2024 Advocacy Wrap-Up
by Stephanie Buka, Government Affairs Coordinator Nov 27, 2024

PRINTING United Alliance's Government Affairs team had a productive year, advocating on several fronts to protect and advance the interests of the printing industry in the U.S. Here are the highlights of the team’s efforts: 

Economic Contributions 

The printing industry’s role as a major economic driver was emphasized in advocacy campaigns. Contributing over $100 billion annually and employing 380,000 workers, the industry’s ties to the consumer packaged goods (CPG) sector further underscore its importance, with the latter adding $2.5 trillion to GDP and over 22 million jobs. Advocacy has emphasized these contributions to secure supportive policies from Congress and the administration. 

Tax Policy 

The Alliance prioritized securing long-term tax benefits for small businesses. Key initiatives included: 

  • Advocating for the Main Street Tax Certainty Act to make Section 199A permanent, allowing pass-through businesses to deduct up to 20% of qualifying income, currently set to expire in 2025. You can ask Congress to pass this bill with all due speed; take action here.

  • Supporting the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act, which aims to restore immediate expensing for domestic R&D, enhanced interest deductibility on business loans, and 100% accelerated depreciation for capital investments. 

  • Preserving the Advertising Tax Deduction for business-related advertising expenses, vital for the printing sector’s stability and growth.

  • Advocating for the Death Tax Repeal Act to ensure that relatives can easily retain ownership of a family business when the owner dies or retires. 

Regulatory Reform 

The Alliance continued its work with the Manufacturers for Sensible Regulations Coalition (MFSR), opposing burdensome regulations while promoting policies that ensure long-term investment and job creation. The Alliance recently joined a MFSR coalition letter urging President-elect Trump and his transition team to take immediate action on manufacturing-critical regulations in the energy, environment, labor, finance, and technology spaces. The Alliance will continue to advocate for commonsense regulatory reforms that allow domestic manufacturing to grow and enhance U.S. competitiveness in the global marketplace. 

Postal Policy 

The Alliance collaborated with Keep US Posted and the Coalition for a 21st Century Postal Service to counter unprecedented U.S. Postal Service (USPS) rate hikes. Thanks to our combined advocacy efforts and pressure from legislators, USPS announced that they would forego a stamp price increase in January 2025. The Alliance is also supporting the USPS SERVES US Act to enhance USPS accountability, limit stamp increases, and promote financial stability. To lend your support and encourage members of Congress to co-sponsor the bill, take action here.

Environmental Policy 

The Alliance successfully opposed the Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act in New York, which would have imposed a ban on carbon black, which is found in black printing inks. This marked a significant legislative win for the printing industry in 2024. The Alliance is currently lobbying for the defeat of a similar extended producer responsibility (EPR) bill in New Jersey. We need your support to oppose the NJ bill, take action here.  

Trade and Tariff Issues 

Despite strong opposition, the U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) imposed duties on aluminum lithographic printing plates from China and Japan, effective November 22, 2024. The Alliance, in conjunction with the News Media Alliance, Tariff Reform Coalition, and Americans for Free Trade, will continue to unite against tariffs which raise costs for consumers and hurt American businesses of all sizes. 

Consumer Choice of Print 

The Improving Disclosure for Investors Act (S. 3815) would change the law to allow investment firms to default investors to e-delivery, instead of the current default of paper delivery of important regulatory documents. The Alliance opposes the legislation which would significantly reduce effective disclosure for investors – especially for older investors and investors living in rural areas. We encourage you to take action by sending a pre-written message to your Senators asking them to vote no to S. 3815.

Looking Ahead 

Thank you for your commitment to advocacy in 2024. Your support was instrumental in shaping legislative policy to protect and promote the printing industry. We eagerly anticipate collaborating with the new Congress and administration in 2025 to continue advancing policies that foster growth and innovation. Together, we can ensure the printing industry’s long-term success and resilience. 

For detailed updates, visit the Advocacy Center. 

In this article, Stephanie Buka, Government Affairs Coordinator, PRINTING United Alliance, covers the Government Affairs team's 2024 advocacy efforts. More information can be found at Business Excellence-Legislation or reach out to Steph should you have additional questions specific to how these issues may affect your business: sbuka@printing.org.   

To become a member of the Alliance and learn more about how our subject matter experts can assist your company with services and resources such as those mentioned in this article, please contact the Alliance membership team: 888-385-3588 / membership@printing.org.     


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Stephanie Buka Government Affairs Coordinator
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Stephanie Buka is the Government Affairs Coordinator for PRINTING United Alliance. In this role, she supports Ford Bowers, CEO, the Government Affairs team, and coordinates efforts with lobbying firm, ACG Advocacy. She manages all aspects of grassroots advocacy campaigns, including facilitating timely call-to-action alerts and updates to The Advocacy Center on key federal and state legislative issues. As a member of the Office of Corporate Communications, Buka manages the content and audience building responsibilities for the Government Affairs team. She is also responsible for the administration of the Alliance's political action committee, PrintPAC.

Prior to joining the Alliance, Buka served as a senior legislative researcher, and later as a constituent services coordinator, for the 15-member legislative body representing 1.3 million residents of Allegheny County, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. In addition to drafting legislation and addressing constituent concerns, Buka cultivated strong relationships with appointed and elected officials at the local, state, and federal levels of government.

Buka holds a master’s degree in Public Policy and Management from the University of Pittsburgh, Graduate School of Public and International Affairs (GSPIA). She also earned a master's degree in Criminology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, along with a Certificate in Forensic Science and Law from Duquesne University.

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