ABC Keystone Merit Shop Advocacy Blog

By: David G. Greineder, IOM, ABC Pennsylvania Director of Government Affairs

August is typically a time where state and federal elected officials are on recess and preparing for the fall sessions. While this year is no exception, it does not mean we are taking a break representing your interests. Over the summer, ABC of Pennsylvania staff has been working on internal and externals affairs.

Internally, we are in the planning stages of preparing for upcoming in-person advocacy events, along with other administrative functions of the board, including nominating a new slate of officers for 2022 and drafting an operating budget. Externally, we are excited that House Labor & Industry Committee members have been visiting and touring ABC members’ facilities in August and will continue to do so in September to learn about their apprenticeship programs and participate in a business roundtable on workforce development issues. We are also working through the board of directors to provide comments on ABC-lead legislation that will bring an end to the discriminatory journeyworker-to-apprentice ratio with the goal of establishing parity between joint and non-joint programs.

As we work hard representing your interests in Harrisburg and Washington, D.C., we also need to be diligent about preparing for 2022. In four short months, we will be entering a whopper of a mid-term election year. In Pennsylvania, voters will be electing a new governor and U.S. Senator, along with state representatives and senators. Next November, new boundaries of state legislative districts and congressional districts will be in effect. ABC will keep members apprised of the new maps once they are released – which is not expected until later in the year.

There is no doubt Pennsylvania will be a key state in determining the majorities in the U.S. House and U.S. Senate. Millions of dollars will be flowing into the commonwealth from special interests on all sides of the political spectrum. ABC needs to do its part to ensure your voice is heard and pro-business/free enterprise candidates are elected to office. Fundraising will be key for the remainder of this year and into next year. The Keystone Chapter has several options for you to consider engaging in this way:

PA ABC PAC:
This political committee options accepts private donations only. There is no limit in the amount you can contribute. 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 option accepts corporate or private donations. There is no limit to the amount you can contribute. This fund is aimed at issue advocacy by highlighting 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.

As you know, it is extremely important ABC continues to support candidates that defend free enterprise and free markets. We are committed to engaging our passionate advocates seeking change and we will continue to do so. We can’t do it without you! Stay connected so you don’t miss out an opportunity to get involved.


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Posted August 25, 2021