On February 5th, 2015 SSDA-AT members gathered in Washington, D.C. to discuss transportation funding proposals with members of Congress and their staffs. The timing could not have been better with the president proposing his budget, highway funding scheduled to run out in a few months, and a new Congress.

Those who attended gathered as a group in the Caucus Room of the Cannon House office building where they were briefed for the day and updated on current status of the Highway Trust Fund.

Former Congressman Al Wynn then spoke on the importance of members coming to Capitol Hill. The crowd was then briefed by two members of the National Republican Senatorial Committee on the goals of the party, the results of the most recent election, initiatives of the party, and looking forward to 2016. A member of the Small Business Legislative Council then gave an updated on tax reform and tax extenders which lead to an outburst of questions from the audience.

We then reviewed the funding options for a long-term transportation bill and reviewed some of proposals being aimed at the tire industry which includes: increasing the motor fuel tax by $.15-$2.00 per gallon, reinstating the Federal Excise Tax on passenger tires, increasing the Federal Excise Tax on truck tires by 10%, reinstating the Federal Excise Tax by $.05-$.15 per pound on tread rubber used in the retread process, increasing the Federal Excise Tax on trucks and truck parts by 10%, and dozens of others. Congressman John Delaney (D-MD) then took the floor and shared his proposal for funding transportation in a way that would not place harmful taxes on our industry.

Democratic Whip Steny Hoyer then shared his thoughts with SSDA-AT members about the importance of funding a long-term bill and the need for the United States to improve its transportation system.

Others took part in one-on-one robin educational and introductory sessions with key Hill staffers from the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee and the House Ways & Means Committee in the Rayburn Gold Room.

By the end of the day, SSDA-AT members collectively made contact with 22 Congressional offices, sharing our views, positions, and concerns.

The evening concluded with a reception in the Capitol Foyer of the Rayburn building, where SSDA-AT, in conjunction with other automotive related groups, hosted members from the 114th Congress and their staff.

With so many small business issues on the table for 2015, it was important to share our positions with members of Congress. A big thank you to all those who attended, together we made a difference.