Government Relations
One of the key objectives of the Neighborhood Market Association is to advance and protect the interests of our Retailer Members and the Food and Beverage Industry with respect to legislative issues. Being a small business owner in today’s economy is tough. Our Government Relations staff works diligently to ensure that the Legislature and local elected officials keep these interests in mind. After all, small business still drives the American economy and creates the vast majority of jobs.
NMA provides legislative advocacy for members with the State Legislature and on key local issues that impact our industry. NMA has a proven track record of promoting and protecting the interests of independent grocers and convenience store owners, as well as those of the vendors we partner with, through its Government Relations Program. In addition, our members’ interests are represented at the local and national level to ensure that retailer and supplier members are given every opportunity to grow and succeed. NMA is the voice of the independent grocers.
We partner with professional advocacy and lobbyist groups to analyze, monitor and sponsor relevant legislation. NMA informs members of major legislative activity on the state and local level affecting our industry.
For a list of pending State Legislation that may impact NMA members, please click here.
In the past year, NMA successfully fought and supported many bills that had a significant impact on our industry. Listed below are the main areas of focus for the 2009 policy victories. For a more detailed summary, please click on the headings below.
Tobacco and Alcohol Legislation:
Despite an extremely difficult state Budget climate and extensive negotiations to address a $22 billion budget deficit, all of the attempts to increase taxes and fees on tobacco and alcohol products, as well as further limit the sale of the products, were defeated or stalled. Also please see the information below about a great coalition. that NMA believes everyone should join!
Join Us In the Fight Against Alcohol Taxes!
The California Alliance for Hospitality Jobs (CAHJ) is a statewide coalition of more than 800 markets, bars, restaurants, associations, and hospitality workers. We are working to combat any additional taxes or fees on alcohol at the federal, state and local level. California’s hospitality industry contributes more than $52 billion in economic activity and employs 12% of the state’s workforce. Any additional taxes or fees will eliminate jobs. California already suffers from an unemployment rate of more than 12% – we need to create jobs, not increase taxes.
Go to http://www.savemycajob.com/become-a-member and sign up to join the CAHJ. We need your help to continue the fight and protect our jobs!
Worker’s Compensation Legislation:
Attempts to rollback hard fought reforms to the California Worker’s Compensation Committee were stopped.
Environmental Regulations / Fees:
While NMA supports sustainability efforts, many proposed regulations would handicap the independent retailer. Impractical attempts to raise costs on small business were stopped.
Additional Legislative Victories:
NMA Members are potentially affected by hundreds of bills introduced each year. Our Government Relations Program prioritizes and focuses efforts on those that impact our members the most.
For more information on the Neighborhood Market Association’s legislative activities, or to become involved, please contact the NMA office.
