For Immediate Release: January 18, 2018
Contact: Ben Gann, (202) 367-1169
 
NLBMDA Vows to Work with New Congress
     
[Washington DC] – The National Lumber and Building Material Dealers Association (NLBMDA) vows to work with lawmakers in the 116 th Congress on advancing the public policy priorities of the lumber and building material industry. On January 3, a new class of Representatives and Senators were sworn-in to start the new two-year congressional cycle. There are many fresh faces in the 116 th Congress with 92 new representatives and 9 new Senators.

As a new era of divided government begins, NLBMDA plans outreach to both Republicans and Democrats. Lawmakers should build on recent changes to the tax code and reduction of burdensome regulations to ensure the continued health of the residential construction sector. Below is a list of issues NLBMDA plans to engage lawmakers on in the new Congress:

  • Bringing predictability and stability to softwood lumber supply and prices;
  • Increasing housing supply and affordability for consumers;
  • Passage of infrastructure legislation to improve supply chain operations;
  • Maintaining reasonable requirements for OSHA’s Crane Rule;
  • Fixing the “retail glitch” that excludes retailers from 100 percent bonus depreciation for interior improvements;
  • Continuing workforce development policies that help train individuals to fill in-demand jobs;
  • Defining sensible criteria for overtime pay eligibility; and,
  • Cutting regulatory red tape.

Dealers will have the opportunity to meet with lawmakers during the 2019 Spring Meeting and Legislative Conference, April 1-3, at the Wink Hotel in Washington, D.C. If you would like to learn more or register for the event, please visit www.leg-con.org .

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The National Lumber and Building Material Dealers Association (NLBMDA) represents its members in the national public policy arena, with emphasis on efforts to 1) promote the industry and educate legislators and public policy personnel; and 2) assist legislative, regulatory, standard-setting and other government or private bodies in the development of laws, regulations and policies affecting lumber and building material dealers, its customers and suppliers. Founded in 1917, the association has over 6,000 members operating single or multiple lumber yards and component plants serving homebuilders, subcontractors, general contractors, and consumers in the new construction, repair and remodeling of residential and light commercial .