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Government Relations
Bob Herbert said in a recent New York Times column, “ Instead of exercising our mental muscles we are allowing ourselves to become a nation of nit wits, obsessed by the comings and goings of Lindsay Lohan and increasingly oblivious to crucially important societal issues that are all but screaming for attention.”’ Let’s prove him wrong. Get in gear and get engaged in our state’s problems. Small business creates the jobs. We are a key constituency in the fall elections. Take advantage of this opportunity to speak directly with gubernatorial candidates Tom Corbett & Dan Onorato. You can join in on these phone conferences right from the comfort of your own office. Corbett and Onorato will present their views, and then we will have our turn to ask questions to determine where they stand on the issues important to small business. You must register in advance to get dial-in instructions for these exclusive SMC members-only opportunities. Dan Onorato will hold a phone conference with SMC members on September 9th at 9:30 am. To register for Dan Onorato click here http://www.smc.org/node/472 Tom Corbett will hold a phone conference with SMC members on September 23rd at 9:00 am. (NEW TIME!)To register for Tom Corbett click here http://www.smc.org/node/473. In the end, the races for Governor will come down to policies and prescriptions to help fix a state with a troubled economy, more than 500,000 Pennsylvanians looking for work, budget hurdles to overcome, and a general assembly known for corruption and in dire need of government reform. The Governor should be a leader in terms of job retention and job growth and must chart a course for economic prosperity. The governor should have a gut level conviction that Pennsylvania must become the most competitive, business-friendly state in the Northeast. The Commonwealth must be pro-growth and pro-business ensuring that the cost of running a business and providing jobs encourages companies to do business in our state. Key to SMC will be to determine which candidate has a dedicated focus on small business and understands our issues are not the same as big business. Small businesses are facing serious problems that threaten their capacity to be robust contributors to the growth of our economy. Escalating health care costs, taxation, difficulties accessing capital, energy costs and regulatory burdens are some of the challenges squeezing the state’s small businesses. The winner will impact state and national politics for years to come. Both candidates are pro-small business and understand the state needs a more competitive business tax and regulatory climate to retain and attract business investment. Both acknowledge Pennsylvania must shed its reputation of a tax heavy state unwelcoming to business. Corbett & Onorato have different agendas, styles and experiences. Dan Onorato promises jobs, government efficiencies and reforms in Harrisburg. Tom Corbett pledges no new taxes, government cost cutting and reforms in Harrisburg. The polls have changed little in the race for governor with Republican Tom Corbett earning 50 percent support, compared with Democrat Dan Onorato’s 39 percent. Corbett has the edge, statewide appeal, name recognition, and the national political climate on his side. Corbett won 61 counties and 52.4% of vote in 2008. The cycle in the Governor’s mansion since 1954 has been 2 terms of one party followed by 2 terms of the other party. But Democrats outnumber Republicans statewide by 1.2 million. It will be a horse race. So get in gear and get engaged and join us for the phone conferences. For more information contact Eileen Anderson, Government Relations Manager, 412-342-1606 or email eileenanderson@smc.org
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Government Relations
One of the functions of SMC Government Relations is to gather information from member businesses, fine tune our legislative agenda and get then get the message to lawmakers and candidates. Last November I spoke with several businesses about the impact of the recession on their businesses and their ability to create jobs. Last week I called them back for an update. A small manufacturer of wire products reported a business increase of 20% since November. She said nothing worked well until April 2010. 2008 was their best year ever but then in April 2009 the bottom fell out. They did not layoff workers but the workforce has declined through attrition. No raises have been given. She eliminated two large trade shows and cut back on advertising and is trying several smaller shows and some new email marketing techniques. One of her concerns is she now has fewer employees who are by necessity multitasking while compliance with regulations and laws is getting more difficult and complex. A small business that services the coal industry was booming in 2009 and increased sales by several hundred thousand over 2008.This year he will meet his benchmark year and will exceed 2009 by $500,000. His challenge is his suppliers who can’t make parts fast enough. The Department of Environmental Protection and Environmental Protection Agency regulations have forced some of his suppliers to close. Two of his suppliers can’t pay their bills so he is becoming a major investor in both of those companies saving jobs and businesses while ensuring a steady flow of parts for his own business. He would like to hire 1 or 2 workers but he has trouble getting qualified help. “Everyone wants a job but no one wants to work.” A company that produces food ingredients and sells food-processing equipment reported the food industry is almost recession resistant. They are not prospering but work has been steady and there have not been layoffs. The past several years have been good although equipment sales have slowed down in 2010. The outside influences having the most impact on his company are taxes and regulations. He finds the food safety, family and medical leave regulations, and the taxes and regulations from the new health care law to be ‘mind boggling.” They create a huge administrative burden for small business. “Business people will react by changing their behavior and hiring fewer employees.” Last fall a small tool and die shop was barely able to keep the lights on. They had no long-term anticipation of growth, no momentum and were just going week to week. His largest customers had money for capital expenditures but weren’t spending. Business has picked up a little. He is running at 80% of capacity. Laid off workers have been back on the job since February. They are moving beyond just doing regular maintenance and machine work for customers. He is concerned about the new health care law, regulations and taxes and has no plans to expand even if he has a substantial increase in business. Last November a manufacturer of steel products felt like he had no control. Employee’s hours were cut back. Customers ordered just in time inventory and smaller orders. He lost some market share to Chinese competitors. In 2008 he did 80-85% of his benchmark year. In 2009 he did just 60% of his benchmark year. Since then business has improved month-by-month from December through April and now has leveled off. He is using some new targeted marketing and is seeking new market opportunities. All employees are working 40 hours and even overtime due to attrition from retirements. He has not hired replacements but may if a planned new project is successful. The business has been in his family for over 100 years and has a good history of providing decent jobs with good wages. He conceded, “It’s a struggle to stay in business in a global environment”. These companies give us our message to lawmakers and candidates. The recovery is uneven. The mix of uncertainty caused by the new Affordable Health Care act, more complex regulations, and tax burdens along with fewer employees is making it a challenge for small businesses to stay afloat and remain competitive. Editor’s Note: Eileen Anderson is vice president of Red Clay Tile Works and SMC’s Government Relations manager. She can be reached via e-mail, eileenanderson@smc.org.
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Government Relations
“Right From The Horse’s Mouth” Eileen Anderson, SMC Business Councils, Manager, Government Relations Last week we took a short trip to Erie and Presque Isle Downs. Neither of us gamble but we like to watch the horses run whether its evening races or morning workouts. They are exquisite animals. I only caught a glimpse of the Saturday morning workout; most of my time was spent fielding a return call from a rank and file lawmaker from the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. The reason for our call was to discuss the opposition’s view of HB 2405 - Amendments to the Alternative Energy Portfolio Standards Act. The energy bill is too complicated to cover in this space but here’s bits and pieces of the rest of our “Q & A” conversation right from the horse’s mouth. This is what he said: Primary Interests - Infrastructure improvements and government reform. The Budget - There should be no “junk” in it. It should be transparent with nothing hidden. Pennsylvania must take a hard look at sales tax exemptions but now is not the time. Cigars and smokeless tobacco should be taxed. The cigarette tax can be raised to 10% but not higher because they are already taxed enough. Maintain the 1% vendors’ discount for sales tax. Passage of the Pension Bill by the PA House – The rules created for new employees should go a little further but it’s great the bi-partisan bill passed. The bill smoothes the dramatic spike in the pension costs faced by the state and school districts and extends the payments over a longer time period. State Debt - Borrow for infrastructure because the state needs it and there is something to show for the money spent. Tax Increment Financing - Instead of picking winners and losers reduce the Corporate Net income tax to 7% so PA is competitive with others states. Continue the phase-out of the Capital Stock and Franchise Tax and move to a 100% Singles Sales Factor. What Type of Constituent Communication Gets Your Attention? - A phone call has the most impact, followed by letters, and then email but it can’t be for email About the Job - It takes an unbelievable amount of time. There is a lot of reading required to stay informed. Marcellus Shale – Don’t enact a severance tax right now. Let companies recover their upfront costs. If they do damage to the environment they should clean it up. Then impose a severance tax. PA labor must be used with the exception of the drillers who are from out of state. PA companies must make some money. The severance tax was intended to provide immunity from infrastructure damages to the environment. Strict regulations are needed. The tax must be used for what it was intended and not taken for other purposes like to mitigate the spikes from pension fund. Government Reform - The largest uproar in the PA House now is over the tax-free per diem payments lawmakers receive when they are attending legislative committee meetings or in session. The payment covers miscellaneous expense like meals, motels, travel and so forth. Many lawmakers game the system and collect the full per diem even though they have few expenses. They should have to show receipts for their expenses instead of just getting a flat amount of$163 per day. Favorite Projects – Grants for little leagues, firemen, police, cancer, and domestic violence Editor’s Note: Eileen Anderson is vice president of Red Clay Tile Works and SMC’s Government Relations manager.She can be reached via e-mail eileenanderson@smc.org.
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Government Relations
“Six Reasons to Go on Next Year’s Lobbying Trip to Washington, D.C.” I didn’t get a chance to talk to all the travelers on the way home. Some drove down to D.C themselves instead of taking the SMC charter bus. Some were sleeping, dogged tired and worn out after 36 hours of non-stop activity. But I did have the opportunity to speak with several of the members on the bus ride home to Pittsburgh. One “It was a very good trip. It was very informative; I learned a lot about the issues. The White House briefing was really appreciated. The networking and interaction from different people and different places was very impressive. For me personally the visits to lawmakers really struck the nerve. Before I didn’t see the relationships between my business and the legislative issues. I usually have my nose to the grindstone working to keep my business running. It was definitely an eye-opener on a number of things. I left my shoes behind.” Two “More and more the representatives and senators seem to be recognizing the importance of small business. They wanted to hear our stories and grievances. They were interested in hearing our point of view.” Three “I understand it’s a process. The expectation is we will engage with our elected officials and that they will receive it. We must keep them informed. They asked to be informed. The electorate often doesn’t show up but if we show up our efforts are magnified. You persuade more people with honey than you do with vinegar. We need to find common ground. We don’t need more taxes. We need more taxpayers and jobs.” Four “Our visit with Richard Spiegelman, Legislative Director and General Counsel for Senator Robert Casey, was excellent. He was genuinely interested, listened, asked follow-up questions and took notes” Five “SMC built a good case for the 1099 Expanded Corporate Information Reporting. It is a very important small business issue and it was critical to bring it to their attention. Many Congressmen were unaware of the provision buried in the Affordable Care Act. They heard what we said. That made it all worth it.” Six “Our goal was to have an ear. We did have an ear. It was a show of force. It took time and energy to travel to Washington, D.C. The Congressmen recognized our problems. They recognized our efforts. We made some noise.” Eileen Anderson Manager, Government Relations SMC Business Councils 412-342-1606 eileenanderson@smc.org
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Government Relations
That’s Progress - SMC Lobbying Trips to Harrisburg & Washington, D.C Were Right on Target Progress in advocacy is always heard to measure. It seems invisible. It makes me wonder if our lobbying trips have value and if SMC has impact? Is it worth members taking time away from their businesses to speak to elected officials? Does SMC make progress? One of my favorite political columnists, David Brooks, recently told a story of how he was on a late night plane from Washington to New York City along with 9 congressmen who were flying home for the weekend. He realized then they weren’t in politics for the glory. How could they be? It’s an unglamorous, all-consuming job with lots of time away from family. They had to be in government for another reason - because they actually wanted to get something done for their country. That thought grabbed me. This is what makes SMC travel to Harrisburg and Washington, D.C. Underlying all is the belief we have a role; by speaking up we can get something done for small business. The opposition is not insurmountable if we can articulate what’s at stake. Harrisburg Grass Roots Lobbying Trip – Several dozen members and staff traveled to Harrisburg on Monday, May 3, 2010. Top issues discussed included health care costs, access to capital and taxation. Six teams visited the offices of over 50 representatives and senators. SMC also made several targeted visits to key lawmakers. Meetings were held with representatives of House Insurance, Senate Community, Economic and Recreational Development and the Senate Majority Floor Leader. There was keen interest in the access to capital ideas and Marilyn Landis was referred to staff of the House Majority Floor Leader who will take up her ideas and make them into a bill or bills. That’s progress! Washington, D.C. Grassroots Lobbying Trip - On May 26 and 27, twenty-one members traveled to the nation’s capitol. There were some new faces in addition to a core group that has faithfully attended many past trips to both Harrisburg and D.C. Four teams spread out over Capitol Hill and visited 16 offices of the central and western Pennsylvania congressional delegation. Our main goal was to educate lawmakers on what it’s like to run a small business and express how current and proposed policies impact our businesses. Our message was we can create the jobs needed to put the country back to work but we need the help of congress with the burdens of high taxes, high health care cost, unwieldy regulatory burdens, and access to capital. SMC strengthened our relationships with Rep. Doyle, Altmire, Platts, Murphy, and Senator Casey. We asked them to cosponsor several pieces of legislation. They said they would look at the bills. We will follow-up on them and hold them accountable. That’s progress! One thing is for sure - the business climate would be that much worse for small business if SMC and groups like us stopped advocating. I encourage you to join us in our efforts in whatever level of activity you are comfortable with, whether it be traveling to Harrisburg or D.C., responding to an Action Alert, making a phone call to a lawmaker, or reading the SMC Government Update and staying informed on the issues. Eileen Anderson Manager, Government Relations SMC Business Councils eileenanderson@smc.org
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Government Relations
This had to be one of our better trips to Washington, D.C. A record 18 members joined the conference call on Wednesday, May 19th, to learn the discussion points. So we were definitely ready. There were some new faces, too, in addition to a core group that has faithfully attended many past trips to both Harrisburg and D.C. Our 4 teams spread out over Capitol Hill on Thursday morning to visit the 16 offices of the central and western Pennsylvania a congressional delegation. Our main goal was to educate lawmakers on what it’s like to run a small business and express how policies impact our businesses. Our message was we can create the jobs needed to put the country back to work but we need your help with the burdens of high taxes, high health care cost, unwieldy regulatory burdens, and access to capital. In each office we zeroed in on the onerous 1099 Expanded Corporate Information Reporting requirement, one of the “surprises” buried in the new health care law. We requested repeal of the measure and asked lawmakers to sign on to Rep. Dan Lungren’ s legislation, H.R. 5141. SMC’s survey revealed the expanded reporting requirements would increase the number of 1099’s filed from an average of 10 per year to 200 and add approximately $4,000 to $6,000 in administrative costs. For my own small business it will be a bookkeeping nightmare and drain time from income producing activities. We will have to collect the Taxpayer ID numbers, file 1099’s with both the IRS and each vendor – corporate or individual - with whom we have done more than $600 worth of business in either property or services - in a calendar year. We also emphasized the need for health care cost containment. The new health care law expands access to health care for millions, reforms the insurance market, but for small business it always comes down to affordability. The bill does little to rein in escalating health care costs. Members voiced concerns about the many unintended consequences of the law, in addition to new taxes, regulations and mandates that will impose new financial burdens on small business. Very few companies will benefit from the tax credits. Another key point was the need for greater access to capital and we requested sponsorship of S.2869 and H.R.4302, The Small Business Job Creation Act & Access to Capital Act, in each office. This legislation will extend the reduction in lending fees for the SBA’s 7(a) loans and 504 lending programs and the increased 7(a) loan guarantee. Our trip to Washington, D.C. is one of the channels we employ to get our small business message heard by those at the levers of power. Progress in advocacy is always heard to measure. There are very few clear-cut wins but one thing is for sure -the business climate would be that much worse if we didn’t push back. I encourage you to join us in our efforts in whatever level of activity you are comfortable with, whether it be traveling to Harrisburg or D.C., responding to a Action Alert, making a phone call to a lawmaker, or reading the SMC Government Update and staying informed on the issues. For a full discussion of the issues in the federal position papers, see Government Advocacy, Advocacy Positions. For a running commentary of the Washington trip go to smbc.wordpress on the front of the home page.
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Government Relations
“Vote As If Your Business Depends On It” Primary election day is May 18. Does anyone remember the issues are the economy and jobs? There are more than 5 unemployed workers for every one job opening. Politicians don’t create jobs. The role of our elected officials is to create the business climate necessary for job creation. Are they doing it?? Find the candidates who have a pro-business stance and vote for them. Small business owners are eternal optimists by nature but currently the stack of problems we face is a mile high. Government thinks small business is the goose that lays the golden eggs to finance their schemes. That may be true but the goose is slowly being strangled by high health care costs, taxes, burdensome regulations and mandates, and lack of access to capital. Pennsylvania is in big trouble with a budget probably short by billion dollars in June, an uncompetitive business tax climate, an unemployment compensation fund ready to sink, and corruption charges running out of Harrisburg like some green river of slime. How have they helped small business? In Washington we see a Congress that seems to be tone deaf, deficits as far as they eye can see, a bevy of new taxes required to finance our new health care system, old tax cuts expiring, climate change legislation, the (lack of) Employee Free Choice Act. Aside from a mini-jobs bill, how have they helped small business? They forget they need entrepreneurs and innovators to fund all of their massive spending increases with our taxes and the jobs we create. They should treat the engine of job growth better. Call, write, speak up and VOTE. If we don’t like what our elected officials are doing, tell them so on May 18th, Primary Election Day. VOTE as if your business depends on it. Pull the lever for the candidates who support small business. Eileen Anderson Manager, Government Relations SMC Business Councils
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Government Relations
SMC In Action For Members PA House Commerce Committee Hearing SMC Government Relations manager Eileen Anderson and SMC member and past chair, Marilyn Landis, Basic Business Concepts, gave input on economic development and job creation to the PA House Commerce Committee at an April 8th hearing chaired by Rep. Peter Daley in Charleroi. Daley is holding meetings around the state and input will be used "to make recommendations and change legislation for the way we do business in Pennsylvania." Both testimonies were very well received and action will be taken by the committee to follow up on SMC suggestions. It’s a tangible example of SMC having a direct impact on the trajectory of state government. Landis and Anderson emphasized that the state must help small businesses and develop a business-friendly climate if we are to stay competitive with other states. Landis discussed 3 ways the state can help increase access to capital for small businesses. She recommended that state government facilitate the creation of a non-government pool of funds modeled after a program in New York. The loans would be available to small businesses who could prove they had been turned down by a primary lender. Daley indicated that he will follow-up on this proposal. Anderson said she repeatedly hears members say that Pennsylvania is unfriendly to businesses. She encouraged the development of a dedicated small business resource portal and urged Daley to look at Virginia and their small business programs as a model for PA. Virginia was named by Forbes magazine as the best state for business for the past four years. Daley indicated that he and Committee Executive Director Robb Miller intend to travel to Virginia. Complete testimonies are posted at Government News.
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Government Relations
It’s dysfunctional. It’s time we demand constructive action from Washington to create a better business climate. Their leadership can inspire confidence in consumers so they will buy and in businesses so they will want to invest. Democrats don’t want to cooperate with Republicans and vice versa. The Senate doesn’t want to work with the House. The House doesn’t trust the Senate. Political wrangling and uncertainty about pending legislation is having a negative effect on job creation more than any jobs bill can fix. There is a backlog of more than 70 House bills with bipartisan support sitting in the Senate. The Senate has become the place where legislation goes to die. If it doesn’t die it can be tied in knots by procedure as Senator Jim Bunning illustrated last week when he blocked legislation to extend unemployment and COBRA health care benefits to those caught in the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression. Proposed health care legislation is long on taxes, long on spending and short on cost containment. After a year of debate does anyone know if these proposals will bring down rising health care costs, which have plagued small businesses for the past decade? After a year of debate there is not bipartisan support for overhaul legislation or even consensus among democrats so it will have to be passed through reconciliation. There are some democrats in the House asking for letters from individual Senators before they vote for the legislation so they don’t get left “holding the bag” if the Senate fails to act. The expiration of the 2001-2003 tax cuts will impose higher taxes on the most successful small businesses owners who file as individuals. Profits that could be used to hire and invest will be siphoned off. The administration is also ramping up efforts to investigate the use of independent contractors. Expansion of 1099 information reporting will create whole new layers of unproductive administrative headaches for small businesses. Small business can be the engine of job growth but we need some help from Washington. Our problems are slow sales, the high cost of health care, burdensome taxation and lack of credit. If elected officials work to make a better business climate we can create the jobs needed to put fellow Americans back to work. We should expect and insist on the best from our elected officials. Nothing else will do. If they can’t do the job they should pack their bags and head out of town.
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Government Relations
Dear SMC Government Relations Committee, Will the results of SMC’s “Survey of Small Business Leaders on State Issues” sit on the shelf and gather dust? I always feel like time spent filling out surveys is like sending money down a rat hole. --Overworked Small Business Owner Dear Overworked Small Business Owner, Rest assured SMC will take the results and convert them into ACTION! --SMC Government Relations Committee Here’s How We Do It: The survey helps us identify your top concerns. Those results are then used to develop our state legislative agenda and position papers. Escalating health care and insurance costs, slow sales, increasing tax burdens, and difficulty accessing capital have been identified as major challenges that stand in the way of small businesses’ ability to create jobs. Our message: If lawmakers work to create a more competitive, business - friendly environment in the Commonwealth, small business will help create the jobs needed to put Pennsylvanians back to work. Every available opportunity will be taken to get the small business message heard starting with the PA House Commerce Committee hearing in March. On Monday, May 3, SMC members will travel to Harrisburg and visit the offices of all southwestern and central PA lawmakers. State position papers will also be sent to house, senate, and gubernatorial candidates. Here's what small business needs to get moving again: Reduce Health Care Costs to Keep Health Insurance affordable for Small Businesses The #1 concern among SMC members is high and continually rising health care costs. SMC will encourage the General Assembly to enact measures to contain health care costs. Reduce Business Taxes Policymakers must recognize that our best strategy for recovery lies with competitive tax policies that will help retain jobs, keepfacilities open and create new jobs. Increase Access to Capital The ability to secure a loan at affordable terms can make the difference between whether a small firm stays afloat, grows, modernizes, or shuts its doors. State position papers will be available later on this spring. Plan on attending SMC’s Grassroots Lobbying Trip to Harrisburg on Monday, May 3. Go to www.smc.org > Events or call Eileen Anderson at 412-342-1606. Eileen Anderson is SMC’s Government Relations manager and Vice President of Red Clay Tile Works and . She can be reached at eileenanderson@smc.org, or 412-342-1606.
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Government Relations
Members came through once again and responded in full force to our Survey of State Issues. Thanks to all who participated. The State Issues survey is a very useful tool and will have multiple uses. Raw results have been tallied. When asked to identify the top challenges that most severely impact their businesses, the number one concern among SMC members is health care costs (71%) followed by adverse economic conditions (45%), business taxation (43%), personal taxation (42%). Members of the Government Relations committee take all the results into consideration as we plan our state legislative agenda for spring lobbying. After discussion and deliberation position papers are written. Our positions will be conveyed to state lawmakers and gubernatorial candidates. Entire survey results will be circulated once they are in final form. Look for them in the SMC Government Update, Dynamic Business and at Government Advocacy News at www.smc.org.
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Government Relations
Okay fellow small business owners. It’s time to speak up. What do you think of President Obama’s proposals to help small businesses? He wants to: - Eliminate all capital gains taxes on small business investment.
- Create tax incentives for small business to hire new workers and raise wages of those they already employed.
- Steer $30 billion in money from Wall Street bailouts to community banks to lend to small business.
- Create tax incentives for both large and small businesses to invest in new plants and equipment.
Will these measures help you keep your doors open? Are you ready to expand and hire more employees?? Are you short on credit?? I know at my small business, Red Clay Tile Works, and at other small businesses like mine, way too much “productive” time is spent filing taxes and complying with government regulations. The cost of health insurance consumes a disproportionate amount of our income. The underlying problems dragging down small business must be addressed – increasing tax burdens, increasing regulatory burdens and the cost burdens imposed by mandates like the Family and Medical Leave act. Time that should be spent producing and innovating is sucked off into administrative activities. Don’t forget healthcare. We need access to AFFORDABLE health care. That legislation may have blown up but the problem will not go away.
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Government Relations
2009 When he was a Republican in need of business support for his 2010 primary campaign, Specter said he was not going to be the 60th vote to move “Card Check” legislation to the Senate floor…. When he switched to the Democratic Party he vowed his position on “Card Check” would not change…. Then when caught in a tough primary campaign with Rep. Joe Sestak who supports “Card-Check” Specter changed his mind and said he would vote to bring “Card Check” legislation to the floor…….. Last week For the General Election just 31% of voters (both Republican and Democrat) believe that Specter deserves to be re-elected. Even Democrats narrowly favor a "new person" rather than reelecting Specter by a 45% to 44% margin. “But should Specter manage to make it out of the Democratic primary, to remain competitive against his likely challenger Pat Toomey his keys to victory are to hope for an economic recovery and brand Pat Toomey as too much of a social conservative ….. For Toomey to win, he needs to be able to convince voters that Specter’s liberal policies have been bad for both the state and the nation, and that it’s time to bring fiscal discipline to how the nation is governed.” From Jim Lee, President of Susquehanna Polling and Research PA Report January 15, 2010 Today What will it all mean for his campaign? He may try to promise “Card Check” to the unions to secure their vote but it’s hardly a sure thing with the newly elected Senator Scott Brown from Massachusetts now preventing Democrats from having a filibuster-proof majority in the Senate. Put on your seatbelts. This is going to be a mighty interesting election year.
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Government Relations
Post-Holiday Reception With Elected Officials Thursday, January 14th 6-7:30pm Sheraton at Station Square I wish I had a dollar for every time a member spoke to me about their pet peeve business issues. SMC is the conduit but your concerns must also be heard by the men and women in a position to improve the business climate-the elected officials who make the laws and regulations that impact small business. Here’s a chance to do that right in your own back yard in an informal setting surrounded by good friends, good food and spirits. So far 24 elected officials or representatives from their offices have indicated they will attend. US Senator Robert Casey US Senator Arlen Specter Congressman Mike Doyle Congressman Tim Murphy Congressman Jason Altmire PA Senator Jim Ferlo PA Senator Jane Orie PA Senator Wayne Fontana PA Senator Jay Costa PA Senator John Pippy PA Rep Daryl Metcalfe PA Rep Jim Marshall PA Rep Rob Matzie PA Rep Jake Wheatley PA Rep Chelsa Wagner PA Rep Joe Markosek PA Rep Randy Vulakovich PA Rep Frank Dermody PA Rep Matt Smith PA Rep Mark Mustio PA Rep Nick Kotik PA Rep Tim Solobay Allegheny County Councilman Matt Drozd Allegheny County Councilman Robert Macey For registration information click on Events. Also plan to attend the Government Relations committee meeting (same location from 5:15-6:00 pm) for a briefing on upcoming federal and state legislation. All are welcome. Call me with any questions at 412-342-1606 or eileenanderson@smc.org.
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Government Relations
December 24, 2009 Dear Virginia, Thanks for your thoughtful letter. As you can guess, I am very busy today because it’s Christmas Eve so I’ll have to keep this brief. I, too, have been watching Congress, especially the health care overhaul legislation. I am appalled because Senator Reid pushed Santa out of the way and gave special deals and goodies to the states of all the senators who were fence-sitting so he could win the 60 votes needed to allow the bill to proceed to debate and passage. Virginia, you have done everything within your power; you have talked, written, faxed and visited your elected officials. The tool that you have not used is the vote, the most powerful tool of all. Santa’s gift to you this year is a voter registration application. Register to vote. If you don’t like what your congressmen and women are doing then your choice is to vote for a candidate who will listen to you. Happy voting young lady and keep up the fight for small business. Merry Christmas Santa
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Category:
Government Relations
First, Santa, I want a Congress that remembers they work for us. Dear Santa, I hope my letter isn’t too late. I’ve been good all year long. My list is different this year; I don’t need any more toys or dolls. I need your help with big things for small business. First, Santa, I want a Congress that remembers they work for us. They seem like they don’t listen anymore. Maybe somebody spiked their Kool-Aid. When SMC went to Washington last spring and visited members of the Pennsylvania delegation we asked for their help to unleash the power of small business. Small business can create the jobs needed to solve soaring unemployment if only they would give us a hand. Instead we are threatened with the prospects of job-killing policies. Can you please ask them to listen to us?? Second, Santa, small businesses are having a very difficult time borrowing money. Creditworthy small businesses are closing every day. Congress helped Wall Street who caused all the problems in the first place but when it comes to Main Street all they seem to do is pat us on the back and thank us very nicely for being the engine of job growth. Help with our credit and financing needs is desperately needed so we can hire workers and stay afloat. Maybe you can look into this for me. Third, Santa, I don’t know what they are doing with health care reform. Have they lost sight of their original goal? I thought the purpose of reform was to make health care more affordable since rising costs make it difficult for small employers to provide coverage to employees. The Congressional Budget Office analysis predicted little effect on premium costs for those in the small group market. Will health care be more expensive for small businesses and will we be buried by paperwork, new taxes, and “play or pay” mandates? Could you please ask Senator Reid about all of this when you get a chance? Fourth, Santa, I am concerned about several pieces of labor legislation. The Employee Free Choice Act baffles me. Doing away with the secret ballot in forming unions has to be one of the most outrageous acts since Parliament slapped a tax on tea in 1767. Why would they want to let federal negotiators come into a company to work out an employee contract? That’s my job. See what you can find out about this. Now Congress wants to have 5-7 days of mandatory paid sick leave for small companies. In this economy many small businesses are working just to keep the doors open. Mandates like this create a whole new set of administrative burdens and make it that much harder to operate and earn a profit. Don’t they think I know how to run my business? Santa, I hope you can get me a few answers to the items on my list. I told you my list was different this year. I can’t wait to hear from you. Merry Christmas. Yours Truly, Virginia P.S. Eileen Anderson helped Virginia write this letter. Virginia dreams of one day being a successful entrepreneur.
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Category:
Government Relations
What do you think of Rep. Altmire’s “NO” vote for HB 3962???? Do you agree or disagree with his reasoning?? One part of advocacy at SMC is keeping members informed and educated on the issues affecting small business. The other part is making opportunities available for members to interact with elected officials such as our November 16th Government Relations committee meeting with Rep. Jason Altmire. The turnout of fifty concerned business owners was a clear indication of members’ level of interest about what is going on in Washington, D.C. Altmire was scheduled to speak for 1 hour but stretched his visit to nearly 2 hours. As one of the most knowledgeable members of the US House of Representatives on health care reform, he gave a brief overview of health care reform legislation and then opened the floor to questions. He didn’t miss a beat as members peppered him with a multitude of questions about health care, trade, taxes, climate change legislation, the stimulus, and so forth. The Congressman, a fiscally conservative “Blue Dog” Democrat, was one of only 39 Democrats to cast a “NO” vote against the House’s health reform bill. HB 3962 passed by a narrow margin of 220-215. When queried specifically about his “NO” vote, Altmire, said he couldn’t vote for the bill because it contained only two of the three elements he deemed necessary for successful reform: insurance market reforms and coverage of the uninsured. The bill fell short on the third element- health care cost containment. He weighed the merits of voting for the flawed bill but couldn’t overcome his main objection that the bill doesn’t adequately reduce health care costs and would only compound the problems of the health care system. In order to realize cost savings inefficiencies must be wrung out of the system and the reimbursement method for providers must be fundamentally changed.
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Category:
Government Relations
Some days it seems like complaining is the national pastime. I "maxed-out" on complaints yesterday while walking with friends who spent an hour complaining about a woman text messaging during a show they attended..... Listening to that hour of adult whining spurred me to rededicate myself to making life better for small businesses. Many days it is a challenge to rise above the feeling that "Nothing can be done". But the system does work. I am thankful I can voice my opinions on public policy to elected officials and vote for the candidates of my choice. Small businesses have every reason to be concerned about what is taking place in Congress on a number on fronts...from aspects of health care reform, the Employee Free Choice Act, the 1099 tax reporting issue, climate change legislation, estate tax and so forth. Next week I will put my helmet on and go back into battle for small business. This week I am thankful just to have the ability and the opportunity to do so.
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Category:
Government Relations
Here’s the Plan. Health Care - SMC is monitoring health care legislation and working through our affiliate in Washington D.C to give you a voice. The House passed HB 3962 on November 7. Now the ball is in Senator Harry Reid's court. Reid will have to work hard to gather 60 votes to overcome a filibuster. We will keep you in the loop as legislation moves through the Senate and may do an action alert at a critical juncture. Our sources say it is more effective to call or fax than email. If you can’t get through to Washington on the phone then try calling a district office. Your message will be passed on to D.C. State Issues - SMC will also be assembling our state agenda. I will send a survey and also call businesses to ask, “What’s your biggest pain?” Speaking with you is by far the most enjoyable part of my job. Then I know I am touching and hearing something real as opposed to information gathered from the media or other sources. You are in the trenches. Once issues are gathered and vetted we intend to have a series of phone conferences with key state legislators and gubernatorial candidates to get small business issues on their radar.
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