From June 19 to 20, 120 individuals gathered in Washington, D.C., for the 2018 Print and Packaging Legislative Summit, hosted by six printing and packaging associations. The annual event brings together printers, suppliers, legislative representatives and other interested parties to discuss current events in the manufacturing and printing industries, as well as the issues that pressure their communities.
The first day of the Summit held policy briefings on multiple topics, including recycling and environmental regulations, workforce development, healthcare reform for small businesses, paper advocacy, postal modernization and international trade and tariffs. Several speakers educated audiences on a range of issues and policies, including California’s Prop 65, modernizing NAFTA, the support of the Small Business Health Fairness Act and current environmental and recycling regulations.
Following the policy briefings, attendees joined keynote speaker Charlie Cook, Editor-in-Chief of the Cook Political Report, at an Industry Leadership Dinner sponsored by Packsize. Coo
On the second day, advocates visited over 70 congressional offices and spoke with staff about the issues that were impacting the industries. SGIA participated in meetings with Senator Chris Murphy (CT), Senator Richard Blumenthal (CT) and Representative Elizabeth Esty (CT-5). SGIA, with current Chairman of the Board of Directors, Ed Cook, introduced ideas such as the opposition of the aluminum tariff, and support for reauthorization of the Perkins Workforce Career and Technical Education Act.k gave a lively and invigorating speech on the upcoming 2018 midterm elections, and the possible impact of certain outcomes on our industry and many others.
Other associations focused on additional areas of concern, such as the modernization of the U.S. Postal Service, support for Export-Import Bank, Tax Reform 2.0, the Trade Promotion Authority and the Canadian groundwood paper tariff.
To show the legislative leaders appreciation from the printing industry, RICOH sponsored a congressional reception on the second night, and the National Association of Printing Ink Manufacturers sponsored a breakfast the following morning.
At these events, Friend of Print & Packaging Awards were presented to US Representatives and Senators who supported the industry and were dedicated to moving forward with legislation that would impact our businesses. Among those recognized were Representatives Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-8) and Gerry Connolly (VA-11) as well as Senators Tom Carper (DE), John Boozman (AR), Angus King (ME) and Heidi Heitkamp (ND).
The 2018 Print and Package Legislative Summit was a success, as coalitions and trade associations allied to fight for their issues and communicate with the policy makers of the United States. SGIA encourages organizations to continue to reach out their Representatives and Senators and to review their leave-behinds.
