Grassroots Participation Turns
Tide
Big Local Legislative Wins -
Thanks To Member Exhibitors!
by Belinda Judson
Executive Director, Mid-States NATO
Even as I prepare this column, some
of the state legislative sessions are coming to a close.
As predicted, it was a
very busy session with a litany of issues on the state
lawmakers’ agendas: matters related to the Americans
With Disabilities Act, cell phones, child labor laws, ratings
enforcement, minimum wage and – especially – tax
items, with proposed legislation for new or increased taxes
on admissions, film rental, advertising and sales.
So how did we fare?
It is important
for you to recognize that these efforts by individual
members make a huge difference in the
way legislators vote. While each component of the “team” is
extremely important to the process, the legislators
take special note of what their constituents have
to say about proposed legislation. |
It seemed like an insurmountable task
to convince state legislators – who are facing massive budget deficits – that
new or increased taxes on these items were not the
answer. Seventeen states had tax legislation and even
in this economic
climate, we were able to defeat tax proposals in
14 of those states. At present only three states still
have
admissions
tax legislation pending but none of these appears
to have the votes needed.
Regarding the minimum wage issue,
Alaska actually eliminated its annual increase in minimum
wage. The state of Illinois
did pass a minimum wage hike but its dates were moved
back from September 2003 and September 2004 to January
2004
and January 2005. In addition, the proposed $6 rate
was reduced to $5.50 and those under 18 will now
be covered
by an hourly minimum that is 50 cents less than originally
proposed.
Some of the other troubling issues never moved out
of committee.
Why did we do so well?
It was truly a team effort. Those
contributing to the many successes included the state
and regional
units
and their
lobbyists (where in place), our colleagues at
the MPAA and their lobbyists, and (most importantly
to the legislators)
our member exhibitors.
Many of our members heeded the call
and wrote to their legislators to voice opposition to
and
concern
over
these issues. Several launched campaigns in
theatres to allow
patrons the opportunity to get involved and
pass their thoughts on to lawmakers. And many testified
at statehouse
committee meetings to represent exhibition’s
position in these matters.
It is important for you to recognize
that these efforts by individual members make a huge
difference
in the
way legislators vote. While each component
of the “team” is
extremely important to the process, the legislators
take special note of what their constituents
have to say about
proposed legislation.
No matter how large or how small your
operation, you should always realize that your input
is crucial when
exhibition
faces onerous legislation. This holds true
not only for state legislation but when
NATO asks
for your
help with
federal legislation as well.
As you can see, it is not only your
membership that is vital for success but also your
participation. So ...
many thanks for your willingness to be
part of the
team. With
your help, we will try to keep winning
the game!! 
