Your Vote on Election Day Can Impact Our Industry

Election Day is upon us and if you are like me, you are probably sick of all of the television commercials for all of the candidates. It almost makes you miss the rest of the commercials that we see during the remainder of the year. I hope this constant rhetoric has not turned you off from going to the polls on November 7 to vote.

I am sure you have heard how important the 2006 Midterm elections are. Clearly, it will decide the control of the U.S. Congress both in the Senate and the House. In turn, that control will impact the masonry industry tremendously. As a small business owner of a masonry contracting firm, there are numerous issues that you should be aware of that are potentially critical factors after November 7th.

Taxes on small businesses such as yours are too high. Even with the reductions that we have seen over the last several years, you still pay too much in business taxes and other costs such as insurance and workers comp. If friends of our industry are elected on November 7th, real reforms can be implemented in the areas such as health care with the passage of legislation allowing small businesses to band together with associations such as the MCAA, to offer Small Business Health Plans also known as Association Health Plans. As an association, we have joined with other construction groups to work for the passage of Small Business Health Plans which will help provide small business owners with insurance cost relief. Lowering your tax burden is also an important issue and depending on which party wins control of the Congress can impact your profitability.

In addition, MCAA has been working hard for the past two years to beat back regulations on silica and ergonomics. Both of these issues could become real threats to your business next year depending on the agenda of Congress.

This is why it is critical that you go to the polls on Election Day and vote to help to elect a pro-masonry/pro-small business Congress. Your vote counts and especially in many of the tight, hotly contested races around the country which will more than likely be decided by razor thin vote margins. Don't sit this election out. When you go to the polls on election day, it is imperative to remember that you are voting for individuals who will influence issues which affect your livelihood, values and more importantly, your business. Congress does business everyday that affects you and mason contractors all over the country.

One last thought. It is a proven fact that your employees are concerned about this election as well. Their futures and livelihoods are tied to your company and how your company will be impacted by this election. It's also a proven fact that your employees want to know your thoughts on this election and who you feel will be the better candidate that will help your business prosper...so don't stay quiet, let your employees know who you will be supporting on Tuesday, November 7th.