Government Relations
Government Relations
RBA partners with similar associations to further the interests of our members in the regulatory and legislative arenas. From trans-fats to sugar reform to small business tax issues, RBA works with coalitions to help make the business environment better for retail bakeries.
Currently RBA is a member of:
End the Big Sugar Bailout: a coalition of small businesses and consumers against the U.S. government bailout of Big Sugar.
The Coalition to End the Big Sugar Bailout will aggressively work with policymakers to urge the elimination of the current U.S. sugar program.
New News about Sugar Reform
As you may know, the current sugar program forces you to typically pay twice the world average for sugar. The program has led to 125,000 lost jobs in the U.S. between 1997 and 2010 (U.S. Department of Commerce) and an increased cost of over $3.5 billion dollars a year to consumers. It also creates a competitive advantage for baked goods produced outside of the U.S. and placed on grocery store shelves in your community. The Canadian government has even created a brochure detailing the economic benefits of relocating to Canada to enjoy a 30 to 40 percent decrease in the cost of sugar.
All the facts point to the need to reform this archaic program, but Congress has yet to act. They need to hear from you! Please take a moment to sign on to the letter addressed to Congress supporting the need to reform the current U.S. sugar program. To view the letter, click here. This letter will go to all members of Congress On April 25, 2012. In order to make an impact, we need hundreds of signatories from across the country. To sign on to this letter, either simply respond to this email (cmartin@americanbakers.org).
We’re getting very close to the boiling point. Constant pressure has been applied to Congress and many are supporting reform. There are some that would rather this issue just go away so they wouldn’t have to deal with it – it’s these members of Congress who will benefit most from receiving this letter signed by hundreds of bakers from across the country. Let’s not let them get off easy…
Sugar Reform Petition – Important Please Read and Sign!
As you may or may not know, Congress is in the throes of debating many issues, including the future of the U.S. sugar program. Sugar growers are working feverishly to make sure they can pass the current program yet again, telling members of Congress that the current program has no impact to government or sugar users, and that sugar users (bakers) are making too much money right now anyway. This is Big Sugar’s argument – that you are making too much money and shouldn’t be complaining about the high cost of sugar!
Don’t let Big Sugar tell your members of Congress that you are ok with paying higher prices! It doesn’t have to be this way – reforming the current program could cut your sugar costs in half!
If you have specific questions, do not hesitate to contact Cory Martin or Greg Feldman with the American Bakers Association (202) 789-0300. They can give you specific information on how your members of Congress have voted on this issue in the past and information on what staff to speak with in each office.
The more contact we have with members of Congress, the better the chances of bakers seeing lower sugar prices – it won’t happen without your involvement.
National Main Street Business Coalition
This is a coalition of trade associations with similar membership profiles (size, scope, challenges) that advocates for issues impacting small businesses.
The National Main Street Business Coalition will advocate for policies that directly impact members’ bottom line particularly dealing with the tax code and enhancing the SBA programs giving microbusinesses access to capital.
Please feel free to share this information!
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