Legislators Tell Members: ‘State Your Case!’

The 30 members who attended this year’s AICC/FBA Washington Fly-In heard a strong message from the senators and congressmen who represent them: “State your case.” This year’s event, held June 6–7 in Washington, D.C., coincided with the National Association of Manufacturers’ Manufacturing Summit, which drew more than 300 participants.

In specific meetings with congressmen, senators, and their staffs, AICC and FBA members discussed areas of concern in labor policy, environmental policy, and tax and fiscal policy. The group heard from Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.V.), Sen. John Boozman (R-Ark.), and Rep. Reid Ribble (R-Wis.), and enjoyed a special meeting with House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.). On labormembers cited the Department of Labor’s recent overtime rules and urged support for legislation that would nullify the rule. On environmentalmembers discussed the Environmental Protection Agency’s rule to strengthen National Ambient Air Quality Standards for ozone, asking their support for legislation to delay the implementation until 2025 to allow time for compliance with current standards. And on tax policy, members urged adoption of the NAM 21st Century Tax Policy, urging reform in business tax structures, which have not been changed since 1986.

This year, 15 members of the Printing Industries of America joined AICC and FBA members at the Fly-In. Doug Rawson, president of AICC member Superior Lithographics in Los Angeles, chairs PIA’s Government Affairs Committee.

Here are some highlights from the 2016 Fly-In

Members of the Printing Industries of America on the Speaker’s Balcony on the west front of the U.S. Capitol

AICC Chair Mark Williams of Richmond Corrugated welcomes members to the 2016 AICC/FBA Washington Fly-In.

Joe Trauger, vice president of government relations for the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), presents NAM’s legislative agenda to members at the Breakfast Briefing. (Photo courtesy of Len Prazych)

Members meet with House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) in the Speaker’s Office. (Photo courtesy of Len Prazych)

Congressman Reid Ribble (R-Wis.) tells the group, “It’s important to state your case as small-business owners.”

Sen. Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.V.) addresses the Fly-In Breakfast Briefing. (Photo courtesy of Len Prazych)