Our industry is facing multiple threats across postal, tax, consumer privacy, and trade policy matters. ACMA has an aggressive plan to push back on this but it requires companies to engage with Congressional offices to educate and build support for our positions. Otherwise, the excessive cost and regulatory burdens will only continue.With this in mind, the ACMA will be hosting legislative days and working sessions on Capitol Hill, October 4-5.
Why These Meetings Matter
Given the current appetite for bill passage in Congress and in light of an election year on the horizon, our goal is to get these voted out of committee with a large number of cosponsors, then for several large pieces of moving legislation to serve as vehicles to secure passage. Specifically, between September and December 2023, Congress will be working on such must-pass legislation, including bills to provide government funding, appropriations, and most likely a tax-extenders package.
Pulling together a sizable group to meet with Members of Congress in early October will impact the outcome for our collective advantage. Your time out of the office will be minimal. Non-member companies are welcome and encouraged to participate. While our agenda will be finalized once we know what companies will join us, the general structure will be as follows:
October 4th:
- Arrive in Washington by noon
- Working group luncheon
- Afternoon meetings (set up by ACMA) with Congress on Capitol Hill
- Evening group dinner and recap
October 5th:
- Early working breakfast
- Morning meetings with Congress on Capitol Hill
- Early afternoon departures
While we had a successful 16th Annual National Forum in May, including more than 40 meetings between attendees and Members of Congress on May 3rd, engagement in Washington cannot be a “one and done” but rather an ongoing relationship you build and sustain.
No Fee – Just Come At Your Cost
Unlike our annual Forums and similar to a small fly-in we held last week, this one will be more informal. In lieu of a registration fee, all meals will be “Dutch.” ACMA will provide the structure for the prep meetings, set up the Hill meetings, and suggest area hotels to lodge at. Attendees will cover everything individually.
A Simple RSVP For Now
Please review the proposed agenda, then send a quick email to pmiller@catalogmailers.org indicating the following:
- YES = You can definitely make it
- MAYBE/UNSURE NOW = You would like to make it but are unsure now (please provide a date when you think you could give us a definitive yes or no)
- NO = You definitely will not make it
Please join us. We need numbers! Your response by the end of this week would be most appreciated – thank you!