Masonry Magazine August 2005 Page. 16
Legislative Conference
On the silica front, she stated, "I know that silica is near and dear to your hearts, and I can appreciate that." She explained that OSHA will continue to analyze public comments, and they hope to finish the peer review on the silica risk analysis by January.
During the Q&A period, Lazor took the time to put a few rumors to rest. She stated that, while OSHA tracks the number of citations given, the national office does not dictate a quota for regional offices to meet. She also explained that OSHA is not self-funded and that all of the fines collected go to the Treasury Department.
"We're not as mean and nasty as you think we are. We understand your issues," she said in closing, "We are trying to be realistic and help you out."
FACE-TO-FACE
Brad Campbell, Deputy Asst. Secretary for Employee Benefits, U.S. Dept. of Labor
Brad Campbell showed some humor by saying that Association Health Plans (AHPs) reminded him of a Laurel and Hardy quote: "Well, here's another fine mess you've gotten me into."
However, Campbell said that AHPs are interesting and hopeful because they work within the current system. And with the passage of AHPs, "suddenly you now have a lot of options" for health care. He stated that AHPs will allow for one common plan across state lines, making non-union benefits more competitive with those offered by unions. He also declared that they are "very optimistic about [the passage of] AHPs this year."
Senator John Cornyn of Texas
"It's not really tort reform, but scandal reform," Cornyn said to the chuckling audience as he explained how negligent litigation is causing devastating economic losses. Also, the high price of malpractice insurance has had a negative effect on the quality of health care. He stated, "We need to rein in the lawsuit lottery that occurs across the nation."
On immigration concerns, Cornyn explained that there was a theory that any politician who touches Social Security reform kills their career. "I think that Social Security reform is a piece of cake compared to immigration reform" he joked.
On a more serious note, Cornyn explained how the U.S. needs to deal with its national security threat of "terrorists exploiting our lax borders," while balancing it with industry employment issues. "We need to deal with that in a realistic way." He understands that businesses like mason contractors create jobs and said that they want to remove the impediments so that businesses can do just that. He also stressed how imperative it is to provide a workforce for those businesses that need it.
Cornyn closed by saying, "There's a lot of work to do, and we look forward to working with you in taking care of the nation's business."
Congressman Eric Cantor (R-VA), Chief Deputy Majority Whip
Some readers may be wondering why meeting representatives in person is so important. With the advent of modern technology, national representatives can be contacted almost 24-7 by phone, e-mail and other quick and easy ways.
But unlike these, dare I say, overlooked forms of communication, there's nothing like a face-to-face meeting to break the monotony of a hectic schedule. A personal meeting in the flesh creates that much more of an impression, especially when there are dozens of masonry industry people sporting business attire standing at your office doorstep wishing to discuss pertinent national agendas.
While all of the participants could have easily e-mailed their congressman or telephoned their senator, the group's sheer size in-person made an indelible mark. Representatives recognized the effort that went into holding this Conference, the busy schedules that were put on hold to attend and, above all, the importance that the masonry industry places on the issues that matter to them.
"The MCAA Legislative Conference was a culmination of the Association's influence in Washington," said Michael Adelizzi, MCAA's Executive Director. "The members of Congress and key policymakers that our Government Affairs staff have been working with had the opportunity to put a face on our industry by meeting our members and chapter staff."
Senator John Corsyn of Texas