Numbers to Remember
Ann Wilson, MEMA
With the 2012 elections around the corner, there is widespread political tension in Washington, D.C., and throughout the country. This tension makes it even more important that suppliers continue to press their views on key issues. But, why should you as a member of OESA be concerned? Just focus on these five numbers:
685,000 . . . 49 . . . 4 . . . 65% . . . 5 . . .
685,000 – Manufacturing Jobs Matter!
Motor vehicle parts manufacturers directly employ well over 600,000 individuals in the United States. This makes the supplier community the largest manufacturing employer in the country. Make no mistake about it – these jobs matter.
On behalf of OESA members and the other MEMA-affiliated associations, MEMA promotes pro-manufacturing, pro-supplier policies. For example, MEMA has:
- Strongly opposed the Obama administration’s overreach with labor regulations
- Worked with other manufacturers to lessen the impact on mandated reporting regulations on conflict minerals
- Supported legislation to wind back restrictive and unnecessary EPA regulations
- Supported free trade agreements with Colombia, South Korea and Panama
- Pushed for investment and tax policies that promote manufacturing in the United States
49 – The U.S. House of Representatives
Republicans have a 49-seat majority in the House and it seems highly unlikely that the Democrats will return to control in 2012. Yet, especially with redistricting, these races will be fought on a local level, and it is too early to determine the outcome of next year’s election. Whether the House is controlled by Republicans or Democrats, the industry needs leaders that understand the needs of manufacturers, especially parts suppliers.
4 – The U.S. Senate
Currently, the Democrats have a four-seat majority in the U.S. Senate. For the 2012 elections, there are 31 Senate seats up for election in 2012 and the Democrats have to protect 21 of those seats. The Republicans have less than half that number (10) to defend. In 2013, chances of a Republican majority in the U.S. Senate are good. The Senate has been the stumbling block for much of the pro-manufacturing legislation that has passed the Republican-controlled House. If the House and the Senate are controlled by Republicans, it is much more likely that pro-manufacturing legislation will become law.
65% – Your Effectiveness on Capitol Hill
MEMA carefully tracks who listens to the supplier message on the Hill. This year, MEMA has found a 65 percent open rate for its communications to Capitol Hill. These communications have included messages opposing the overreach of the NLRB and Department of Labor, supporting limitations on efforts by EPA to over-regulate manufacturers and support for free trade.
5 – Actions OESA Members Should Take
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1) Look for and complete the annual Priority Issue Survey which will be e-mailed to all OESA members in mid-November
2) Participate in the Government Affairs Committee and the Regulatory Affairs Committee – the next meeting for each is Dec. 7, 2011, in the Detroit area
3) Come to Washington for the annual Legislative Summit on Feb. 29 – March 1, 2012
4) Learn more about how to get involved with MEMA PAC
5) Connect with MEMA D.C. staff directly, on any issue, at any time
MEMA’s Washington office is here to work with you to help represent this great industry – let’s get to work!
Ann Wilson may be contacted at 202.312.9246 or awilson@mema.org.