Governmental Relations Update

GOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS UPDATE 2020 ELECTION: THE MERIT SHOP IS ON THE BALLOT

By: John Walters, VP of Governmental Relations for ABC of Louisiana

With the 2020 Presidential and Congressional elections right around the corner and the Republican and Democratic National Conventions well behind us, we have a clear view of the striking differences between the two parties and most importantly the presidential candidates. With wildly different agendas and platforms, the public will choose which direction the country will head in for the next four years on November 3, 2020.

Political pundits have penned this election as one that will truly shape the future of our nation. The Democrats have little chance of losing a majority in the House of Representatives. Likewise, it seems the Republicans will maintain control of the U.S. Senate. Recent polling has shown that Donald Trump and Joe Biden are neck and neck, with some polls showing each with a small advantage. Here in Louisiana, we don’t see much of the hype and media that several of the swing states are being swamped with. Nevertheless, this election is very significant for Louisiana and is not one to sit on the sidelines for.

While the presidential debates have focused on differing views on the Supreme Court, COVID-19, economy, debt, deficits, spending, investment, labor relations, business climate and taxes, this election is purely about the future of our great country and where we see it heading.

Luckily, the presidential candidates and their political parties are extremely clear, both in words and actions, about what direction they will attempt to steer our nation over the next four years (and longer).

On November 3, it is our turn to make our voices heard loud and clear by choosing one of two clear paths for the United States of America. CHOOSE WISELY and do not forget to get out and VOTE on Election Day. This election is a great chance for you, as an ABC Member, to “GET INTO POLITICS OR GET OUT OF BUSINESS.”

Election Day: Tuesday, November 3, 2020 Voting Poll Hours: 6:00 am – 8:00 pm FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT: www.sos.ls.gov

ABC Endorses President Trump for Reelection

Associated Builders and Contractors is proud to announce its endorsement of President Donald J. Trump for reelection. In a letter to the president, ABC President and CEO Michael D. Bellaman and ABC 2020 National Chair Tim Keating, owner and president of R. C. Stevens Construction Co., Winter Garden, Florida, said:

“Your continued support for fair and open competition, job creation, small businesses and expanded workforce development initiatives during your first term in office have helped ABC members grow their businesses, upskill their workforce and create career enhancing jobs.

“In addition, your promise to veto the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO) Act, legislation that will overturn freedom of choice in all existing right-to work states, take away a worker’s right to a secret ballot and eliminate the ability for workers to pursue independent contracting opportunities, assures us you will protect the merit shop construction industry and small businesses, which are the backbone of our economy.

“ABC looks forward to continuing our work with your administration on the issues critical to our industry, including establishing fair and open competition and creating the conditions for every individual to be safe and healthy and achieve their career dreams in the construction industry and the communities in which they live and work.”