CEA, EIA, TIA Commend Introduction of Legislation Encouraging Teleworking.

Business Editors/High Tech Writers

ARLINGTON, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 2, 2000

The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA), joined by the Electronic Industries Alliance (EIA) and the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA), today praised Representative Frank Wolf (R-VA) for introducing the Telework Tax Incentive Act (H.R. 3819).

This legislation would establish a $500 tax credit toward the purchase and installation of electronic and computer equipment that allows an employee to telework.

"Digital technologies are changing consumers' workstyles, allowing consumers to work how, when and where they want," said Gary Shapiro, CEA president and CEO. "CEA applauds Representative Wolf for his leadership in recognizing and encouraging teleworking, which has tremendous economic and environmental benefits."

The Telework Tax Incentive Act would establish a tax credit of $500 for expenses paid or incurred under a teleworking arrangement, defined as an arrangement under which an employee teleworks not less than 75 days per year. Both the employer and the employee are eligible for the tax credit, but the tax credit goes to whoever absorbs the expense for setting up the at-home worksite.

"Representative Wolf's legislation enables more employees to use electronic products and telecommunications equipment to help reduce energy consumption," said EIA President Dave McCurdy. "EIA supports this bill because it is good for the environment, good for our industries and good for business in general. We commend Representative Wolf and encourage others to support this legislation."

"Congressman Wolf clearly understands that this is a quality-of-life issue," said TIA President Matthew J. Flanigan. "Americans are working hard, and many families have more than one wage earner. With traffic congestion and long commutes common across the nation, teleworking can give families more time to spend together as well as enhance worker productivity. Telecom and IT technologies help redefine the meaning of 'workplace' and provide the tools that will make teleworking an enormous success." In a CEA study of consumers' use of workstyle technologies in 1999, more than half of the respondents expressed a desire to work from home for two or more days during the week if given the opportunity. In addition, over 40 percent of respondents said that having access to e-mail, data files and voice mail from home makes it easier to do their jobs. The complete study is available free to CEA member companies. Non-members may purchase the study for $499 by visiting http://www.eBrain.org or sending an e-mail to [e-mail].

More than 19.6 million people reported working as telecommuters in 1999, according to the International Telework Association & Council (ITAC). A recent ITAC study found that telecommuters' productivity increased an average 22 percent per day who worked at home.

The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) is a sector of the Electronic Industries Alliance (EIA), the 76-year-old Arlington, Virginia-based trade organization representing all facets of electronics manufacturing and connecting the industries that define the digital age. CEA represents more than 600 U.S. companies involved in the development, manufacturing and distribution of audio, video, mobile electronics, communications, information technology, multimedia and accessory products, as well as related services, that are sold through consumer channels. Combined, these companies account for more than $60 billion in annual sales.

The Electronic Industries Alliance is a partnership of electronic and high-tech associations and companies committed to shared knowledge and shared influence. Comprised of more than 2,100 members, EIA represents 80 percent of the $550 billion U.S. electronics industry. EIA's sector associations and members represent consumer electronics, telecommunications, components, government electronics, semiconductor standards, as well as many other vital areas of the U.S. electronics industry.

TIA is a full-service national trade organization with membership of 1,000 large and small companies that provide communications and information technology products, materials, systems, distribution services and professional services in the United States and around the world. The association's member companies manufacture or supply virtually all of the products used in global communication networks. TIA represents the telecommunications industry with its subsidiary, the MultiMedia Telecommunications Association, in association with the Electronic Industries Alliance.

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