Public policy is not all about Washington which is why ISRI has a robust state policy program to support its chapters at their state capitals.
Anyone who thinks it's all about Washington is getting left behind because the states are where policy is being developed and implemented before Congress even knows what's happening.
And you do not need to take our word for it. Congressional Quarterly lays it out in its new analysis “Why State Legislation Matters.” For instance, the 113th Congress passed only 352 bills and resolutions in 2013 and 2014, according to CQ Roll Call data. In that same period, 45,564 bills and resolutions got approved by legislatures in all 50 states and Washington DC.
ISRI members in the states are facing similar legislative battles across the nation. While the approaches may differ, the commonality with all is that relationships with state policymakers and consistent advocacy is essential to protect your business and the industry. Things move fast in the states and there may not be time to slow down and stop a bad law from being enacted if the relationships are not already in place.
The ReMA state policy program is available to all members and works in coordination with the chapters to help unite our industry in the states. For information on how, contact Danielle Waterfield.