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ABC of Pennsylvania Releases Annual Government Affairs Report
Despite COVID-19, ABC was able to accomplish a great deal on behalf of our members last year. The government affairs team is pleased to provide an inaugural annual report on the legislative and political actions ABC conducted in 2020. Some highlights include:
BY: DAVID G. GREINEDER, IOM, ABC PENNSYLVANIA DIRECTOR OF GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS
The 2020 General Election is now behind us. Much like in 2016, the polls were wrong in many respects. In a year when Democrats were projected to win big, the “blue wave” flopped. Democratic operatives were looking to flip control of state legislatures to dictate redistricting processes next year. As it turns out, only two state legislative chambers changed control, both in New Hampshire, and both flipped from Democrat to Republican. Overall, Republicans outperformed expectations, gaining seats both in the U.S. Congress and in the Pennsylvania General Assembly.
Regarding the congressional delegation, all incumbents won their re-elections, keeping the numbers at nine Republicans to nine Democrats. At the state level, here is a breakdown on where things stand:
Thank you for your service and membership with ABC! It is safe to say the start of the new decade did not go as anyone intended. Our members continue to manage the effects of the pandemic and are concerned about business prospects in 2021. Despite these challenges, ABC chapters and members have been more active in our advocacy efforts than ever before. In fact, during and after the shutdown, our grassroots network grew by nearly 50 percent. Thank you!
Many of you have already performed your civic duty by casting your vote through the mail. For that, we thank you. Others are planning to vote in-person at the polls. We thank you in advance.
In the days that follow, ABC will communicate to members on those candidates that won their elections. We look forward to building upon our relationships and working closely with all elected officials on policy issues impacting the commercial construction industry.
ABC is committed to keeping you informed and connected to resources leading up to Election Day. Your voice and your vote matter!
We are less than one week from the Election Day. If you have not voted yet, we want to make sure you are connected to the resources and information you need to cast a ballot.
In even-numbered years, the five regional ABC chapters that make up “ABC Pennsylvania” go through a process to review and recommend candidates to support for office. As a service to our members, we posted the full list of those candidates we believe will defend free enterprise and the merit shop philosophy. View a complete list of endorsements.
ABC is committed to keep you informed and connected to resources leading up to Election Day. Your voice and your vote matters! If you are a new voter or unsure if you are registered to vote, you can check your voter registration status by clicking here. The last day to register to vote before the election is Monday, October 19. View helpful resources.
The political parties have officially nominated their candidates for President and Vice President of the United States. As part of that process, the Republicans and Democrats hold national conventions to conduct business and hear from prominent leaders. While one can argue we have been there for quite a while, we are now in the thick of election year politics, otherwise known as the “silly season.”
In the COVID-19-era, businesses are welcoming customers back into stores in accordance with state and federal guidelines. In the construction industry, jobsites have been operating since May under strict protocols and guidance. As the country navigates these uncharted waters, business owners are concerned about liability in the event a customer or employee contracts COVID-19.
In typical years, June is an active month, as Legislators put the final touches on a state budget and other agreed-to bills before recessing for the summer. While the state budget was – at least temporarily – completed before June, this month was extremely active from a political and legislative perspective – and we are only at the midway point! Here is a recap of two major happenings: