With the presidential inauguration of Donald Trump and Republican control of Congress, the U.S. has entered a new political era that presents NRCA with significant opportunities to advance its members' and the roofing industry's policy agenda. To capitalize on these opportunities, it is critical NRCA's message be heard clearly by policymakers in Washington, D.C.
In this context, the importance of ROOFPAC, NRCA's political action committee, continues to grow. ROOFPAC is the only political action committee dedicated to advancing the interests of the roofing industry at the federal level and acts as the voice of NRCA members and the roofing industry in the nation's capital.
ROOFPAC's goals
ROOFPAC's activities greatly strengthen NRCA's efforts to proactively advance government policies that enable roofing industry companies to successfully grow their businesses. These initiatives include tax reform that lowers tax rates for all employers, regulatory reform that provides relief from burdensome regulations and prevents the onslaught of new rules, and legislation designed to help contractors meet their companies' workforce development needs.
In addition, ROOFPAC has supported hundreds of candidates for Congress since its inception in 1990 and grown to raise more than $400,000 per two-year election cycle. ROOFPAC was influential in the 2016 congressional elections, contributing to candidates who support pro-growth economic policies. Nearly 90 percent of the candidates supported by ROOFPAC were elected; moreover, ROOFPAC played a significant role in maintaining a pro-business majority in Congress. As our new tagline states: "ROOFPAC is winning for you in Washington, D.C.!"
More opportunities
NRCA is moving forward to further expand member participation in ROOFPAC to strengthen its efforts to make a difference for the roofing industry in Washington, D.C. There are numerous opportunities for NRCA members and other roofing professionals to support ROOFPAC throughout the year. Most notable are several events held during NRCA's 130th Annual Convention and the 2017 International Roofing Expo® (IRE) in Las Vegas Feb. 27-March 3. The events include the following:
I encourage all NRCA convention and IRE attendees to participate in one or more of these fun-filled opportunities to network with industry colleagues while investing in a cause that helps protect their businesses. Strong participation in these events is critical to ROOFPAC's success in 2017 and beyond.
What's ahead
As we turn our focus to the 2018 midterm congressional elections, ROOFPAC plans to build on its success in 2016 to maximize NRCA's influence on the policymaking process in Washington, D.C. Having a strong ROOFPAC capable of providing support to lawmakers who share NRCA's vision for policies that enable companies to grow their businesses is vital if ROOFPAC is to continue to be successful.
NRCA is exploring innovative opportunities that will enable more members and other roofing professionals to become involved with ROOFPAC, as well as strategies to expand our grassroots advocacy efforts. In January, we launched our new grassroots advocacy website, www.roofingadvocacy.nrca.net, which will help us connect with roofing professionals more efficiently regarding important legislation.
Get involved
All NRCA members should be invested in ROOFPAC at some level to ensure the voice of the roofing industry is heard in Washington, D.C. If each NRCA member contributes $50 to ROOFPAC per year, it would greatly strengthen NRCA's advocacy programs.
To learn more about ROOFPAC and the IRE events, contact NRCA's Washington, D.C., office at (800) 338-5765 or visit www.nrca.net/roofing/ROOFPAC-622.
Duane L. Musser is NRCA's vice president of government relations.
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