Masonry Magazine February 1988 Page. 17
Government Relations and the Mason Contractor
A Guide To Effectiveness In Washington And In Your State Capital
The Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA) is no stranger to Washington. Since the organization's inception, its staff, officers and many of its members have spent a great deal of time in the nation's capitol and working with other organizations to help influence legislation to help our industry.
Traditionally, this time has been spent mostly on matters that may be generally described as labor-management affairs. They have involved meeting and consulting with Department of Labor officials, the National Labor Relations Board, the International Union, and from time to time with Department of Energy and the National Bureau of Standards.
In the last half-dozen years, however, this traditional preoccupation with labor-management matters has been becoming broader so that it now encompasses many other issues of importance to mason contractors.
MCAA is also a member of the Associated Specialty Contractors (ASC), a consortium of industry trade associations. ASC recently retained the services of Joanne Oxley to direct the governmental relations for the nine trade association members. Her responsibilities include encouraging the membership of each association to be aware of legislation affecting the industry and learn to "talk to legislators."
MCAA can identify and monitor pending legislation and make its stands known to legislators, but the most effective form of communication comes directly from each member of the association. As a constituent, your phone call or letter carries weight and legislators need to know what the people they represent feel about pending legislation.
For example, MCAA has been vocal about the Prompt Payment Act Amendments of 1987, S. 328 (HR 1663) and other pending legislation affecting our industry such as: Parental and Medical Leave Legislation (S. 249), OSHA Hazard Communication Standards High Risk Occupational Disease Notification (S. 79), and Dual Shop Reform (S. 492).
As a constituent and as a member of MCAA, you can influence the content and shape of a bill; most effectively when a bill is being drafted, when it is before a Committee, and when it is before a Conference Committee.
Communicate Your Views On Legislation
MCAA members can, and should, tell their legislators their opinions, pro and con, on pending legislation.
* Know Your Senators and Congressman. Don't wait until you have a specific issue in mind. Get to know them as soon as possible and maintain your acquaintance by visiting them in Washington or when they are back home.
* Know Your Legislator's Staff. Congressmen often rely on members of their staff to gather information about legislation. Get to know the legislative assistant, administrative assistant and the staff member in charge of the Legislator's home district office. Make sure the staff member knows your opinions about bills and relays the message to the Congressman. By all means, write letters to your Congressmen to reinforce those views.
* Be Active Politically. Play a role in the politics of your state or district. By doing so, you'll come to know the people who are influential, and more importantly, they'll come to know you. There are many ways to be politically active: 1) take part in the work of a political party; 2) serve in campaign positions; and 3) make sure that a business or professional group of which you are a member, is politically involved.
* Learn To Talk Effectively To Your Legislator. Sounds simple, but some obvious things often are overlooked. One is a matter of tone. Don't threaten, demand or beg. As a businessman, you have the right to express your views and ask your Legislator to support those views. However, most legislators will react negatively if they feel you are belligerent or uncivil.
* Be Credible. Your credibility and that of your industry is at stake. Your Legislator will make a judgment as to whether you are a credible representative of your point-of-view and your industry. One way to lose your credibility is to make statements which cannot be backed up. Be sure you are factual.