The Congressional recess drew to a close this week. As lawmakers returned to Capitol Hill Monday for a full legislation session, we checked in with the Society of American Florists’ senior directors of government relations, Lin Schmale and Correy Connors, to get the lobbyist perspective of what this means for the industry.
KH: What are some issues on legislators’ plates that have the biggest impact for those in the floral industry?
LS: The biggest issue that legislators should be looking at is the need to pass a budget (or continuing resolution) that will authorize government agencies to continue into the new fiscal year! The government’s fiscal year ends September 30, and we do NOT want another government shutdown!! The Floriculture & Nursery Research Initiative, the President’s request for additional funds to secure the border and deal with the young migrants, many of the important gains we made in the Farm Bill — it all hangs on the budget. And, of course, the stock market and the national economy are impacted as well!
The other big issue continues to be immigration reform.
CC: With the second round of enrollment set for November 15th, the ACA is getting considerable attention. For its part, SAF is leading a coalition of seasonal employers to try and simplify compliance for small employers. We also continue to provide assistance to industry businesses, large and small, that wish to better understand their options for securing health insurance for themselves, their spouses and dependent, as well as their employees.
KH: Given the escalating crisis with the Islamic state and the fast approaching election season, what is the likelihood that Congress will pay attention to small business and immigration issues?
LS: In terms of the national budget, it does look as if this Congress may summon up the will to get something passed — most likely a resolution continuing budgets at the 2014 levels.
However, there is not a chance that Congress is going to work on immigration reform before the elections, and neither will the Administration. It is sad. The failure to act is costing businesses, including floriculture businesses, money. Failure to act is costing local communities dollars that workers, if they were sure they could stay put and establish themselves and their families, would contribute. And failure to act is contributing to misery for migrant workers and all the young people, who thought they could cross the border to join their families, and now could face deportation.
KH: Are there ways that florists can use the election season to their advantage?
LS: Absolutely!Florists are business people. And they are voters. They are interested in our legislative process, as demonstrated by the enthusiasm we see every year for Congressional Action Days. Every single voice, every single vote, makes a difference. Look with a critical eye on what your own representatives have (or have not) gotten done on issues that you think are important. Are they spending all their time trying to get re-elected? Or are they out there working on issues that are important to your community and your business? Communicate (politely, of course) with them … and above all, vote! http://www.safnow.org/congressional-action-days
KH: What are some issues on legislators’ plates that have the biggest impact for those in the floral industry?
LS: The biggest issue that legislators should be looking at is the need to pass a budget (or continuing resolution) that will authorize government agencies to continue into the new fiscal year! The government’s fiscal year ends September 30, and we do NOT want another government shutdown!! The Floriculture & Nursery Research Initiative, the President’s request for additional funds to secure the border and deal with the young migrants, many of the important gains we made in the Farm Bill — it all hangs on the budget. And, of course, the stock market and the national economy are impacted as well!
The other big issue continues to be immigration reform.
CC: With the second round of enrollment set for November 15th, the ACA is getting considerable attention. For its part, SAF is leading a coalition of seasonal employers to try and simplify compliance for small employers. We also continue to provide assistance to industry businesses, large and small, that wish to better understand their options for securing health insurance for themselves, their spouses and dependent, as well as their employees.
KH: Given the escalating crisis with the Islamic state and the fast approaching election season, what is the likelihood that Congress will pay attention to small business and immigration issues?
LS: In terms of the national budget, it does look as if this Congress may summon up the will to get something passed — most likely a resolution continuing budgets at the 2014 levels.
However, there is not a chance that Congress is going to work on immigration reform before the elections, and neither will the Administration. It is sad. The failure to act is costing businesses, including floriculture businesses, money. Failure to act is costing local communities dollars that workers, if they were sure they could stay put and establish themselves and their families, would contribute. And failure to act is contributing to misery for migrant workers and all the young people, who thought they could cross the border to join their families, and now could face deportation.
KH: Are there ways that florists can use the election season to their advantage?
LS: Absolutely!Florists are business people. And they are voters. They are interested in our legislative process, as demonstrated by the enthusiasm we see every year for Congressional Action Days. Every single voice, every single vote, makes a difference. Look with a critical eye on what your own representatives have (or have not) gotten done on issues that you think are important. Are they spending all their time trying to get re-elected? Or are they out there working on issues that are important to your community and your business? Communicate (politely, of course) with them … and above all, vote! http://www.safnow.org/congressional-action-days