April 2004 Government Affairs Update

 

IN THIS ISSUE …

 

1.                  Highlights from JGAC meeting in Nashville.

2.                  PAC Solicitation letters.

 

Highlights from JGAC meeting in Nashville.

The Joint Government Affairs Committee recently had its semi-annual meeting in Nashville where we discussed many topics and issues. Here are some highlights:

 

FEMA Multi-Hazard Mapping Project. FEMA received federal funding for the project and Baker Engineering was selected as the national provider for the project, however, a recent GAO report discussed some deficiencies with the plan to carry out the project. Once the deficiencies are corrected the project can go forward and money will start filtering into the states.

 

SBA Restructuring of Size Standards The SBA recently came out with its restructuring of size standards. Surveying and Mapping services are set at $4 million/year and 50 employees. We will continue to monitor this situation along with COFPAES.

 

SF-330 Form. The new Form SF-330 will become effective in June. The new Form replaces SF-254 and SF-255. ACSM has a booklet that explains the new Form and a CD explaining the Form can be purchased through the COFPAES website at www.cofpaes.org.

 

Association Health Insurance. We discussed two bills currently in Congress, H.R. 660 and S. 545, the Small Business Health Fairness Act of 2003. This Act would provide for the establishment and governance of association health plans by amending ERISA so that the federal government would have oversight authority over the health plans.

 

RESPA Related Legislation. Another important topic was our proposed RESPA related legislation. It was decided that we would use the rest of this year as an “education year” to educate Members of Congress and federal officials about the benefits of the legislation and work to get it introduced formally next year.

 

ACSM/NSPS Mapping Exhibit at the Library of Congress. Another important issue we discussed was the great opportunity we have with the Library of Congress to have an exhibit of ACSM/NSPS maps. Although there is a cost involved, we are hopeful that we can raise the money for this important project.

 

Expansion of the Brooks Act to Certain Mapping Services. We looked at a recent Federal Register notice that called for comments on the proposed expansion of the Brooks Act to mapping services not traditionally understood or accepted as architectural and engineering activities. ACSM will submit a comment, which is due by May 24, 2004.

 

PAC Solicitation letters.

As many members know, the PAC Auction is our primary source of funding for the ACSM/NSPS Political Action Committee. Unfortunately, with only this limited source of funding, we are very limited in whom we can support in Congress; and during an election year, like this one, it is critical that we support as many Members of Congress as we can. We will be facing some serious fights this year and next year and our PAC contributions are our best ammunition. With that being said, check your mailboxes for a letter requesting your personal contribution to the ACSM/NSPS PAC. We are fighting for issues that affect you and the way you do business. Please be generous with your support.

 

Lobby Day 2004

We’re coming up the last call for your participation in Lobby Day 2004. If you want to participate this year we need to get your commitment by April 30. This is your opportunity to come to Washington and meet with your Representative to discuss issues important to all of us. Last year, our Lobby Day was successful because of its participants. We were able to build strong relationships and show Members of Congress that we are strong and committed to issues important. Let’s do it again!