Jim Riley, Director, Government Affairs
John Boling, Director, Government Affairs
Joe Colaneri, Director, Government Affairs
Patricia Maeder, Division Coordinator
www.nssga.org
Action Center
e-Digest
- SECOND HOUSE MINE SAFETY HEARING MORE SUBDUED
- SENATE KICKS OFF 2007 BUDGET PROCESS
- MINETA TESTIFIES BEFORE SENATE APPROPRIATIONS SUBCOMMITTEE
- NSSGA URGES USGS MINERAL INFORMATION TEAM TO BE FULLY FUNDED
- SENATORS PLACE HOLDS ON MSHA AND FHWA NOMINEES
- INFRASTRUCTURE MEASURES INTRODUCED IN THE HOUSE AND SENATE
- DAM BILLS INTRODUCED AFTER HAWAII TRAGEDY
- ASSOCIATION HEALTH PLAN BILL ADVANCES
- INDIANA LEGISLATURE OKAYS TOLL ROAD SALE
- A2 SEMINAR DEMONSTRATES HOW TO ENHANCE YOUR COMPANY'S GRASSROOTS NETWORK
- REGISTER TODAY TO BE A PARTICIPATE IN THIS YEAR'S TCC FLY-IN AND NSSGA EVENTS
- ROCKPAC RECEPTION BREAKS ALL RECORDS
SECOND HOUSE MINE SAFETY HEARING MORE SUBDUED
After a delayed start to the second hearing by the House Workforce Protection Subcommittee, a group of bipartisan members of Congress urged the chairman, Rep. Charlie Norwood (R-Ga.), to quickly pass the mine safety legislation (H.R. 4695) drafted by the West Virginia Congressional delegation. Hailing from coal country, or having close ties to the coal industry, the members expressed their support for the legislation intended to improve the safety of miners. Absent were the fiery political rhetoric and grandstanding that characterized the first hearing.
Chairman Norwood noted that he was still learning about mine safety and planned additional hearings, but would not commit to moving H.R. 4695, contending the Mine Safety Health Administration (MSHA) already has the authority to do everything contained in the legislation. A few of the witnesses pointed out H.R. 4695 does not open the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977, but only mandates that MSHA start the regulatory process to achieve certain objectives, thus allowing flexibility in how safety standards are implemented. Members who testified are Reps. Nick Rahall (D), Alan Mollohan (D), and Shelley Moore Capito (R) all from West Virginia; Rush Holt (D- N.J.), Ben Chandler (D-Ky.), and Tim Murphy (R-Pa.).
NSSGA submitted testimony for the record at the first hearing and is working to educate Congress to ensure no unintended consequences result from well intentioned safety legislation. For more information please contact Pam Whitted.
SENATE KICKS OFF 2007 BUDGET PROCESS
On March 16, the Senate passed the FY 2007 Budget Resolution, S. Con. Res. 83, by a vote of 51-49. The Senate budget plan sticks with the $39.1 billion for highways contained in the SAFETEA-LU, which bodes well for the upcoming congressional appropriations process. Republicans included language in the bill to open the Alaska National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) to oil and gas development. One Democrat, Sen. Mary Landrieu (La.), voted for the budget after receiving assurances that $10 billion would go to Louisiana for more reconstruction. The House will consider a FY 2007 budget blueprint without the ANWR provision, which still lacks the necessary votes for passage in that chamber.
This year's budget may become politically contentious due to the ANWR provision and a number of other issues and policies, but the highway program maintains strong support in Congress. NSSGA, along with its coalition partners in the Transportation Construction Coalition (TCC) and Americans for Transportation Mobility (ATM), will be working hard to make sure that the financing package and budget contained in the reauthorization bill is sustained.
MINETA TESTIFIES BEFORE SENATE APPROPRIATIONS SUBCOMMITTEE
The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation chaired by Sen. Christopher "Kit" Bond (R-Mo.) held a hearing March 16 on the FY 2007 appropriation for transportation programs (Federal fiscal year begins Oct. 1.) Transportation Secretary Norman Y. Mineta presented the administration's blueprint for transportation spending in FY 2007. The figure for highways was not discussed at great length during the hearing, but later discussion with committee staff suggested that the $39.1 billion for highways was not considered controversial and was likely to be maintained as the process moves forward. The bulk of the hearing focused on Amtrak funding.
Once again, however, the Highway Trust Fund (HTF) "firewalls" have come under attack on the House side of the Hill. Included in TEA 21 and continued under SAFETEA-LU, the budget "firewalls" protect gasoline user fee revenues from being diverted to other, non-transportation uses. House Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman Joe Knollenberg (R-Mich.) has circulated a letter to his colleagues suggesting that in view of the current demands on the budget, that the HTF budgetary protections be repealed. NSSGA has joined with its Transportation Construction Coalition partners in sending a letter to Chairman Knollenberg to remind him that the "firewalls" were passed by Congress in 1998 and continued under the most recent surface transportation reauthorization with no controversy. NSSGA is also writing a letter to Chairman Knollenberg and to the House Budget Committee urging continuation of the HTF budget protections.
NSSGA will be following the budget and appropriations processes closely and will be working hard for funding consistent with the figures in SAFETEA-LU and against efforts to eliminate the firewalls separating the HTF from the general fund.
NSSGA URGES USGS MINERAL INFORMATION TEAM TO BE FULLY FUNDED
In testimony to the House Interior and Environment Appropriation Subcommittee, NSSGA urged Chairman Charles Taylor (R-N.C.) to ignore the administration's proposed cut to the USGS Mineral Information Team (MIT). In a repeat of last year, the administration is proposing a $22.9 million cut to the USGS Mineral Resources Program, which translates into a $4.22 million cut. NSSGA also thanked the chairman for rejecting similar cuts last year and strongly stating that the MIT is a vital program which is inherently a federal responsibility.
NSSGA firmly believes the reports issued by the MIT are vital to the aggregates industry, among many others, and relied upon by other Federal agencies. Click here to read the testimony. NSSGA will proactively work to restore funding to ensure the MIT is able to continue producing reports that are so vital to the nation.
SENATORS PLACE HOLDS ON MSHA AND FHWA NOMINEES
Sen. Robert Byrd (D-W.Va.) has placed a "hold" (which prevents a nomination from coming to the floor for a vote) on President Bush's nominee to head the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA). Byrd said the he needs more assurances that Richard Stickler will be a strong leader at MSHA in light of the accidents that have occurred so far this year. Byrd wants to meet with Stickler, who previously headed Pennsylvania's mine safety agency and who also has worked in the industry. Byrd said he wants to learn more about Stickler's view on key issues, including the need for enhanced communications technology, before he releases the hold on the Stickler nomination.
Meanwhile, Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.) said Mar. 14 he will hold up the nomination of Acting FHWA Administrator Richard Capka to be the permanent head of that agency. Capka served as the chief executive office of the Boston highway project known as "The Big Dig" from Jan. 2001 to June 2002 when his position was terminated. Capka was criticized for approving large severance packages for several Big Dig lawyers. Since that time Capka has characterized his approval of the packages as "ill advised". It is unclear when, or if, Sen. Kerry will release his hold.
INFRASTRUCTURE MEASURES INTRODUCED IN THE HOUSE AND SENATE
Sen. George Voinovich (R-Ohio) joined with Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.) to introduce legislation to create the National Commission on Infrastructure of the United States earlier this month. Intended to address the deteriorating conditions of our nation's roads, bridges, drinking water systems, dams and other public works - the legislation charges the commission with ensuring the ability of the nation's infrastructure to meet current and future demands and aid in the nation's economic growth. Due in Feb. 2009, the commission will recommend infrastructure priorities over the next 15, 30, and 50 years. NSSGA supports the goals of the commission.
DAM BILLS INTRODUCED AFTER HAWAII TRAGEDY
Legislation to reauthorize the Dam Safety and Security Act and separately fund a grant program to fix dams and was introduced quickly after a large earthen dam in Hawaii failed, killing as many as seven people and causing extensive damage. Rep. Randy Kuhl (R-N.Y.) teamed up with Rep. Jim Matheson (D-Utah) and Neil Abercrombie (D-Hawaii) to introduce the Dam Safety Act of 2006 to reauthorize the National Dam Safety Program. Across the Capitol, Sen. Daniel Akaka (D-Hawaii) introduced the National Dam Safety Program Act to establish a program to provide grant assistance to States for the rehabilitation and repair of deficient dams. The Dam Safety Coalition, of which NSSGA is a member, supports both legislative initiatives.
ASSOCIATION HEALTH PLAN BILL ADVANCES
Legislation designed to help small businesses find affordable health care coverage for their employees was approved on a party-line vote, 11-9, by the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee on March 15. The bill, S. 1955 sponsored by Committee Chairman Mike Enzi (R-Wyo.), would make it easier for small businesses to join together to get better rates when purchasing health insurance by allowing them to bypass state coverage mandates. Proponents of the legislation contend that a confusing array of state mandates makes it too complex now to form purchasing groups that operate across state lines. In an attempt to draw Democratic support for the bill, Chairman Enzi included a provision to allow insurers to sidestep state laws to design their benefit options only if they also sell a plan that matches a benefit plan offered to state employees of one of the five most populous states. While the provision attracted one Democratic cosponsor, Sen. Ben Nelson (D-Neb.), no committee Democrats voted for the bill.
Democrats offered more than 20 amendments over the two-day markup of the bill, many of them aimed at preserving specific state laws, but each proposal was defeated. Democrats pledged to bring up more amendments when the bill reaches the floor. No date has been given for Senate floor consideration. NSSGA supports legislation that would allow small business to join together to obtain lower cost health insurance for their employees. If enacted, NSSGA intends to investigate a program for members.
INDIANA LEGISLATURE OKAYS TOLL ROAD SALE
Facing a $2.8 billion gap in road funds, Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels (R) proposed leasing the Indiana toll road, across the northern part of the State, in order to raise road funds. When a bid for $3.85 billion was received from Statewide Mobility Partners -- a Spanish-Australian partnership -- to operate the toll road for 75 years, serious negotiations started. Now that both the State Senate and General Assembly have approved the deal, the governor has the ability to sign the lease papers.
In exchange for funds upfront, the new operator gets to keep all toll revenues generated and is responsible for maintenance of the road. After 2010, tolls can be raised, but only by a limited amount and the state pledges not to upgrade nearby roads to highway capacity. Of the total, $500 million will be set aside, with the interest generated being given to the state every five years. The majority of the money will be used to build hundreds of state highway road projects, including an extension of I-69 from Indianapolis to Evansville, an upgrade of U.S. 24 and a couple of Ohio river bridges. The seven counties the toll road passes through also receive a hefty payout for infrastructure and economic development purposes. NSSGA congratulates its members who worked diligently for passage of this precedent-setting initiative. For more details visit: http://www.ai.org/dot/projects/tenyear/
A2 SEMINAR DEMONSTRATES HOW TO ENHANCE YOUR COMPANY'S GRASSROOTS NETWORK
The "Aggregates in Action: Activating to Advocacy" seminar was held March 10 in Tampa during NSSGA's Annual Convention. Thirty-five individuals took the opportunity to meet and interact with A2regional co-chairs Anne Cramer, Neil Hise and Rodney Marchand and learn how to implement company-wide grassroots programs. Howard Segermark of the American Family Business Institute discussed the key characteristics of a successful grassroots campaign using the Death Tax working group as an example. Sally Tibbetts from U.S. Sen. Mel Martinez's office explained the advocacy process from a congressional staff perspective and offered insights into the tools and techniques that create a lasting impression. At the conclusion of the seminar, the new A2 Activist of the Year award was unveiled along with the award's criteria. Thank you to all of our panelists as well as those who attended this important seminar. If you were unable to attend, we hope that you will be able to join us at a future session.
REGISTER TODAY TO BE A PARTICIPATE IN THIS YEAR'S TCC FLY-IN AND NSSGA EVENTS
The Transportation Construction Coalition (TCC) is busy preparing for the spring TCC Fly-In, May 17-18, at the J.W. Marriott Hotel in Washington, D.C. NSSGA is holding a Government Affairs Committee meeting on Capitol Hill from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on May 17 before the start of the fly-in. Lunch will be served, followed by a one-hour meeting of the ROCKPAC Trustees beginning at 1:00 p.m. The fly-in officially begins at 2:30 p.m. at the Marriott. There will be a TCC Congressional reception on May 17 from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. in the Rayburn House Office Building Foyer. NSSGA will hold a ROCKPAC Major Donors dinner beginning at 7:00 p.m. The morning of May 18 will begin with a breakfast speaker followed by a day of lobbying on Capitol Hill. For a brochure of the TCC Fly-In, click here.
Registration for the TCC Fly-In Conference is now online at http://www.blueskyz.com/tcc2006. Registration for the full event is $175 per attendee. Participants are urged to call the J.W. Marriott Hotel on Pennsylvania Avenue at 202.393.2000 to reserve hotel rooms as soon as possible. Please mention the "TCC Fly-In" to receive the special discount rate of $279 per night single/double.
ROCKPAC RECEPTION BREAKS ALL RECORDS
The 2006 ROCKPAC Reception, "Welcome to Margaritaville," was held March 10 in Tampa, Florida during NSSGA's Annual Convention. Once again, ROCKPAC broke all previous records. Over 1,300 tickets were sold for the event, raising $340,000 for NSSGA's political action committee. ROCKPAC Chairman Paul C. Mellott, Jr. of H.B. Mellott Estate, Inc., and ROCKPAC Trustee Kim Snyder of Eastern Industries served as Masters of Ceremonies for the event. At the start of the evening, Mellott and Snyder announced that Martin Marietta Materials and Rogers Group, Inc., were the 2006 winners of the ROCKPAC Industry Leader awards for having raised the most money from company employees for the PAC.
Just prior to the main event, ROCKPAC Gold and Platinum Major Donors ($2,500 to $5,000 per year) were invited to a private reception with Rep. Katherine Harris (R-Fla.). ROCKPAC Trustee Bill Sandbrook of Oldcastle Materials, Inc. introduced the Congresswoman who spoke on the positive impact that transportation and other construction fueled by the aggregates industry has had on Florida's economy. Following her speech, Sandbrook presented her with a ROCKPAC contribution.
Also during this reception, Mellott, ROCKPAC Vice Chairman John F. Steele, Jr. of Hilltop Basic Resources, Inc., and ROCKPAC Trustee Paul I. Detwiler, III of New Enterprise Stone & Lime Co. each were recognized on the occasion of their fifth anniversary as ROCKPAC Platinum Donors and received 2006 ROCKPAC Inner Circle awards.
Earlier in the week, ROCKPAC held lunches for all those enrolled in its Major Donor program ($500 to $5,000 per year). During lunch on March 9, attendees received a copy of the bestselling book Team of Rivals by Doris Kearns Goodwin as a special gift from ROCKPAC. Any major donor who did not receive a book in Tampa will receive their copy by mail.
A complete list of door prize winners follows.
Thank you again to everyone who participated in ROCKPAC 2006. We look forward to seeing everyone in San Francisco in "007."
$2,000 Cash |
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Industries, Inc. |
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$2,000 Cash |
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Machinery, Inc |
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$2,000 Cash |
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Buck EXT ATV (Valued at $7,499) |
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Quarry Company, Inc. |
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CEMCO, Inc. Deister Machine Co., Inc. Hanson Building Materials America, Inc. Lafarge North America Martin Marietta Materials Metso Minerals Oldcastle Materials, Inc. Rogers Group, Inc. Vulcan Materials Company National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association |
2006 Mercedes-Benz C280 Luxury Sedan (Valued at $33,725) |
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