Advocacy

PGCA continuously monitors issues in the NY, NJ, PA, DE, MD, VA and DC legislatures that would have an impact on your membership.

As announced in July, PGCA is partnering with the Bill of Rights Institute to obtain donations of pocket Constitutions. Read more here.

PGCA members who have contributed to this project so far include:
BNP Empowered Print, Buffalo, NY;
Compu-Mail, Grand Island, NY;
NB Bookbinding, Clifton, NJ;
PDC Graphics, Southampton, PA;
Sentinel Innovation, Hempstead, NY;
The Standard Group, Reading, PA.

Download printing specs and donation form for more detail on how you can support this worthy project.

Virginia Governor Signs Sales Tax Exemption Extension into Law; Print & Graphic Communications Association (PGCA) Recognized for Critical Role in Legislative Victory

Virginia Governor Glenn Younkin has signed into law legislation that extends important sales and use tax exemptions benefiting the printing and graphic communications industry. This significant victory ensures that printing companies across the Commonwealth can remain competitive, preserve jobs, and continue to contribute to Virginia’s economy.

The Print & Graphic Communications Association (PGCA) played a leading role in achieving this outcome through an effective, multi-pronged advocacy effort. PGCA retained a professional lobbyist, organized a coordinated grassroots campaign among its members, testified before legislative committees, and held numerous meetings with key lawmakers throughout the process.

“This is a big win for our members and for the broader business community,” said Melissa Jones, Co-President of PGCA. “By extending these exemptions, Virginia is recognizing the vital role our industry plays in the state’s economy. We are proud to have led the charge.”

The legislation ensures that sales and use tax exemptions remain in place for essential inputs in the printing process, helping businesses control costs and reinvest in innovation, workforce development, and sustainability initiatives. Read the full release here.

New York State: We are pleased to report that the NYS Legislature adjourned without passing the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) legislation containing the proposed ban on carbon black, the primary pigment in black printing ink. Thanks to all who were involved in this monumental effort! Many companies, members and non-members alike, wrote letters, took meetings and made personal calls to their NYS legislative representatives, expressing their concerns. Without our focus on this critical issue, it is doubtful that the proposed ban, which would have essentially destroyed the packaging and label business in NYS, would have been removed from the overall bill! Read more here about PGCA’s efforts to block this proposed ban.
New Jersey: The New Jersey legislature continues to give consideration to an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) bill containing a ban on carbon black along with a number of other chemicals. Melissa Jones, PGCA Co-President, has been in contact directly with Senator Smith, who introduced the bill, and explained why the proposed Carbon Black ban would be devastating to our industry. New text suggested by Melissa Jones has been incorporated into a new version of the bill. Stay tuned for further updates on this issue! Read more about PGCA advocacy efforts here.

Problem:

I’m just one person, how can I make my voice heard on issues that are important to me?

Solution:

Our Government Relations and Advocacy Solutions program provides members with information on key industry issues and the ability to connect with local, state and federal officials to make your views known.

Most notably, the power of having LOCAL government advocates representing you was made critically apparent by Print & Graphic Communications Association and Graphic Arts Association’s efforts on ensuring that print was deemed ESSENTIAL and remain open for operations during the COVID-19 crisis. #printisessential

Understanding how complex laws and regulations may impact your firm can be arduous and daunting. Our Government Relations and Advocacy Solutions program addresses these concerns. Experienced staff are protecting your ability to conduct business every day. Whether it is in Washington DC, Albany, Philadelphia, Harrisburg, Trenton or Dover, we advocate on your behalf, supporting public policies, legislation, and regulations that will help your business.