This year promises to be one of the most active, exciting years ever for the NASE on the legislative front. With a battle emerging on Social Security reform, continued efforts to modernize rules governing independent contractor status and the home office deduction, and a push to increase deductions of health insurance premiums for the self-employed, federal and state leaders will hear from us on a regular basis.
I'd like to see NASE Members play a greater role in carrying the message of the self-employed to those leaders. That's why we're expanding the reach and resources of the NASE's grassroots contacts our Legislative Action Network (LAN). Through the LAN, NASE Members learn more about achieving reform in Washington, D.C. and see how their efforts influence decision making.
The success of the 1995 White House Conference on Small Business proved that the smallest of small businesses have the clout to affect federal issues. Business owners met at the local level to talk about issues. Their 1,600 delegates then went to Washington to present legislators with the top recommendations. Congress and the White House took those concerns seriously.
Now, the NASE would like the LAN to serve as our own Conference on Small Business. By meeting at the local level, discussing issues as they emerge and keeping in close touch with our Washington staff and federal leaders, LAN members have the opportunity to directly influence policies that govern the way they do business.
Currently, our LAN members receive the government newsletter Capitol Connection and a directory of the new Congress. They also receive action notices when pending legislation reaches a critical juncture. Nearly 15,000 NASE Members belong to the LAN.
In 1997, I would like to see that number triple or even quadruple. More LAN members translates into a more powerful NASE. With increased participation, the NASE will intensify our commitment to the LAN. We're retooling Capitol Connection in response to readers' comments. We're exploring ways to meld education and legislation in local seminars. And we're looking at additional benefits to offer LAN members.
At the same time, we're asking members to step up their commit ment to the advocacy that the NASE performs on your behalf. Newsletters, phone banks, distribution of position papers these are all important tools that require resources. We would like to see LAN members support their interest with a financial contribution. And we plan to recognize them for doing so.
Anyone interested in becoming a LAN member, including those who have previously enrolled, may do so without making a contribution just sign up for the new 1997 LAN. Members who contribute between $1 and $50 annually will be recognized as Delegates. Those contributing $51-$99 annually will be recognized as Congressional members.
Contributors of $100 or more will be recognized as Presidential members. This recognition will appear in Self-Employed America, at the association's annual meeting and at other venues where NASE Members congregate.
I know many small-business owners feel that running your own business is a round-the-clock job that leaves no time for legislative advocacy. But complying with federal, state and local regulations is one of your most time-consuming burdens. Perhaps an investment in legislative advocacy could result in reducing some of those regulations. In any case, if you're not willing to work to change the system, you can't complain about it!
There is an envelope enclosed in the printed issue of Self-Employed America that makes it easy for you to enroll in the LAN. Please take a moment to fill out the application and return it. (Online requests will also be acknowledged. Please contact us.)
Your contributions be they finances, time or energy will help further your NASE's influence and broaden the scope of the efforts we make on your behalf. The NASE is your association. Play a part, and we will all be stronger for it.
Bennie L. Thayer
NASE President
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