Last week NYSBA had a series of successful meetings with members of the NY delegation. We had a very tight schedule. Over a two-day period we met with nearly the entire NY delegation including the following offices:
Sen. Chuck Schumer
Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand
Rep. Anthony Brindisi
Rep. Yvette Clarke
Rep. Antonio Delgado
Rep. Eliot Engel
Rep. Adriano Espaillat
Rep. Hakeem Jeffries
Rep. Brian Higgins
Rep. John Katko
Rep. Peter King
Rep. Nita Lowey
Rep. Carolyn Maloney
Rep. Sean P Maloney
Rep. Grace Meng
Rep. Joe Morelle
Rep. Tom Reed
Rep. Kathleen Rice
Rep. Max Rose
Rep. José E. Serrano
Rep. Elise Stefanik
Rep. Thomas R. Suozzi
Rep. Paul Tonko
Rep. Nydia Velazquez
Rep. Lee Zeldin
In our meetings we asked members to support the Local Radio Freedom Act (H.R. Con. Res 20). This resolution makes it clear that Congress should not impose a performance fee/tax on over-the-air broadcast transmissions.
We thanked the members for voting for the PIRATE Act, which increased the FCC’s ability to enforce against illegal radio operations. We informed members that the FCC is asking for an additional $11 million to fund increased enforcement efforts.
We also thanked members for not extending STELAR. For years the renewal of STELAR has been used as a vehicle to enact anti-broadcast rules, especially as they pertain to retransmission consent.
Advertising – Our business depends on advertising. We asked the NY delegation to consider the impact on local broadcasters when imposing advertising regulations on pharmaceuticals and other legal products. Moreover, advertising should remain fully deductible in the year it is purchased.
We noted that even though medical marijuana and CBD are legal in NY, broadcasters may not accept advertisements for these products because they violate federal law. We are in the same position as the banking industry, which cannot accept money or provide services to legal marijuana outlets. We asked the NY delegation to permit us to accept marijuana and CBD advertising if the sale of such products are permitted under state law.
Tax Certificates – We urged members to support the Expanding Broadcast Ownership Opportunities Act (H.R. 3957 and S.2433) For years the industry has tried to increase the number of women and minority owners in broadcasting. Unfortunately one of the most effective programs – the tax certificate program – was eliminated in 1995. This legislation would reinstate the program.
NYSBA wants to thank the Board of Directors, Futures Committee and all those who helped lobby. It was an exhausting two days, but well worth it.
We will be following up with the offices on these key issues.
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