The National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (NSSGA) opens its annual Legislative & Policy Forum (LPF) today in the nation’s capital.
Over four days, NSSGA says more than 375 attendees will convene in Washington to share the aggregate industry’s story with lawmakers.
This year’s LPF includes keynotes from David Kearby of TRIP, a national transportation research nonprofit, and political analyst Chris Stirewalt. The NSSGA Awards of Excellence ceremonies and various committee meetings are included in the LPF, as well.
NSSGA once again partnered this year with the National Asphalt Pavement Association (NAPA) and the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association (NRMCA) to host a joint Hill Day to advocate for the industries’ shared priorities.
“The relationship building we do in Washington is critical for our industry,” says Michael Johnson, president and CEO of NSSGA. “Educating policymakers now about our members and their priorities will enable us to hit the ground running to achieve legislative success, as the 119th Congress begins next year.”
Additionally, political strategist Karl Rove – the former deputy chief of staff to President George W. Bush – will keynote NSSGA’s joint Hill Day breakfast on Sept. 26. The meeting will also feature a joint political action committee event.
“Tax reform and highway trust fund solvency are major issues that will need to be addressed by the next Congress,” says Jim Nickolas, executive vice president and CFO at Martin Marietta who currently serves as NSSGA board chair. “The Legislative & Policy Forum is the time for NSSGA members to share our position on these issues and establish ourselves as a valuable resource for lawmakers in Washington.”
In addition to advocating for tax reform that promotes innovation and addresses highway trust fund solvency, NSSGA, NAPA and NRMCA intend to focus on policy priorities such as maintaining material neutrality, implementing the industry’s Buy America exclusion and preventing unnecessary workforce standards.
