Executive Interview: MEMA Leaders Discuss the Supplier’s Impact on Capital Hill
During last month’s MEMA Legislative Summit, Counterman Managing Editor Michael Freeze spoke with the people behind the association’s lobbying event: Ann Wilson, vice president of government affairs for the Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA); Robert “Bob” McKenna, president and CEO of MEMA; and Steve Handschuh, executive director for the Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA). Taking time out from their busy schedules while at the Summit, the three discussed the importance of meeting with Congress, the issues affecting the aftermarket industry and the growing influence of the industry in Washington, D.C.
‘Right to Repair’ Act Gains 10 More Supporters
Kathleen Schmatz, president and CEO of the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) announced that congressional support for the Motor Vehicle Owners’ Right to Repair Act (H.R. 2048) has reached 61 co-sponsors. The proposed legislation gained 10 new co-sponsors in recent weeks.
Congress Is Looking Out For Tomorrow’s Technicians
When it comes to leaving “no potential tech left behind,” Congress has come through. In its vote on H.R. 366, the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Technical Education Act, the Republican-led House rejected one of President Bush’s budget proposals that would have killed funding for the vocational funding program. The House voted Wednesday 416-9 to approve spending $1.3 billion for the Perkins Act in the fiscal year beginning Oct. 1, renewing it until 2011. The measure also outlined changes in the popular program for the first time since 1998.
MEMA’s Legislative Summit to Take Place in June
Spaces are filling up quickly for MEMA’s second annual Legislative Summit taking place Wednesday and Thursday, June 8-9, in Washington, D.C. Automotive and heavy duty suppliers are encouraged to take advantage of this unique opportunity to mingle with members of Congress and discuss a range of important issues, including the rising costs of steel and other raw materials, pension and health care reform.
Congressman Barton Predicts Right to Repair Act Passage This Year
Rep. Joe Barton, R-Texas, was strongly optimistic in predicting passage this year of the Motor Vehicle Owners’ Right to Repair Act legislation that he will re-introduce to the 109th Congress during remarks to more than 250 attendees at the Aftermarket Legislative Summit last week.
Congressman Barton Predicts Right to Repair Act Passage This Year
Rep. Joe Barton, R-Texas, was strongly optimistic in predicting passage this year of the Motor Vehicle Owners’ Right to Repair Act legislation that he will re-introduce to the 109th Congress during remarks to more than 250 attendees at the Aftermarket Legislative Summit last week.
AAIA Member to Testify on Right to Repair Act
A congressional hearing for the Motor Vehicle Owners’ Right to Repair Act (H.R. 2735) has been set for Wednesday, Sept. 22. Lynne Cardwell, CEO of Car Care Center in Sacramento, Calif., will be testifying on behalf of AAIA.
AAIA Hosts District Meeting With Md. Rep. Van Hollen
On Friday, Jan. 30, AAIA played host to U.S. Rep. Christopher Van Hollen (D-Md.). Like all in-district congressional meetings, this event was designed to educate the congressman about the size, scope and importance of the aftermarket — nationally, in Maryland, as well as in his home district. Nearly half of AAIA’s staff resides in Van Hollen’s 8th district and the association headquarters office is located in the district.