Washington Update
We’re already working on an aggressive program to introduce our industry to the 98 new Representatives and Senators that make up the new Congress. It is vital that each of them understands the important role our industry plays in local economies and the challenges that government often erects for small business, either knowingly or unknowingly.
On February 13, the House Committee on Small Business held a hearing on “The State of the Small Business Economy.” The purpose of the hearing was to review current economic indicators that measure the health of the economy, with a specific focus on access to capital. The hearing examined the general economic concerns that small business owners will face in the coming year. We used this hearing as an opportunity to provide the committee with information about our industry, specifically the impact of the recession and the tan tax.
We prepared a state-by-state chart which details indoor tanning business closures since the imposition of the Tan Tax (see page 48). Rep. Chris Collins (R-NY) included this chart in the official hearing record. Additionally, we provided each member of the committee with a fact sheet regarding the impact of the recession and the Tan Tax, specific to that Representative’s state.
Over the next few months, our goal is to continue to spread the word about the impact the recession and Tan Tax have had on the economy, and to build bi-partisan support for repealing the tax.
Political Action Committee
The ITA’s political action committee (ITA-PAC) has become one of our most important tools in Washington. In 2012, we contributed approximately $52,000 to Federal candidates in addition to the money contributed directly to the National party committees-totaling $30,000-by the industry. These are small amounts by most standards, but our efforts are growing each year.
As we began the new election cycle, ITA Political Action Committee Chairman, Marty Gallagher, (Suntan Supply) and PAC committee member Max Recone (MR International) were in Washington in early February to attend a fundraiser for the National Republican Senatorial Committee hosted by Akin Gump. The dinner included Senator Hatch (R-UT), ranking member on Senate Finance; Senator Jerry Moran (R-KS) NRSC Chairman, Appropriations Committee and Small Business Committee; Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) NRSC Finance Committee chair; Senator Kelly Ayotte (R-NH) Commerce Committee and Small Business Committee; Senator Mike Lee (R-UT ) and Senator Johnny Isakson (R-GA). This small gathering was an excellent opportunity to introduce our industry and further our Washington efforts. At this event, Akin Gump raised $300,000 for the NRSC.
The PAC is overseen by a committee that includes industry leaders from every sector, and it is a critical component of the ITA’s strategic initiatives. In addition to Marty and Max, Rob Quinn, (TanPro), Lewis Henry (Devoted Creations) and Ed Jerger (Four Seasons Sales & Service) serve on the committee to make sure the money is spent wisely. The entire industry reaps the benefits from the work of PAC, but unfortunately, you have to be an ITA member to contribute.
For more info about how to become an ITA member, please call 202.367.1142 or email admin@theita.com.
