North Country Rep. Elise Stefanik, a Republican, says that the final government spending and tax package that passed the House with her support include several provisions she supported, such as a suspension of a medical device tax..

Among other provisions are an extension of the Land Water Conservation Fund, inclusion of the Zadroga 9/11 Health & Compensation Program, and extensions of renewable energy tax credits, among others.

The suspension of the Obamacare medical device tax “is a big win for our district,” which includes Nicholville, where device manufacturer NuMed is based. “The medical device tax causes undue harm to an industry that not only creates jobs, but also improves our health and well-being, which is why I am an original cosponsor of the Protect Medical Innovation Act to repeal this burdensome tax.”

The Land Water Conservation Fund Extension and Tax Credits for Renewable Energy is a package that for 50 years “has supported wilderness, historical and community park projects across our district, and while this extension is good news I support making it a permanent resource so that we can end year-to-year uncertainty about its future. In addition, this includes important tax provisions to promote the use of biomass, wind, solar and hydropower. These renewable energy sources are critical to New York’s 21st district and I am pleased that this package includes tax provisions to help these industries thrive.”

The Zadroga Health & Compensation Program ensures that “the first responders who spent months working at Ground Zero following the 9/11 terrorist attacks will receive lifetime medical care for their illnesses related to this work.”

Stefanik also the reforms in the bill will provide “permanent tax relief to America’s job creators,” which “will make it easier for North Country employers to plan ahead, hire new workers, grow their businesses, and invest in their communities.”

In addition, she said, the measure lowers the excise tax imposed on hard cider so it is taxed at a lower rate than wine, “which is a boon for our North Country apple orchards.”

This package also includes:

• permanent expansions of the Child Tax Credit

• permanent extension of the Earned Income Tax Credit, a refundable tax credit for low- to moderate-income working families with children

• permanent extension of the American Opportunity Tax Credit for college expenses

• permanent deduction for teacher classroom expenses

She also said she supports the provision that lifts “the government’s 40-year-old ban on oil exports which will encourage investment, spur innovation, create jobs here at home.”