ACA members returned to Washington, D.C., to meet with legislators on top ARM industry issues leading up to the Reg F compliance date and the Nov. 2 elections. TCPA reform and issues for small businesses were also discussed in these important meetings to help members succeed. Editor’s note: This article is available for members only.
10/25/2021 9:30
‘If you don’t tell your story, someone else will be’ was the theme that dominated last week’s Group 50 advocacy conference with ACA International members in Washington, D.C.
ACA’s members met with legislators on both sides of the aisle to talk accounts receivable management industry (ARM) issues ranging from Reg F to telecom and the Telephone Consumer Protection Act.
U.S. Rep. Josh Gottheimer, D-N.J., who serves on the House Financial Services Committee, participated and provided an important update on issues impacting ACA members on Capitol Hill.
ACA’s members had the opportunity to meet with legislators serving on key congressional committees for the ARM industry. In addition to the House Financial Services Committee, members from the House Energy and Commerce and U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation joined ACA’s event Oct. 19-21.
“It is critical for ACA members to tell their story with so many pressing issues facing the industry being considered this Congress,” said Leah Dempsey, vice president and senior counsel of federal advocacy. “We were thrilled to finally have our members back in Washington, D.C., in person and to meet with key legislators to educate them on some of the concerning legislation we have seen that could limit industry operations and explain how ACA members are serving their clients and communities.”
ACA’s CEO Mark Neeb welcomed Group50 members to the events, a group he has built over the last several years to focus on large industry issues, as well as many ACA Board and Federal Affairs Committee members, and others on ACA’s advocacy team including Federal Advocacy Director Patrick Russell, Vice President of State Unit and Government Affairs Andrew Madden and Communications Manager Katy Zillmer.
Financial and compliance implications of the Hunstein decision and how it could be addressed through FDCPA legislation; student loans and borrower communications; new leadership at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and the Federal Communications Commission; and Reg F all surfaced during meeting discussions.
“Last week’s meeting was an important reminder of the effectiveness of in-person advocacy in bringing ARM industry issues to the forefront for Congress and hearing their input and insights on activity in Washington, D.C.,” said Scott Purcell, an ACA board member.
ACA members were also able to meet with U.S. Rep. Kurt Schrader, D-Ore., U.S. Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., U.S. Rep. Bob Latta, R-Ohio., and U.S. Rep. Roger Williams, R-Texas, as well as attend several meetings on behalf of ACA’s Political Action Committee (ACPAC).
Members can learn more about ACA’s work on Capitol Hill and state-level advocacy at the 2021 Fall Forum, Nov. 3-5 at the Hyatt Regency Chicago.
Neeb will lead a virtual discussion with chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee Tom Emmer, R-Minn. Emmer will share insights on the Nov. 2 election results, as well as give an outlook for the next election and the remainder of this Congress. Don’t miss this important update about critical issues impacting the ARM industry and education opportunities at Fall Forum and stay tuned for more advocacy opportunities for members.
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