Congress’s August recess has arrived, and the National Lumber and Building Material Dealers Association is urging members to meet with their representatives and discuss legislation.
Over the five-week break, the NLBMDA is encouraging action in four areas: Federal Forest Management, Taller Wood Buildings, Estate Tax Repeal, and Preservation of the Mortgage Interest Deduction. In the last few months, Congress introduced bills regarding the first two areas: the Resilient Federal Forest Act and the Timber Innovation Act.
Here are some of the ways in which NLBMDA is telling members to take action:
1. Invite your Representatives and Senators to your lumber yard. Show them what your operation entails, how your company operates, and what your employees do on a daily basis. Yard tours are a great way for lawmakers to meet you and your employees, hear about your company’s success and see first-hand how their votes impact your business.
2. Meet with your elected officials and their staff at a local office so that you can discuss the legislative priorities with them face to face. You can look up your elected officials at NLBMDA’s Legislative Action Center.
3. Attend a town hall or other local events hosted by a member of Congress. These meetings may not be heavily attended and are another way for you to speak with your elected officials.
4. If you attended NLBMDA’s Spring Meeting and Legislative Conference in late March, follow-up with staff back in the state or district.
