Masonry Magazine June 2010 Page. 12
GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS
Matthew B. Keelen and Michael J. Falencki
Legislative Conference
2010 Recap
This year's fly-in was a resounding success, and a big thank you is in order for those MCAA members who made the trip to Washington, D.C., for the May 5 and 6 trip. MCAA members met with more than 40 offices to discuss some of the most pressing industry issues: 3 percent withholding, estate tax, military construction, immigration reform, employee misclassification, and others. We also appreciate the support and participation of our industry colleagues, the National Concrete Masonry Association and the Building Stone Institute.
Highlighting our trip were the presentations of the first-ever MCAA Freedom and Prosperity Award. The MCAA created the award to provide specific recognition to members of Congress that have embraced the spirit of the award and led the legislative fight for MCAA priorities.
The award simply embodies the following: As an association of small businesses, MCAA is committed to protecting a favorable business climate in which our members can grow and prosper. American small business is one of the world's largest economies, with nearly six million small employers, 90 percent of which employ fewer than 20 people.
However, federal regulations and policies continue to assault the freedoms of the small business owner and threaten economic and job growth. Regulatory costs, tax complexity and compliance, and intrusive laws and mandates passed by Congress will discourage new small business creation and curtail job growth and economic opportunity.
The MCAA Freedom and Prosperity Award recognizes Members of Congress who have championed pro-small business policies supported by the MCAA. Recipients understand that MCAA member companies, free from regulatory burden, can focus on growing their businesses and providing jobs, which will strengthen the U.S. economy and allow everyone to prosper.
The 2010 MCAA Freedom and Prosperity Award recipients are: Congressman Chet Edwards (D-TX), Congressman Wally Herger (R-CA), Senator Ben Nelson (D-NE), Senator David Vitter (R-LA), and Senator John Thune (R-SD).
Coming off the battle of healthcare reform and stymied by financial services reform, Congress has not been active on many pressing issues early in 2010. However, the annual appropriations bills must be passed, as must be the defense bill. Immigration reform has garnered a lot of press, especially in light of the recent Arizona state law.
Norma Jean Bounds: Congressman Chet Edwards and MCAA President Mackie Bounds
Congressman Chet Edwards received the award, due to his leadership on and support for the use of increased life-cycle cost estimates in military construction contracts.
Paul Odom, P and S Masonry, Sen. David Vitter, and MCAA President Mackie Bounds
Senator David Vitter sits on the Senate Small Business Committee and is an original sponsor of S. 292, a bill to repeal the imposition of 3 percent withholding on certain payments made to vendors by government entities.