Capitol Hill

The roofing industry continues to face many challenges from government policies that too often have adverse effects on employers. As NRCA works to protect the industry from intrusive regulation, the importance of ROOFPAC, NRCA's political action committee, has become greater than ever.

ROOFPAC is dedicated to supporting Congressional candidates who will help advance government policies that enable entrepreneurs in the roofing industry to successfully start and grow businesses. Given the expected continued growth of government regulation in the future, a strong ROOFPAC is crucial to NRCA's government relations activities in Washington, D.C.

What's at stake

Roofing contractors continue to face new requirements and taxes imposed by the federal government. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is moving forward with problematic regulations that increase contractors' costs while providing questionable workplace safety benefits. Higher taxes on businesses are being pushed by some in Congress to pay for expanded government programs. And the Department of Labor and National Labor Relations Board are expected to issue several regulations this year that will likely contain new, burdensome requirements for employers.

In addition to defending the industry against these and other harmful regulations, NRCA also is working proactively to support government policies that will enhance economic growth. These initiatives include tax reform that lowers tax rates on all employers, regulatory reform to provide more transparency and accountability within federal agencies, efforts to repeal the new health insurance tax on small businesses, and immigration reform that meets the industry's workforce needs.

ROOFPAC at work

To successfully advance initiatives of importance to the roofing industry, more lawmakers willing to work with NRCA regarding pro-growth policies and sensible regulations are needed in Washington. During the past two election cycles, ROOFPAC helped elect candidates with business experience to Congress, including former NRCA President Reid Ribble (R-Wis.).

ROOFPAC relies solely on voluntary personal contributions made by NRCA members pursuant to federal campaign finance law. ROOFPAC has supported hundreds of candidates for Congress since its inception in 1990 and has grown to where it now raises and disperses more than $300,000 per two-year election cycle. NRCA's strategic plan envisions growing ROOFPAC to $500,000 per cycle in the coming years, an ambitious objective. NRCA is moving forward to further expand member participation in ROOFPAC to enhance its clout in Washington.

There are numerous opportunities for NRCA members to support ROOFPAC. Most notable are events during NRCA's 127th Annual Convention and the 2014 International Roofing Expo® in Las Vegas this month. These include a welcome reception sponsored by ABC Supply Co. Inc., Beloit, Wis., Monday, Feb. 24, and a fun-filled golf tournament sponsored by Johns Manville, Denver, Tuesday, Feb. 25. Also, a widely anticipated silent auction sponsored by GAF, Wayne, N.J., will take place Wednesday, Feb. 26, and Thursday, Feb. 27.

But the best way to maximize support for ROOFPAC is to join NRCA's Political Insiders Council (PIC), ROOFPAC's major-donor program. The PIC is open to individuals who contribute $5,000—the maximum allowed by law—within a calendar year. PIC members enjoy complimentary admission to ROOFPAC events, special opportunities to meet members of Congress and other benefits throughout the year.

NRCA also is working to expand the ROOFPAC $1,000 Club, open to members who contribute $1,000 annually. Club members enjoy unique benefits in recognition for their strong support.

An important cause

The outcome of the 2014 midterm elections in November will be critically important for the roofing industry, and ROOFPAC is doing its part to support candidates who share NRCA's vision for enabling entrepreneurs to start and grow successful businesses. With so much at stake, we can't sit on the sidelines.

ROOFPAC is the voice of the roofing industry in Washington, and a strong ROOFPAC is critical to NRCA's efforts to influence government policies that directly affect its members' businesses. It is vitally important NRCA members support ROOFPAC on an annual basis.

To learn more about ROOFPAC, contact NRCA's Washington office at (800) 338-5765 or log on to www.nrca.net/roofing/ROOFPAC-622.

Duane L. Musser is NRCA's vice president of government relations.