Most engineering company owners and managers know that decisions made in Washington and Columbus can have a tremendous impact on their businesses. Whether that impact is positive or negative is largely up to us.

During last year’s debate in the Ohio General Assembly over the proposed extension of the state sales tax to business services, many ACEC Ohio members reached out personally to their state legislators to explain the negative implications this proposal would have on the state’s economy generally and our industry in particular. Thanks to our efforts and those of many others, the sales tax expansion was removed from the final budget.

This episode illustrated clearly the importance of having “grassroots” contacts with legislators, to complement and support ACEC Ohio continuing lobbying efforts. It’s one thing for legislators to hear from the Council’s lobbyist on a controversial issue. It’s much more personal and impactful for them to hear from businesses and constituents from “back home” in their legislative districts.

That’s why we’re asking you to complete the attached survey in which you’ll tell us about relationships you have with your state legislators or members of Congress. This information will be maintained in a database, and if an issue arises in Columbus or in Washington that affects our industry, we may ask you to contact a legislator you know to convey the industry’s position.

If you don’t have a relationship with one or more of your legislators, we’ll send you information about them so you can initiate a personal contact.

ACEC Ohio has charted an ambitious legislative program for the coming years, but our prospects for success will depend greatly on support from individual members around the state.

Please take a few minutes to complete the survey – and ask your employees to complete the survey, as well.

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