MARLTON, N.J. – May 16, 2024 – The National Limousine Association (NLA) – an organization responsible for and dedicated to representing the interests of the prearranged ground transportation industry at the global, national, state and local levels – held its 24th annual advocacy event in Washington, D.C., on Wednesday. Sixty-six members met with 68 legislators spanning 23 states, discussing policies impacting small business owners throughout the industry, as well as the interests of the corporate traveler.
“Ninety-seven percent of our membership are small business owners; it could not have been more fitting to host this year’s Day on the Hill during Small Business Month,” said NLA President Brett Barenholtz. “This is one of the NLA’s most important and impactful annual events, especially during an election year. I would like to thank the many elected officials and policymakers who took the time to meet and engage in a productive dialogue about the critical issues affecting our industry and businesses across the country.”
Sixty-six NLA members met with 68 local Senators, Representatives and staff members to address three top policy issues:
- Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act (H.R. 7024)
Ask to Congress: Pass the Tax Relief for American Families and Workers Act.
- As an asset-intensive industry, NLA operators must constantly update older models with newer, safer and more efficient vehicles in order to keep pace with competition and client expectations.
- This bipartisan bill includes several provisions for the industry’s small businesses to stay competitive; enhancing the Section 179 deduction and restoring full bonus depreciation would allow operators to keep fleets modern in an era of skyrocketing costs.
- Airport Access and Fairness at the Curb
Ask to Congress: Extend FAA grant assurances for ground transportation providers, applying the principles of fairness on the airport curb that already exist and work on the tarmac.
- 67% of NLA members report that airport transfers make up 50% or more of their annual business, according to a recent survey.
- Access fees and curb real estate vary widely from airport to airport with little oversight, enforcement and often no recourse when an airport takes advantage of ground transportation operators. This hurts competition, and ultimately, the costs are passed onto consumers.
- Congestion Taxes
Ask to Congress: Co-sponsor the Economic Impact of Tolling Act (H.R. 1759), which prevents the Department of Transportation (DOT) from authorizing or implementing congestion pricing plans without first completing and publishing an economic impact analysis.
- The public overwhelmingly opposes congestion taxes, as they often divert funds away from roads and fail to reduce traffic congestion, instead moving congestion to areas less equipped to handle it.
- It is critical for federal government intervention to ensure congestion pricing does not move forward unchecked.
The NLA was honored to have longtime industry supporter, U.S. Senator (D-New Hampshire) and Chair of the Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship Jeanne Shaheen, meet with members while preparing for Day on the Hill visits.
This year also marked the association’s second annual scholarship program, which covered expenses for eight members to attend Day on the Hill for the first time and have their voices heard.
For more information about the NLA, visit www.www.limo.org.
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About the National Limousine Association
The National Limousine Association is an organization responsible for and dedicated to representing the interests of the ground transportation industry at the global, national, state, and local level. It is the unified voice of this industry – linking transportation industry professionals from owners and operators to suppliers, manufacturers, regional and state limousine associations. With 1,300+ NLA members, the Association is committed to exceeding expectations with regards to professionalism, transportation efficiency and safe riding.