Capitol Hill

As NRCA members know, the effects of government policies on the roofing industry are more pervasive than ever, and many political insiders expect the trend to continue. As NRCA works to advocate for government policies that enable its members to grow their businesses, the importance of ROOFPAC, NRCA's political action committee, also continues to grow.

ROOFPAC basics

ROOFPAC is the only political action committee dedicated solely to advancing the interests of the roofing industry in Washington, D.C. As such, it is crucial NRCA members become involved with ROOFPAC at some level to maximize its effects on the federal policymaking process.

NRCA uses personal funds donated by members to support candidates for Congress who share NRCA's vision of government policies that will benefit the roofing industry.

During the 2013-14 election cycle, ROOFPAC raised more than $360,000 in contributions from members for the purpose of supporting candidates' election campaigns. ROOFPAC was successful in 2014 with 61 of the 63 ROOFPAC-supported candidates winning their races. Providing support to candidates enables NRCA to develop new relationships with lawmakers.

As we enter another major election year, further strengthening ROOFPAC is crucial as contractors continue to face new regulations and taxes imposed by the federal government. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration continues moving forward with problematic regulations that increase contractors' costs and paradoxically create new safety hazards for workers in some instances. And the agency's fine structure has been reworked to allow the agency to assess heftier fines. Higher taxes on businesses continue to be advocated by some in Congress to pay for new government spending. And federal agencies are expected to issue several regulations in 2016 that likely will contain new, 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 businesses, regulatory reform that provides relief from new regulations and legislation to help contractors meet emerging workforce development needs.

How to help

There are numerous opportunities for NRCA members to support ROOFPAC throughout the year.

This month, ROOFPAC will host several events during NRCA's 129th Annual Convention and the 2016 International Roofing Expo® (IRE) in Orlando, Fla. These include the ROOFPAC Golf Tournament with grand patron sponsor Johns Manville, Denver, Feb. 16; ROOFPAC Silent Auction with platinum sponsor GAF, Parsippany, N.J., to be held in the ROOFPAC booth No. 932 Feb. 17-18; and ROOFPAC Cocktail Reception sponsored by ABC Supply Co. Inc., Beloit, Wis., Feb. 18 at the Red Coconut Club at Universal Studios.

I encourage NRCA members who attend IRE to participate in at least one of these fun-filled ROOFPAC events. Even those who are not attending can participate in the ROOFPAC Silent Auction, which now has online bidding. For more information and to register, go to www.nrca.net/roofpac-2016.

Beyond IRE, NRCA members should support ROOFPAC in whatever amount fits their budget. ROOFPAC accepts any contribution between $5 and $5,000 in personal funds.

NRCA members who want to have the maximum effect in support of NRCA's government relations agenda should consider joining the Political Insiders Council (PIC), ROOFPAC's major-donor program. PIC is open to individuals who contribute $5,000—the maximum allowed by law for a political action committee. PIC members enjoy complimentary admission to ROOFPAC events and other benefits throughout the year.

Another option is the Capitol Hill Club, which is open to members who contribute $1,000 annually. Capitol Hill Club members also enjoy unique benefits in recognition for their support.

A good cause

The outcome of the 2016 elections significantly will affect all roofing professionals. As the elections rapidly approach, I urge all members to support ROOFPAC throughout the year. Having a strong ROOFPAC capable of providing support to lawmakers who share NRCA's vision is vital to ensuring the roofing industry's voice is heard in the nation's capital.

To learn more about ROOFPAC, contact NRCA's Washington, D.C., office at (800) 338-5765 or visit www.nrca.net/roofpac-2016.

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