Capitol Hill

Increased government regulation has been a major factor affecting NRCA members in recent years and is expected to continue to pose major challenges. As NRCA works to minimize intrusive regulations on its members, the importance of ROOFPAC, NRCA's political action committee, continues to grow.

ROOFPAC success

ROOFPAC is the only political action committee dedicated to supporting candidates for Congress who will work cooperatively with NRCA to advance the roofing industry's interests at the federal government level. ROOFPAC was successful in the 2014 midterm congressional elections, raising more than $350,000 for the purpose of supporting 63 candidates, 61 of which were elected. ROOFPAC was pleased to play a significant role in ushering in a new pro-business majority in the U.S. Senate, which will provide new opportunities to advance NRCA's policy agenda in 2015 and beyond.

More work to be done

Further strengthening ROOFPAC is crucial for NRCA members. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is moving forward with problematic regulations that increase contractors' costs and also create new hazards for workers in some instances. Higher taxes on businesses are being pushed by some in Congress to pay for new government spending. And the Department of Labor and National Labor Relations Board are expected to issue several new regulations in 2015 that likely will contain burdensome requirements for employers.

In addition to defending the industry against excessive regulations, NRCA is working to support government policies that will enhance economic growth. These initiatives include tax reform that lowers tax rates on all types of employers; regulatory reform to provide more transparency and accountability within federal agencies; efforts to repeal the new health insurance tax; and legislation designed to help contractors meet emerging workforce development needs.

NRCA is redoubling efforts to elect more lawmakers who support its government relations agenda. The key is strengthening ROOFPAC, which greatly enhances NRCA's efforts on Capitol Hill by contributing to political campaigns of candidates who support pro-growth economic policies.

Ways to contribute

ROOFPAC relies on voluntary personal contributions made by NRCA members. ROOFPAC has supported hundreds of candidates for Congress since its inception in 1990 and now raises more than $350,000 per two-year election cycle. NRCA hopes to further expand member participation in ROOFPAC to strengthen its efforts in Washington, D.C.

There are numerous opportunities for NRCA members to support ROOFPAC throughout the year. Most notable are several events during NRCA's 128th Annual Convention and the 2015 International Roofing Expo^® in New Orleans. These include the ROOFPAC Golf Tournament with grand patron sponsor Johns Manville, Denver, Feb. 23; ROOFPAC Silent Auction with platinum sponsor GAF, Wayne, N.J., to be held in ROOFPAC's Booth 2145 Feb. 24-25; and the ROOFPAC Creole Cocktail Reception, sponsored by ABC Supply Co. Inc., Beloit, Wis., from 7:30 to 10 p.m. Feb. 25 at Cure, a historical cocktail lounge in New Orleans. Strong member participation in these events is critical to ROOFPAC's success.

NRCA members interested in having the largest effect in supporting ROOFPAC should consider joining NRCA's prestigious Political Insiders Council (PIC). PIC is open to individuals who contribute $5,000 (the maximum allowed by law for a political action committee) within a calendar year. For their exceptional support, PIC members enjoy complimentary admission to all ROOFPAC events, opportunities to attend special events and meet members of Congress, and other benefits throughout the year.

Although PIC members have the maximum effect, NRCA encourages members to support ROOFPAC at whatever level is appropriate for them. Whether it is $25 or $5,000 or anything in between, NRCA encourages all members to invest in ROOFPAC at some level to benefit their businesses and the broader roofing industry.

An investment in the future

As we turn our focus to the 2016 elections, ROOFPAC plans to build on its success to maximize its influence on the policymaking process in Washington. Having a strong ROOFPAC capable of providing support to lawmakers who share NRCA's vision for government policies that enable entrepreneurs to start and grow successful businesses is vital if we are to affect the policymaking process.

To learn more about ROOFPAC, contact NRCA's Washington office at (800) 338-5765 or visit www.nrca.net and click on the Government Advocacy tab.

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