Printers, Legislators Meet to Break Bread

Federal legislators from across the United States met with members of the graphic arts industry during the Printing Industries of America annual legislative breakfast held in the Rayburn House Office Building. More than 20 members of Congress, or their aides, attended the event, which was hosted by PIA's government affairs department. Tables were sponsored by PIA state, local, and regional affiliates and staffed by their members.

Commenting at the event, Rep. Ben Cardin (D-MD) said, "Our democracy is dependent on an informed populace, and our nation's printers are the key to transmission of information. Without the printing industry, we would lack the knowledge that is needed to make intelligent, reasoned decisions." Cardin's district in the Baltimore area is home to more printing companies than any other congressional district in the country.

Other legislators attending the breakfast included the following House members:

Arizona: Jeff Flake (R);

Florida: Mark Foley (R), Ric Keller (R), and E. Clay Shaw (R);

Georgia: Mac Collins (R) and John Linder (R);

Maryland: Ben Cardin (D), Bob Erlich Jr. (R), and Steny Hoyer (D);

Minnesota: Gil Gutknetch (R), Mark Kennedy (R), and Martin Olav Sabo (D);

Missouri: Kenny Hulshof (R);

New York: Joseph Crowley (D) and Nydia Velázquez (D);

Ohio: Paul Gillmor (R), Thomas Sawyer (D), and Pat Tiberi (R); and

Texas: Ralph Hall (D) and Pete Sessions (R).

Printers informed the legislators about the industry's top issues during the 107th Congress, which include the following: oppose legislation that would hinder the ability of printers to provide affordable health benefits to employees; repeal of the death tax; and change the depreciation schedule for computer equipment from five years to two years.