BIA works diligently to actualize part of the Association’s Mission Statement (to both promote and safeguard the industry) in defending the clay brick industry. BIA does this thru analysis of various issues, as well as practical programs to advocate for the brick industry position. This work is guided by BIA’s Government Affairs and Compliance committee, chaired by Brad Belden of The Belden Brick Company.
To help ensure that the voice of the brick industry is heard by lawmakers on Capitol Hill and in state capitals, everyone – regardless of membership status - can help! Advocate for your industry, your beliefs or even your own economic interests by supporting the activities that have real consequences on our industry. HELP US OPPOSE HARMFUL LEGISLATION IN MINNESOTA HF 3256 and SF 3259 are bills designed as a power grab by strong, national special interest groups and would result in the cheapening of construction design standards for residential dwellings in Minnesota. Decisions regarding our neighborhoods should be made at the local level not by state government leaders in St. Paul. If enacted, the bill would lower property values, decrease public safety, and lead to a lower quality of life for homeowners in Minnesota. It would also have a negative effect on the state's economy and its small businesses. Ensure your state representatives vote for local control and urge them to VOTE NO on HF 3256 and SF 3259. USE THE ACTION FORM ON THIS PAGE TO SEND A MESSAGE TO YOUR ELECTED OFFICIALS NOW! Call To Action Minnesota HF 4366 Conference Committee OPPOSE USING TAX INCREASES TO PAY FOR INFRASTRUCTURE BILL Tax increases on businesses and individuals would harm businesses and the brick industry at large. Instituting major tax increases such as those currently being proposed would reverse the benefits our industry has seen in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act and would result in the loss of 1 million jobs in just two years. BIA urges members to write to their Member of Congress and Senators to urge that they vote in opposition to any significant tax increases as a means of funding the $1.2 trillion bipartisan infrastructure package and $3.5 trillion reconciliation package. The most troubling tax provisions being proposed right now include increases in:
USE THE FORM ON THIS PAGE TO SEND A MESSAGE TO YOUR ELECTED OFFICIALS NOW!
SUPPORT WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT LEGISLATION IN CONGRESS The DRIVE Safe Act would enable trucking companies to boost the number of drivers able to do interstate routes. In this way, enactment would assist BIA in improving the supply chain by providing some relief to the shortage of truckers.
BIA Urges members to write to their Congressman/woman and Senators to urge that they co-sponsor the DRIVE Safe Act, in hopes that it can gain support. The most logical vehicle for passage appears to be via attachment to an infrastructure bill currently being debated. USE THE FORM ON THIS PAGE TO SEND A MESSAGE TO YOUR ELECTED OFFICIALS NOW!