By: David G. Greineder, IOM, ABC Pennsylvania Director of Government Affairs
Recess by a Different Name
You may have heard the term “August recess” from our advocacy team, but it’s not like the recess you remember from grade school. It is a time when legislative sessions are on break in Harrisburg and Washington, D.C. to allow lawmakers to travel their districts. In an election year, politicians maximize this time to meet with constituents and talk about issues important to them.
ABC will use this time to meet with as many of our elected officials as possible to let them know what is impacting your business. There is no shortage of issues – from inflation, supply chain challenges, the cost of fuel, to the skilled workforce shortage, your representatives need to be educated on what “keeps you up at night.” Don’t be shy or think they know. While our association members are tied to the construction industry broadly, each member is facing unique and nuanced issues.
As we work hard representing your interests the rest of this year, the ABC Pennsylvania board is preparing for 2023. In four short months, we will be entering a “new world.” Pennsylvania voters will have elected a new U.S. Senator and governor. Over 54 new state legislators will be taking the oath of office. The new year will be ripe with opportunities to educate “freshman” elected officials about your business and presence in the community, but we also need to be prepared with a robust legislative agenda to engage with new and re-elected members. To that end, the ABC Pennsylvania board is working through objectives and goals. While your issues won’t change, we know our focus and strategies will depending on who wins the election.
Regarding the election, ABC will be preparing materials, information, and resources for your use. Each chapter will disseminate the tools to members, both in hard copy and electronic format. Each member will be able to use that information to share with their employees and other contacts they have, to the extent they are comfortable. We encourage all members to be engaged this election year.
Speaking of elections, we know running for office is an expensive venture, and we need to support candidates that support our issues. Tens of millions of dollars have already been poured 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. The Keystone Chapter has several options for you to consider:
• Casino Night: Thursday, September 8 from 6 to 11 p.m. at the ABC Keystone Chapter (135 Shellyland Road, Manheim, PA). Your state or national PAC badge is your admission to attend.
• PA ABC PAC: This political committee option 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: The 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!
If you have any questions about legislation or ABC’s positions on issues, please contact David Greineder, IOM, at davidg@abcpa.org.
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Posted July 20, 2022
