Courtney Reynaud and staff from Creditors Bureau USA met with California Assemblyman Jim Patterson about issues faced by small businesses in the ARM industry. ACA International has resources available to assist members in getting involved with advocacy efforts.
09/12/2022 9:45 A.M.
2.5 minute read
ACA International members in California, led by ACA Board President Courtney Reynaud, met with California Assemblyman Jim Patterson, R-Sacramento, about issues faced by the accounts receivable management (ARM) industry and small businesses in California this month.
“Patterson is an ally in the California legislature,” said Reynaud, president of Creditors Bureau USA in Fresno, California.
They were able to discuss California’s supplemental COVID-19 leave, which is a huge burden for small businesses in the state, as well as legislation impacting the ARM industry, she said.
“We talked about S.B. 1477, related to garnishment, as well as other legislation that seems to directly target the collection industry, as well as federal issues like the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, medical debt, student loan debt and the overall impact these discussions have on the economy and credit ecosystem,” Reynaud said.
S.B. 1477, sponsored by Sen. Bob Wieckowski (D-Calif.), modifies the formula for determining the portion of debtors’ wages that can be garnished in order to satisfy a judgment. This measure goes into effect on Sept. 1, 2023.
How to Get Involved in Advocacy: ACA Has Resources to Help
- First, take a look at ACA’s updated advocacy book for members, which reviews the top industry issues.
- ACA’s Policymakers website also has powerful video stories from consumers and small businesses that are easy to share with your legislators. Each of the brief videos on the Policymakers website is accompanied by instructions on how you can email them to your representatives. Personal stories like those featured in the videos can help lawmakers better understand the positive impact ARM professionals have on consumers and the economy.
- Topics in ACA’s advocacy book apply at the state level, too. In 2021, nearly a dozen states considered legislation to address medical debt collection, with four ultimately enacting legislation. This year, the 6,000 state legislators up for election represent nearly 28% of state legislative seats, according to Andrew Madden, ACA’s vice president of state and government affairs. There are also 36 governors up for election. Madden recommends finding common ground with legislators on a personal level, such as family or common interests, and then sharing about your business. As an ice breaker, try talking about community service that is important to you or a local event you attended.
Openstates.org has a tool to find your state and federal representative by entering your address.
Read more on advocacy resources and how to get involved here: Advocacy Starts with You: ACA Provides the Resources You Need.
If you have executive leadership updates or other member news to share with ACA, contact our communications department at [email protected]. View our publications page for more information and our news submission guidelines here.