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SEARCHAt Lobby Day with the Professional Beauty Association (PBA) and an evening event with the Professional Beauty Federation (PBF) I felt pride in our industry and the thrill of participating in the political process. Part one of two.
Marissa Porcaro, Director of Communications, PBA, and Anne Moratto, Modern Salon
PART ONE OF TWO:
I live in Los Angeles and Washington D.C. and all its workings feel far away. I learned, however, on a day with the Professional Beauty Association (PBA) and an evening with the Professional Beauty Federation (PBF) that what seems inaccessible and incomprehensible (government officials, government policy) can be broken down into understandable and actionable chunks, especially when you have the right people on your team.
On May 9, dedicated beauty professionals invested their time, money and energy to travel to Washington D.C. to educate elected officials about our industry. Fortunate to be among them, I joined an effort organized by the PBA called Lobby Day. Working in teams, we were lobbying (persuading, convincing) on Capitol Hill to gain support from Senators for a bill (a proposal that is the first step in creating a new law) called the Small Business Tax Equalization and Compliance Act (known in the Senate as S. 974 and in the House of Representatives as H.R, 1957). This bill would allow salon owners to claim a tax credit for the FICA (Federal Insurance Contributions Act payroll tax that employees and employers pay to fund Social Security and Medicare) taxes they must now pay on their employees' tips.
It was this language and these details that initially seemed daunting until I was educated by the salon owners, distributors, manufacturers and representatives who volunteer their time, who sit on the PBA Board and who serve on their committees. They gave me these talking points to share in our meetings with Senators and Representatives on why we need them to sign on in support of this bill:
Help Small Businesses--If salon owners pay less in taxes it follows they will have more money to invest in their business.
Support a Vital and Growing Sector of America’s Economy-- Investing in their business means job growth and helps employees move up the ladder.
Promote Tax Fairness--Restaurant owners enjoy this tip tax credit. As the next highest tipped industry, so, too, should salon owners.
These visits with our home state representatives were arranged by calling the officials’ office, speaking to their scheduler and booking a time. Simple. And once in these impressive buildings and busy hallways, we saw many groups like ours: citizens making the rounds, wanting their voices and concerns heard. These men and women serving in the House and Senate were happy to hear from constituents and their offices welcomed us. I was so proud to be participating in the political process and so impressed with my fellow beauty pros who formed the Lobby Day teams.
Leading my team was Myra Irizarry, Director of Government Affairs, Professional Beauty Association. “I would encourage everyone to take part in PBA’s Lobby Day efforts on Capitol Hill," says Irizarry. "Not only is it exciting to see our government in action, but it helps make our message so much more impactful when members of Congress hear directly from voters in their home districts about the beauty industry and what is important to us."
In the videos, hear from these eloquent beauty professionals speaking persuasively on the importance of getting engaged:
(Above the post)Tiffany Conway, Owner CoCo Cheveux Salon
(Below the post) Frank Zona, Owner Zona Salons, and PBA Government Affairs Committee Chair
Last year, Salon Today's Editor-in-Chief Stacey Soble attended Lobby Day. Read her story here: http://www.salontoday.com/blogs/editors/stacey-soble/beauty_day_on_capitol_hill_125303738.html
The PBA wants you to get involved and here's how:
To go to DC: Contact Myra Irizarry at myra@probeauty.org / 800.468.2274
Sign up for PBA’s Grassroots efforts at: http://www.beautyisourbusiness.org/issues/pba-grassroots-network. This is a great way to receive updates and action items regarding state and federal issues.
PART TWO: We invite Capitol Hill officials and staffers to an evening event of beauty services organized by the Professional Beauty Federation (PBF) to welcome them to our beautiful world. Coming soon!
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