By: David G. Greineder, IOM, Director of Government Affairs
As a follow-up to last month’s article (“A New Year of Opportunities”), ABC PA is hard at work advancing our issues at the Capitol Building and planning key events to connect you with decision-makers. Last month, leadership of all five chapters of ABC PA came together for a “legislative summit” to set the broader agenda for our association.
On the legislative front, we will continue our push for apprenticeship reform and criminal justice reform, and we will support changes to the Construction Workplace Misclassification Act (Act 72). Looking at the bigger picture, ABC PA’s leadership is aiming high and rallying around strategies that create better collaborations among ABC chapters and other statewide associations. Those goals revolve around creating a unified and common message; building relationships with elected officials at all levels of government; building alliances with like-minded organizations on issues of commonality; being a resource in the construction industry; and recruiting advocates for appointments to governmental committees and boards. As 2020 rolls on, I will update ABC’s membership on the progress of these, and other, initiatives.
As it relates to ways to be engaged, please mark your calendars for the following:
Free! “Wake Up Call” Meetings: In the month of February, our generous sponsors will host weekly meetings on advocacy at various locations throughout ABC Keystone’s footprint. Learn how Pennsylvania will play a crucial role in 2020 and how ABC PA is making waves in Harrisburg. Visit the calendar page at abckeystone.org for times and locations.
ABC PA Free Enterprise Day, Tuesday, April 7: Join ABC PA members in Harrisburg to meet with state elected officials and have a direct impact on our legislative agenda. Training opportunities will be available before the event to prepare you on policy issues and event logistics. Breakfast and lunch will be provided. Sponsorships available!
Washington, D.C. Bus Trip, Wednesday, June 17: Travel via bus with your colleagues to Washington, D.C. to meet with federal elected officials. As with our event in Harrisburg, training opportunities will be available before the event to prepare you on policy issues and event logistics. Sponsorships available!
Free! Pennsylvania Society, Saturday, December 5: Take part in the opportunity to socialize with key legislators in New York City.
Finally, don’t forget about these opportunities to support those candidates who are aligned with ABC’s free enterprise in construction mission:
PA ABC PAC: From gubernatorial candidates to state elected officials, ABC PA PAC aims to protect and support champions of our industry. There is no limit to the amount you can contribute to this PAC. Every candidate we support is vetted through ABC boards and committees to ensure there is a commitment to defend free enterprise.
Advancing the American Dream Fund: This fund utilizes independent expenditures to promote the message of free enterprise and highlight candidates that are committed to the merit shop philosophy. All activities and materials are thoroughly vetted through our leadership to ensure your contributions are directed appropriately and invested wisely.
ABC PAC: The purpose of ABC PAC is to work within the federal election process to further the goals of the association through direct involvement in supporting and opposing candidates for the Presidency, United States Senate and United States House of Representatives. The ABC PAC Board of Trustees work with the Regional Vice Chairs and Chapter leadership to promote political involvement and assist in raising PAC funds. Well-established guidelines such as voting records of incumbents are used when disbursing funds.
If you have questions on our legislative agenda or the opportunities listed above, please do not hesitate to connect with me or with Austin Cawley. If you are not signed-up to receive email alerts, please download the “ABC Action App” from the app store on your mobile device, or at abc.org/abcaction.
Don’t miss an opportunity to get involved! It is only through your voice and presence that we can influence legislation and regulations that impact the construction industry. Together, we can make a difference.
February 6, 2020
