I have had several inquires regarding our lobbying efforts in Washington. I thought now might be a good time to update all of you. I am going to run through the pages of questions I have with answers
Q: How much is this lobbying effort costing WSP?
A: WSP is currently paying $8,000 per month for this effort. We have a contract that runs through the end of Feb.
Q: Have you spoken or met with any members of Washington?
A: Yes, we have had contact with several. We have given tours of WSP during working hours and presented our letters. I have additional meetings scheduled in the next month. We have met with those in Washington specifically writing the draft as well as those with influence in the Democratic Party (they currently control Congress). We are also focusing efforts at the state level. Many of our state contacts have federal contacts.
Q: What has been the overall reception of your meetings?
A: We have been told to “settle down”, there is “plenty of time” and “this is just a discussion draft”. The focus for the Congress in 2009 will be the Economy and Healthcare. This bill will unlikely be written into law in 2009. It is a sweeping overhaul that will have tremendous debate in Congress and the Senate. They are receptive to working with us and want to make it a win-win for everyone.
Q: How did the draft bill come to be?
A: When things such as the tainted dog food, lead paint in toys and tainted heparin drugs hit the US market, members of Congress went to the FDA to see if they needed help. They found that the FDA was underfunded and did not have recall authority. The goal of the bill is to completely reform the FDA so that they can protect consumers and provide funding.
Q: What is the goal of this bill?
A: To provide increased consumer safety and funding for the FDA.
Q: Why are they trying to put the “little guy” out of business?
A: Every single person I have spoken with has said our small business industry is absolutely not the target. They did not even know that people made these products in their home. When we presented our customer database to them, they were speechless and stated that the draft bill will obviously need to be revised. They do not want to hurt small businesses.
Q: Why are they targeting cosmetics when there have not been any problems?
A: If they are to reform the FDA then it will include cosmetics because cosmetics fall under the FDA.
Q: Will this become law in 2008?
A: Absolutely not. It may not even see the floor of congress in 2009. The draft bill you see now will not look anything like the law. The bill will need to go through so many committees and changes (called mark ups). It may never see the light of day as a law.
Q: Did you know that Donna Marie Coles Johnson is working on this issue? Have you considered coordinating your efforts?
A: I have been in contact with Donna Marie. In fact, I have provided her with weekly or bi-weekly updates to my meetings with members of Congress. I continue to inform her of things we are told as well my action plan. These conversations have lasted hours. I have initiated every single one. Just last night I spoke with her by phone and she had said that she didn’t have any new information on her end.
I have also been working with other groups affected by this bill but not in our industry. I have gotten some great advice and direction from several sources in the food industry. I have not had contact with the drug industry.
Q: What is your plan from here?
A: I am going to wait for the election. On Nov. 4th every member of Congress is up for re-election. I need to know who is in Congress as well as their historical positions on small business. After the election, Congress will meet to decide who is going to be on what committees as well as their calendars. I have a series of meetings planned in Washington before Congress breaks for vacation. I am also heading to different states in Dec. to meet with members. The goal is to meet with the new members that have influence and support of our position as well as retouching with those that support us now.
Q: As new information becomes available, will you revise your position to exempt us from the process all together?
A: I am always open to amending my position based on new information. One thing that came to light recently was related to the food industry. Manufacturers under $500,000 in sales are exempt from many food requirements (not related to this bill). It is possible something like this can be adopted to this bill.
Q: You don’t sound like you have “urgency” in your voice. Why?
A: Crying fire before there is a fire is unproductive. This isn’t going to help my efforts and will cause unnecessary anxiety in the market. This bill is a discussion so that groups have an opportunity to be heard. I am fortunate enough to be in a position to get our concerns heard by those that are in a position to do something.
EVERYONE I have spoken with has told me that they do not want to hurt our industry. I have to believe them. I think the motives for those in government is to make things better, not worse. Remember in all fairness, if they are going to regulate lotions being made in the home, they will need to regulate things such as chocolate covered pretzels sold at church craft shows. I really do not think this is what they want.
I hope this answers many of your questions. Please feel free to continue to post or email them. I am here for you. I am your voice.
Debbie May
www.WholesaleSuppliesPlus.com
1-800-359-0944
Rita in the office made these little guys. I especially like the floating candle variation at the end of this recipe.
Crafter's Choice Snuggles Fragrance Oil 
Sea Island Cotton* Fragrance Oil
