The National Limousine Association (NLA) – an organization responsible for and dedicated to representing the interests of the chauffeured transportation industry at the global, national, state and local levels – held its advocacy event in Washington, D.C., last week.
Meeting with over 90 members of Congress representing 24 states, the association and 53 of its members discussed issues and policy impacting the small business owners throughout the industry, as well as the interests of the corporate traveler.
The NLA met with U.S. Reps. Maria Elvira Salazar, R-Fla., and Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, D-Fla.
Florida companies in attendance included American Transportation, based out of Miami, and A1A Airport & Limousine Service, which is based in Boca Raton.
“Advocacy has been the cornerstone of the NLA for over two decades,” said NLA President Robert Alexander. “It was a privilege to unite with my fellow members this week for the association’s 23rd Day on the Hill, one of our most well-attended advocacy events to date. We were grateful for the opportunity to speak with elected officials and have our voices heard on critical issues that affect the small businesses in the chauffeured transportation industry. Thank you to the numerous policymakers who took the time to meet with us and engage in a productive dialogue around congestion taxes in New York and cities across the country; fair treatment at the airport curb in the upcoming FAA Reauthorization; and fixes to tax policy and administration that harm small businesses.”
The NLA members heard from U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer, D-NJ, co-chair of the bipartisan Congressional Anti-Congestion Tax Caucus and Problem Solvers Caucus. He discussed his concerns over the tax and how it would not actually reduce congestion; it would merely move more pollution to outer boroughs heavily populated by minorities and lower income families. Gottheimer said congestion pricing would devastate critically important sectors like the limo industry and expressed his commitment to fighting against it and working with the caucus to do everything he can.
Association members also participated in numerous educational sessions on the industry’s most pressing policy issues as well as best practices on how to effectively lobby Congress. Last week the NLA heard from U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, R-Penn., a co-chair of the Problem Solvers Caucus, who gave a speech and engaged with members about the industry’s key policy issues and concerns.
Fifty-three NLA members met with over 90 local senators, representatives and their key staff members. The association urged members of Congress to cosponsor H.R. 1759, the Economic Impact of Tolling Act, to prevent the Department of Transportation from authorizing congestion pricing plans without first completing and publishing an economic impact analysis. Additional requests included incorporating new grant assurances into the upcoming FAA Reauthorization to apply principles of fairness on the curb side of the airport; urging the International Revenue Service Administrator to take immediate corrective action and prioritize Employee Retention Tax Credit processing; and restoring 100 percent bonus depreciation for the 2023 tax-year and beyond.
Author
