ECA Advocacy Update: August 30, 2024
1. ECA Advocacy Network launches 🚀 |
This week, ECA launched the ECA Advocacy Network, our new one-stop digital advocacy platform.
Why it matters: The ECA Advocacy Network is the home for ECA’s advocacy programs where anyone can take action on behalf of the industry from anywhere:
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- ECA Action Center, which allows anyone in the industry to contact their members of Congress and other elected officials about ECA’s public policy priorities directly from the ECA website with just a few clicks.
- Social Influencer Program, which encourages people who sign up to engage on social media to educate their network, the general public, and policymakers on ECA’s top issues and important advocacy opportunities.
- Show Floor Program, which brings policymakers to trade shows and conferences across the United States to show them first-hand how our industry operates and the direct impact we have in their backyards.
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Our view: “These new programs and tools will let anyone who wants to advocate on behalf of the industry to get involved wherever they are: at home, in the office, or even on the show floor,” said Tommy Goodwin, ECA’s vice president.
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- Thank you to Austin O'Boyle, Vice President of Advocacy for Aristotle International, for leading the development of the ECA Advocacy Network!
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2. State digital ad tax proposals defeated |
Two misguided proposals that would have taxed digital advertising services were beaten back in Nebraska and California this month.
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- In Nebraska, Gov. Jim Pillen's comprehensive tax reform proposal, which included a 7.5% tax on digital advertising, was overwhelmingly rejected by the Nebraska legislature.
- In California, legislation proposing a 7.25% tax on digital ads to fund local journalism initiatives was passed over when Google and other tech companies committed $250 million to a new state journalism fund.
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ECA worked with with our Ad Tax Coalition partners on the ground in Nebraska and California to help defeat both proposals.
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- We oppose any state digital advertising tax. Why? They unfairly target advertisers like business event organizers and are likely unconstitutional.
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What's next? Stay tuned for more federal tax-related updates in the next ECA Advocacy Update.
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3. ECA hosts California forklift webinar |
- In 2026, sales of LSI forklifts in the Golden State will be banned.
- From 2028 through 2038, operation of LSI forklifts will be phased out on the following timetable:
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The webinar replay can be viewed on demand here.
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- Special thanks to Chris Schimek from Freeman and Rip Rippetoe from the San Diego Convention Center Corporation for being part of the webinar!
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In related news, the Western Propane Gas Association sued CARB last week over this new regulation. ECA is monitoring this legal challenge and will keep the business events community informed.
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- Kai Hattendorf, UFI chief executive officer, announced that he will depart the association at the end of 2024. Congratulations on 10 successful years, Kai!
- ECA's testimony in support of the Education and Workforce Freedom Act was highlighted by the House of Representatives Ways & Means Committee.
- EXHIBITOR's Emily Olsen wrote about her experience on Capitol Hill as part of ECA Legislative Action Day. Thank you for advocating, Emily!
- ECA's Tommy Goodwin spoke about potential tax policy changes at the SISO Leadership Conference in Philadelphia.
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ECA Advocacy Update is ECA's biweekly newsletter with public policy updates impacting the business events industry.
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