Death Tax Repeal Act

Many family buesinesses must keep inventories valued in the millions to service customers. This inventory often accounts for a vast majority of the family's assets. When the owner of the business dies, the family may be forced into selling equipment or liquidating the entire business in order to raise the cash for the estate tax. Selling the business to pay the estate tax bill could mean selling at a deep discount to find potential buyers. On March 9, 2021, ASA joined coalition partners in supporting the Death Tax Repeal Act, introduced by Senator John Thune (R-SD) and Congressman Jason Smith (R-MO-8), a bill that will permanently repeal the federal estate tax and generation skipping tax.
 

Infrastructure

When thinking about infrastructure, most people think of roads and transportation.  However, buildings are an important and essential part of infrastructure as well.  This also includes the essential systems that go into buildings, such as plumbing and HVAC.

On May 1, 2020, ASA signed onto a statement by The Clean Water Council to Senate Environmental and Public Works Committee, urging increased funding for America’s underground water infrastructure through the America’s Water Infrastructure Act of 2020 (AWIA) and the Drinking Water Infrastructure Act of 2020 (DWIA) and State Revolving Funds (SRF).

On June 30, 2020 ASA again joined other organizations in sending a letter to House and Senate Leadership urging them to pass the Surface Transportation Reauthorization before the September 30, 2020 deadline, as well as making a robust investment in our nation’s infrastructure system, so that it can aid in the recovery and renewal of our country. 

On October 23, 2020 the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) issued $40 million in state grant funding related to lead in drinking water. The state grants will assist state and municipalities in two critical areas: eliminated lead piping in their distribution systems; and helping schools and day care centers determine if they have lead in their drinking water and eliminating any part of the system contributing lead to the drinking water system. To find out more about the grants and how you can get involved read more.
 

Marketplace Fairness – South Dakota v. Wayfair Guidance

 This landmark case was a win for brick and mortar businesses. In a 5-4 decision by the Supreme Court, states may now charge sales tax to out of state businesses. Even without a physical presence in the state. However, Congress has still not implemented any type of guidance for companies selling out of state. If you are still looking for guidance on this issue, see a state by state chart and analysis of the sales tax rules or contact Stephen Rossi at srossi@asa.net or (630) 467-0000  ext. 227.
 

Transportation – The DRIVE–Safe Act

Transportation is a critical issue for ASA members.  While there are several reasons that transportation issues have effected many businesses nationally, the availability of qualified truck drivers has plagued almost every industry across the country.  The DRIVE-Safe Act would allow qualified drivers that are 18 to 21 years old, to drive both intrastate and interstate, provided that they complete an additional 400 hours of training.  This result of this legislation would create more well-paying, truck driving jobs and help alleviate the transportation challenges ASA members in the PCPH and PVF industries are currently facing. 

The DRIVE-Safe Act is currently being considered by Congress. Do not miss this opportunity to have your voice heard. Please go to the ASA Grassroots Page and contact your Senators and Representatives to encourage them to support this crucial legislation.
 

Workforce Development

ASA strongly supports more investment in applied technology training, in order to return craft education to our schools and to encourage the next generation to join our workforce.
The Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act was signed by President Trump on July 31, 2018.  This act reforms and reauthorizes the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act and authorizes $1.3 billion for career and technical education through FY2024.
 

Opposition to the PRO Act

On March 9, 2021, the House passed H.R. 842, the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act. These provisions include, but are not limited to, codifying the joint- employer standard into law, banning right-to-work laws, forcing union representation without an election and undermining independent contractor status.

The PRO Act negatively effects employee rights and ignores the consequences of making radical changes to well established law.  Unfortunately, this legislation erodes the rights of workers that it professes to help.  The legislation is now with the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee.
 

Decarbonization and Green House Gas Reduction Programs

ASA supports programs intended to reduce Green House Gas (GHG) emissions and allow for a smooth transition to cleaner energy; however, we do not support electric-only policies. ASA has developed a Position Statement on this issue and a one-page infographic.