
2016 will be a landmark year for Pennsylvania government. Consider the following developments over 2015 and how they will affect us in 2016:
• The prosecution of Rep. Chaka Fattah has left the race for the 2nd Congressional District seat wide open;
• Senator Pat Toomey faces stiff competition from a trio of strong Democratic challengers;
• The continued saga of Attorney General Kathleen Kane has opened the field to a number of higher-office seekers;
• The rigors of the budget impasse combined with the graying of our General Assembly is resulting in a high number of open seats, the importance of which is intensified by the strained relationship between the Governor and legislative leadership;
• And for those in the know, there will be a Presidential election this year.
It is more important now than ever that you involve yourself in the political process. PFMA suggests that you consider one of several ways to do so:
1. Participate in FoodPAC. FoodPAC is PFMA's political action committee, which contributes to elected officials that support the issues of food retailers. Making a financial contribution to FoodPAC ensures that supportive legislators stay legislators, and signals that you and your organization are active participants in PFMA's advocacy efforts.
2. Forge or reinforce your relationship with your local elected officials. Nothing carries more weight to a legislator like the word of a constituent, particularly one that does great work in their communities, like the members of PFMA. Pay them and their staff a visit. Discuss what you can do to help them, and suggest ways that they can help you, your employees and your customers.
3. Contribute directly to a candidate in whom you believe. If you are not comfortable with where FoodPAC directs its funds (and that information is always a phone call or email away), contribute directly to your candidate of choice. Campaigns cost money, and your contribution signals to them that you believe that they are the right person for the job.
2016 will be a year of decisions.The decisions you make on how to get involved in the legislative process will affect your business for the next decade. Please consider the options above, and contact Alex Baloga (717-760-5918) with any questions or thoughts.
• The prosecution of Rep. Chaka Fattah has left the race for the 2nd Congressional District seat wide open;
• Senator Pat Toomey faces stiff competition from a trio of strong Democratic challengers;
• The continued saga of Attorney General Kathleen Kane has opened the field to a number of higher-office seekers;
• The rigors of the budget impasse combined with the graying of our General Assembly is resulting in a high number of open seats, the importance of which is intensified by the strained relationship between the Governor and legislative leadership;
• And for those in the know, there will be a Presidential election this year.
It is more important now than ever that you involve yourself in the political process. PFMA suggests that you consider one of several ways to do so:
1. Participate in FoodPAC. FoodPAC is PFMA's political action committee, which contributes to elected officials that support the issues of food retailers. Making a financial contribution to FoodPAC ensures that supportive legislators stay legislators, and signals that you and your organization are active participants in PFMA's advocacy efforts.
2. Forge or reinforce your relationship with your local elected officials. Nothing carries more weight to a legislator like the word of a constituent, particularly one that does great work in their communities, like the members of PFMA. Pay them and their staff a visit. Discuss what you can do to help them, and suggest ways that they can help you, your employees and your customers.
3. Contribute directly to a candidate in whom you believe. If you are not comfortable with where FoodPAC directs its funds (and that information is always a phone call or email away), contribute directly to your candidate of choice. Campaigns cost money, and your contribution signals to them that you believe that they are the right person for the job.
2016 will be a year of decisions.The decisions you make on how to get involved in the legislative process will affect your business for the next decade. Please consider the options above, and contact Alex Baloga (717-760-5918) with any questions or thoughts.