INSIDE THE BELTWAY
Narrowing Our Priorities
J EN N I F ER H ATC H ER S E N IOR V ICE PR E S IDE N T, GOVERNMENT AND PUBLIC AFFAIR S, FOOD MAR KETING INSTITUTE
FMI is developing a new public policy plan for action in 2021. A year ago, none of us envisioned that Covid-19 would be part of our everyday vocabulary, much less driving the public policy agenda. One thing we have learned this year is the importance of remembering our priorities. In an industry as diverse as ours, and with a profit margin as tight as ours, focusing on areas where we can make a difference is key. It is perhaps not as exciting or as anticipated as perhaps some of the other 2021 lists, but below is our compilation of those top eight items worthy of our focus in the public policy world during this Covid-19 emergency. These issues provide a glance at the industry’s COVID-related priorities, but this list will remain dynamic as new themes emerge and new events occur.
Top Covid-19 related policy issues: Vaccine Distribution: FMI will continue
to advocate for supermarket pharmacies to play an expanded role and reinforce the need to prioritize food industry essential workers to preserve the supply chain. Liability Relief: FMI pressed for action in
the last Congress for limited liability relief for those who have followed government guidance to be included in the final
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legislation. With the change in control of the U.S. Senate, the opportunity for a federal legislative solution on this issue is unlikely, but we will remain engaged with Senate and House leadership on both sides of the aisle. There has been robust activity in a number of states that has resulted in strong protections in those areas. FMI’s state liability relief tracker is linked on FMI’s state affairs website. Economic Recovery: FMI remains
committed to working with Congress on potential stimulus packages to ensure the legislation provides more good policy than burden to our associates, communities and stores. Supply Chain: FMI will continue to work iStock
“One thing we have learned this year is the importance of remembering our priorities.” COVID package. Ultimately, limited liability relief was paired with money for state and local governments and both provisions were removed from the final
with agencies and Congress to provide recommendations for actions to put in place now to smooth potential supply chain disruptions should another health emergency or similar national emergency impact occur in the future. Workplace Safety and Staffing:
President Biden called on OSHA to determine whether an “Emergency Temporary Standard” is needed. An ETS would establish enforceable workplace safety requirements for employers, potentially far exceeding the scope of existing guidance. FMI will push for a standard that reflects existing government guidance.
