hard every day to make Sabel Steel successful.
“We gave a raise to everyone across the board,” said Sabel. “We improved everyone’s pay. We have incentives for as many workers as possible. If they meet or beat expectations, we’re making sure they’re rewarded.”
“We have quality perks,” Sabel added. “Good insurance. Good benefits. We’re constantly trying to improve, and now we’re able to. Morale is very good. We’re a family business, and we run it like a family business—where we take the time to get to know people, their families. I try to look out for my employees all the time.”
But Sabel Steel’s current employees aren’t the only ones who will benefit from tax reform and the booming economy. Sabel Steel also plans to reinvest its tax reform savings in its business by expanding and upgrading facilities in Newnan, Georgia, and Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and adding new equipment that will make its facilities more productive and innovative. Sabel also cites a new plasma machine it purchased for its plant in Theodore, Alabama—a machine that offers smoother and more efficient steel-cutting techniques. It also plans to make further upgrades to its equipment as needed.
To staff the expanded and upgraded facilities, Sabel Steel plans to hire more workers. Its recruitment effort focuses on talent, passion and integrity because Sabel Steel knows that, by starting with solid employees, it can train them on-site and equip them with the skills to do the jobs that the company needs. - July 11, 2018, National Association of Manufacturers Shopfloor Blog article excerpt
SALUS (Manitou Springs, Colorado) manufactures health and beauty products:
“For our business, pennies add up,” Jerell Klaver, co-owner of SALUS, a 14-year old business that produces health and beauty products, said in a recent article on app.com. “If I can save a penny, it gets big really fast.” Taking advantage of the future deduction on equipment purchases, Jerell and Elissa Klaver did the math and hired an engineer to help make new manufacturing equipment for their company. All told, the couple expects to save between $500,000 and $1 million annually under the new law. - April 18, 2018, Capital One blog post excerpt
Sheffer Corporation (Cincinnati, Ohio) manufactures cylinders:
U.S. Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) today visited Sheffer Corporation, a premier cylinder manufacturing business based in Cincinnati, to tour the facility, meet with employees, and take part in the announcement of the business’s reinvestment into its workers. Sheffer Corporation announced that all 126 employees will be given $1,000 bonuses with the money the business expects to save as a result of the recently-signed tax reform law.
“The historic tax cuts that recently became law are already helping make a difference for middle-class families, creating more jobs, and increasing wages for Ohio workers,” said Portman. “Providing tax relief for middle-class families and reforming our business tax code to create more jobs and higher wages is long overdue, and I was proud to play a significant role in helping craft this law. I’m pleased that we’re already seeing a positive response as employers like Sheffer Corporation reward their workers with higher pay and bonuses—and increase their investments in their businesses and their communities. With the kinds of pro-growth reforms in this tax reform law, I expect this trend to continue in Ohio and across the country.”
“It was truly an honor to host a visit today from Senator Rob Portman,” said Sheffer Corporation President & CEO Jeff Norris. “Senator Portman along with his colleagues and President Donald Trump have been instrumental in bringing forward historic and new tax relief for American companies and for the American people. For many years, business owners have voiced concerns about the burdens associated with high taxes and over-regulation. It is my hope that others will follow and show support for Senator Portman and President Trump as they fight to lower our tax burdens and reduce regulations.” -- Jan. 2, 2018 press release from the office of Senator Rob Portman (R-Ohio)
Siemens (Tampa, Florida) - grand opening of a new $139 million manufacturing facility, 350 new jobs
Siemens and its partner Chromalloy Gas Turbine Corporation celebrated the grand opening of a new $139 million manufacturing facility in Florida. The state-of-the-art joint-venture, Advanced Airfoil Components, will manufacture innovative, high-tech casting components for Siemens gas turbines, and employ 350 workers.
Noting that Siemens has 60 manufacturing, digital and R&D sites across the United States, Lisa Davis, CEO Energy, Siemens AG, said today’s announcement “enhances what we see as our larger responsibility to the local communities where we have a presence: not just to create profit, but to create jobs, to spur economic growth and to support innovation.”
Siemens’ and Chromalloy’s investment comes at an important time for manufacturing workers in the United States. Manufacturers are more optimistic about their businesses and their futures than ever before, and pro-growth policies like tax reform and regulatory relief have unlocked a wave of big investments, new jobs and rising paychecks. – National Association of Manufacturers Shopfloor
Sko-Die (Morton Grove, Illinois) manufactures custom steel laminations and heavy gauge metal stampings
Sko-Die has been in the Steininger family since its founding in 1947—and after 71 years in business, tax reform is allowing them to expand their facility, update their technology and reward their employees.
“The first thing I did when I found out what my tax savings would be? I took that money and gave a raise to all the employees,” said Sko-Die’s president, Patrick Steininger. “It came to about 3 percent per employee, on average.”
The total price for Steininger’s technology investment? “About $1 million.”
“Without tax reform, we wouldn’t have made these investments,” Steininger said. “Absolutely not.” - August 24, 2018, National Association of Manufacturers’ Shopfloor Blog excerpt
SmithCraft Signs (Phoenix, Arizona) manufactures exterior & interior signs, letters, graphics, vinyl, digital, wayfinding, lighted, LED, monument, neon and other signs:
MS. BERGSTROM: Oh, thank you. Thank you Mr. President. Wow. I’m Nicole, and I run Smithcraft Signs. We are a veteran-owned, small manufacturing company. We’re a job shop.
And what tax reform means for me is what we can do for our team. To improve our capabilities, we’re buying new equipment. We issued a special bonus to our midlevel employees.
Deeann, in our accounting department told me that she is using the extra money for what she describes as a “dream bucket-list vacation” to visit her daughter who was recently discharged from the Navy who is now in Hawaii.
Phil and NOAZ is using the money for a bathroom remodel he has been planning for over 10 years.
I’ve very excited about what the future holds for us. And again, so many thanks. -April 12, 2018, White House transcript
Southwire (Carrollton, Georgia) manufactures wire and cable solutions:
Southwire, North America’s leading manufacturer of wire and cable solutions, recently announced that it will reinvest approximately nine million dollars back into the lives, and pockets, of its employees, joining a growing list of companies that have made similar moves as a result of recent tax reform.
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Full-time employees in the United States, will each receive a $1,000 bonus (USD), and full time employees outside of the United States will receive an equivalent supplement. Part-time employees will also receive a bonus payment of $250 USD or an international equivalent. These investments will impact the majority of Southwire’s nearly 7,500 employees.
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In addition to the one-time bonuses, Southwire will expand its parental leave policy to assist eligible parents.
Southwire will also offer a bridge scholarship program for eligible hourly employees seeking to further their education through a two-year degree, four-year degree or technical certification. The company also announced that plans are in the works to make strong investments into new and existing industry partnerships. The purpose of these investments is to accelerate the attraction of diverse candidates into Southwire's manufacturing and STEM careers. More information on these new programs will be available soon. – March 26, 2018 Southwire press release excerpts
Spectrum Adhesives, Inc. (Memphis, Tennessee) manufactures adhesives and sealants:
$500 bonuses for employees.
Spirit Aerosystems (Wichita, Kansas) manufactures aerostructures:
“In my community, Spirit AeroSystems announced new investments in training and technology.” - June 11, 2018, Rep. Ron Estes statement on U.S. House Floor
Starbucks Coffee Company (Seattle, Washington) manufactures coffee products:
“Starbucks has also reaffirmed their commitment to create more than 8,000 new part-time and full-time retail jobs and an additional 500 manufacturing jobs in its Augusta, Georgia soluble coffee plant.
For store partners, Starbucks has also expanded their parental leave policy to include all non-birth parents with up to 6 weeks of paid leave when welcoming a new child.” —Jan. 24 2018, Starbucks Coffee Company press release excerpt
Staub Manufacturing (Dayton, Ohio) manufactures sheet-metal brackets, mounts, enclosures, covers, frames, boxes, weldments and assemblies:
“After Trump’s tax cuts and reform legislation were enacted last year, Staub says he was able to give larger than expected Christmas bonuses to his employees.” – Jan. 29 2018, WDTN Dayton 2 News
Suit-Kote Corporation (Cortland, New York) manufactures asphalt products:
Paul Walts is getting a raise this year, thanks to the GOP tax plan. So is Louis Morgan. So are about 800 other employees at Suit-Kote Corporation.
The Cortland paving company is doling out raises and retirement bonuses using money saved from the new Republican-led tax plan.
Walts, a dispatcher who's been with the company 14 years, has three kids in college. He plans to put money aside to help pay for their education.
Morgan, too, said he's going to save more and possibly take a vacation.
"You hear it's in the pipeline and you hope it's going to happen, but you don't know how much it's going to be," Morgan said regarding the raises. "I'm definitely looking forward to it."
Walts, Morgan and a few dozen other employees watched Thursday as President and CEO Frank Suits Jr. announced the wage hikes to media alongside U.S. Rep. Claudia Tenney.
The average raise, Suits said, will be about $1,400. The company also increased its 401K contributions by about $1 million. – Feb. 22, 2018 The Post-Standard article excerpt
The Belden Brick company (Sugarcreek, Ohio) -- Made investments in new equipment and capital improvements because of tax reform.
“I want to thank Bob Gibbs for his role in the successful efforts to reduce taxes and regulations, said Bob Belden, chairman, president and CEO of The Belden Brick Company. These reforms have made it easier for The Belden Brick Company to invest in new equipment and capital improvements. His efforts are a key part of rebuilding and sustaining a healthier manufacturing climate in Ohio and across the United States.” -- August 14, 2018 NAM Shopfloor Blog
Tingley Rubber Company (Piscataway, New Jersey) manufactures liquid proof protective footwear and clothing:
New Jersey based Tingley Rubber Corporation will be issuing all U.S. based employees one-time bonuses of $1,000 because of the recent tax reform passed by Congress.
Tingley’s ownership announced Thursday its plans to share some of the tax benefit directly with their employees to express the company's gratitude. The 122-year-old, fifth generation family owned business joins many businesses across the country in giving employee bonuses after Congress passed a sweeping tax cut for businesses and individuals.
President Donald Trump signed a bill on December 22nd overhauling the nation's tax code. One of the biggest changes included in the bill cuts the corporate tax rate from 35 percent to 21 percent for qualifying corporations. The bill also restructures and lowers the seven personal income tax brackets.
Based in Piscataway, NJ the privately held Tingley Rubber Corporation announced the bonuses during an employee luncheon held on March 22nd. The $1,000 bonuses will also be eligible for the company’s 401(k) plan deferral with the standard corporate match.
"The economic development that should come as a direct result of the new tax reform legislation and deregulations will positively affect Tingley’s ability to grow its business. The tax reform package will allow Tingley to invest more into our strategic initiatives, and better serve our customers, as well as our employees and shareholders," said Owner and Chairman of the Board, Bruce McCollum. Bruce’s son and owner JB McCollum said "We are excited for the opportunity to reward our dedicated and hard-working employees with this special bonus as a token of our gratitude."
President & COO, Mike Zedalis, expressed his gratitude to the McCollum family and sees the new tax plan as a major boost to Tingley: “Our company continues to grow, and enhanced investment into our operations will always bring benefits to our customers, employees and shareholders.”
Tingley Rubber Corporation is a leading supplier of protective footwear and clothing and has been protecting generations of workers since 1896. -- March 26, 2018 Tingley Rubber Corporation press release
Tremco Inc. (Cleveland, Ohio) manufactures roofing materials and services, construction sealants, glazing and gaskets, waterproofing systems, concrete admixtures and sealers:
Tremco is upgrading their equipment, hiring new workers, and reinvesting in their employees through increased contributions to employee retirement plans. I’m pleased that we continue to see these kinds of positive responses from Ohio businesses as a direct result of this tax reform law, and I believe this is only the beginning. – Jan. 12, 2018 United States Senator Rob Portman’s press release excerpt
Uelner Precision Tools & Dies (Dubuque, Iowa) manufactures tool and die, and stamping products:
tax reform bonuses to employees.
Velvet Ice Cream Company (Utica, Ohio) manufactures ice cream:
The company is increasing wages for new employees by $1.10 per hour for full-time employees and by 50 cents per hour for seasonal summer workers. Velvet employs 125 full-time workers and 50 part-timers in the summer.
Velvet will fix the roof of the mill, installing natural shingles like the ones used 200 years ago, at a cost of about $60,000 to $80,000. The new warehouse management system will increase food safety, allowing products to be traced, in case of a safety issue. And, there will be ceiling, lighting and equipment upgrades in the manufacturing area
Warwood Tool (Wheeling, West Virginia) manufactures hand-forged steel tools:
The tax cuts have given the company and its customers enough optimism for the future that Warwood Tool is developing a new line of products. – May 3, 2018, The Intelligencer article excerpt
Webco Industries Inc. (Sand Springs, Oklahoma) manufactures specialty metal tubular products:
Webco Industries based in Sand Springs is the latest employer to give workers a bonus following the passage last year of the Trump Administration's tax plan.
Webco says each employee was given $1,000 if they've been there for a year or more. Employees who have been there for a significant amount of time, were given $2,000.
Webco says they had more than a million dollars total to distribute to their employees, many of whom are in Sand Springs.
"The tax cuts and jobs act reduced corp tax rates, so that produced a significant amount of savings this year for Webco as our corporate tax bill was reduced," said Mike Howard with Webco Industries.
These were one-time bonuses and impacted employees in Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas, Illinois, and Michigan. -- March 7, 2018 News on 6 article excerpt
Windham Millwork (Windham, Maine) - increase workforce by 20 percent, $1 million facility expansion, employee bonuses, wage increases:
Windham Millwork in Windham, Maine is planning to increase its workforce by 20 percent (from 80 employees to 100) and start a $1 million expansion of its facility. It also gave an immediate bonus of $1,000 to its hourly employees and across-the-board pay increases that the company said were a “direct result” of tax reform. - Testimony of David Farr, Chairman and CEO, Emerson, before the House Ways and Means Committee excerpt
Winnebago Industries (Forest City, Iowa) manufactures motor homes:
“During the quarter, we recorded a tax reform benefit and expect a similar favorable tax rate for the remainder of Fiscal 2018. We are committed to passing a portion of the tax savings to our hard-working Winnebago Industries employees in the form of a bonus and other selective wage adjustments, making a donation to our foundation, and accelerating facility improvements over the coming months which will create better work environments. As always, I want to sincerely thank each and every one of our employees for their tremendous efforts and dedication to building a stronger future for our Company.” — March 21, 2018 statement of Winnebago Industries President and CEO Michael Happe, Second Quarter Fiscal 2018 announcement
Winton Machine (Suwanee, Georgia) manufactures complete engineered solutions for tube and coax fabrication, including tube benders, tube cutters, coax benders and more:
“Tax reform is enabling companies to make significant capital investments, and it’s creating more business for us and other small manufacturers,” said Ms. Winton.
Winton anticipates making her own capital investments. “We’ll be replacing two machines in our factory,” she said. - May 1, 2018, National Association of Manufacturers article excerpt
Wirco Inc. (Avilla, Indiana) – $500 employee bonuses:
“Wright (Wirco Inc. owner) announced that he would be giving every Wirco employee a $500 bonus as a result of the savings the company would see from federal tax reform passed by Republicans in late 2017. Rokita, along with the rest of Indiana’s Republican delegation, had voted in favor of those large business tax rate cuts.” – Feb 19 2018, The News Sun powered by KPC news
Wolf Metals (Columbus, Ohio) manufactures a full line of fabrications including baskets, fixturing, furnace fans (new and rebuilt), furnace rolls, muffles, corrugated boxes, wrought and cast radiant tubes and retorts:
“Today, as a result of the new tax reform law, Wolf Metals was proud to announce its plan to purchase new equipment, including a water jet cutter first and then a press brake,” said Jim Wolf, Co-Founder and Owner. “This investment will help our company, help our workers, and help those who rely on us to deliver top-of-the-line product. I want to thank Senator Portman for coming to visit today and for his role in delivering historic tax relief for small businesses like ours who for too long have been saddled with burdensome taxes and over-regulation.” – Jan. 5, 2018 statement, press release of Sen. Rob Portman (R-Ohio)
Xante Corporation (Mobile, Alabama) manufactures printers for computers:
Mobile-based Xante Corp. handed out $1,200 bonus checks to most of its employees on Monday, as its CEO gave thanks to a Republican tax reform bill and Rep. Bradley Byrne.
Xante provides high-end printers and related software for use by professional graphics and printing operations. It employs a little over 100 people in Mobile and about 15 more in Europe. CEO Robert Ross said Monday that anyone who'd been with the company for a year or more was getting a $1,200 bonus, while those employed less than a year were getting a different amount.
Mobile employees whooped and cheered as Ross announced the windfall Monday morning. They also heard Ross explain that the company had additional plans for money saved as a result of tax cuts passed by Congress and signed into law by President Donald Trump in December. Among other changes, the tax bill significantly lowered the corporate tax rate. – Feb. 19, 2018 AL.com article excerpt
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