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The American Bus Association (ABA), United Motorcoach Association (UMA), National School Transportation Association (NSTA), and Passenger Vessel Association (PVA) are asking why the bipartisan Coronavirus Economic Relief for Transportation Services (CERTS) Act (S.4150/H.R.7642) is ignored as discussions continue on Capitol Hill on the next stimulus package.
The associations and its members and supporters have been reaching out to their Congressional representatives for months as the industries fights for their life—an unprecedented effort that yielded tens of thousands of emails, phone calls, and meetings with representatives. As a result, the bills both enjoy a majority of House and Senate support—the strongest among the numerous industry-specific bills that are currently circulating through Congress—although its fate is tied to larger and sweeping stimulus, which has been stalled for months in a war between the two chambers and the Trump administration.
The coalition released the following statement:
“The numbers speak for themselves on the level of support the CERTS Act has received in both chambers of Congress: 59 Senators and 263 Representatives (60 percent) bipartisan cosponsors. We have been begging and pleading with Congressional leaders, especially Speaker Pelosi, Leader McConnell, and the White House, for more than seven months to provide our industries a lifeline to save our essential employees and our businesses. These businesses and workers are critical to the nation’s transportation system. They serve students, seniors, minorities, and other travelers and commuters, as well as the military and they move people out of harm’s way during wildfires and hurricanes. They deserve better. We need Congress to come together and give true relief to all the modes of transportation that serves everyone and keeps the American economy moving forward during this pandemic."
The House version of the CERTS Act is the most bipartisan and supported relief bill in today:
- 176 CERTS cosponsors are Democrats, which is 66 percent of total co-sponsors and 75 percent of the entire Democratic Caucus.
- Of the 176 Democrat cosponsors, 88 (50 percent) are Committee or Subcommittee Chairs.
- Of the 130 Committee and Subcommittee Chairs of Standing and Select Committees, 88 (67 percent) are CERTS cosponsors.
- Of the 23 Standing and Select Committee Chairs, 16 (69 percent) cosponsored CERTS.
- Of 12 Appropriations Subcommittee Chairs, 8 (66 percent) are CERTS cosponsors. (Chair Sanford Bishop, José Seranno, Mike Quigley, Lucille Roybal-Allard, Betty McCollum, Rosa DeLauro, Tim Ryan, and David Price)
- The CERTS Act has 37 House cosponsors from California, which is 69 percent of their delegation
The Senate version of the CERTS Act is also the most bipartisan and supported relief bill in today:
- 59 cosponsors (59 percent of entire Senate)
- 36 (59 percent) cosponsors are Democrats, which represents 77 percent of all Senate Democrats
- 23 (38 percent) cosponsors are Republicans, which represents 43 percent of all Senate Republicans
- Of the 59 cosponsors, all but 2 are Chairs, Subcommittee Chairs, Ranking Members, or Ranking Subcommittee Members of Standing and Select Committees
- 39 states are represented on this bill with either one or both Senators supporting
According to the associations, the U.S. private motorcoach, school bus, and domestic passenger vessel industries have collectively furloughed or laid off an estimated 308,000 employee jobs over the last eight months due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
For more information on the bills, visit congress.gov.
[10.23.20]
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- Category: Industry News
The International Association of Transportation Regulators (IATR) 33rd annual conference begins on Monday with a ton of sessions focused on the event’s theme of “Resilient Regulation!” Today it was announced that Her Excellency Dagmawit Moges, Minister of Transport of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, will deliver the opening keynote speech on Tuesday, October 27 at 9:00 a.m. (ET)—and addition to an already packed schedule that features more than 70 speakers over the four-day event. The conference will be held virtually for the first time this year.
H.E. Dagmawit Moges Bekele was appointed as Minister of Transport of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia in October 2018. After studying for her BA in Public Administration and Development Management (PADM), she worked as a Graduate Assistant Lecturer at Addis Ababa University (A.A.U). She acquired her MA in Public Management and Policy (MPMP) from the same department and university. She worked as a General Manager of Kolfe Keraneyo Sub-City of A.A City Government and then served as Micro and small Enterprises Development Bureau Head of A.A city Government. Subsequently she worked as a Deputy Bureau head of Addis Ababa City Government Trade and Industry Bureau then a Deputy Bureau head of Addis Ababa City Government Capacity Building Bureau.
To register for the conference, or to see the full lineup of sessions and speakers, visit iatr.global/2020.
[10.23.20]
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Industry events have always been important for operators to network, see old friends, and learn new ideas to help their business flourish. In just four weeks, CD/NLA Virtual will be just the kick you need to be reinvigorated about the future of your company. This year’s been tough for all of us, but we’re #limostrong!
If there’s anything that 2020 has taught us it’s that adapting on the fly is a critical and essential skill as a business owner. From scaling back operations to implementing cost-saving measures to taking on new roles to turning over every rock for hidden opportunities, it’s not business as usual—so this won’t be an event as usual. Thanks to our Platinum Sponsors Ford-Lincoln Limousine & Livery Vehicles and Lancer Insurance for their help in bringing this event to our industry.
With the new reality in mind, the CD/NLA Show Education Committee, led by Co-chairs Jason Sharenow of Broadway Elite and Tracy Raimer of Windy City Limousine & Bus, has been working for months to assemble a program for the upcoming CD/NLA Virtual that rises to the challenges that this year has presented. Tweaking, refining, and updating as they go, committee members have compiled a list of topics that will help any operator regardless of the size or shape of their business or number of years in the industry.
“The lineup of education, sessions, and speakers at the upcoming CD/ NLA Virtual is going to be phenomenal,” says Education Committee Member Ken Carter of Aadvanced Limousine. “With a focus on finances, operations, efficiencies, and leadership, this event is going to deliver something for everyone—even some of our staff. We are so excited to attend and learn right from the comfort of our office. While the format may feel different, the takeaways are going to just as impactful.”
We’re kicking our sessions off on Tuesday morning with Best Practices—What You Need to Do Now to Reset Your Business. Douglas Schwartz of Executive Transportation and Edward Kaye of Schickler Kaye, along with moderator Sharenow, will offer their insight into what you can do today to keep your business afloat in these rocky waters.
Our next session on Tuesday is an Economic Forecast & State of the Industry, presented by renowned guests Christopher Thornberg of Beacon Economics and Roger Dow, president of the U.S. Travel Association. Leading economist Thornberg is an expert on economic and revenue forecasting, regional economics, economic policy, and labor and real estate markets, and has consulted for private industry, cities, counties, and public agencies across the nation. As a leading travel industry advocate, Dow and his team regularly meet with executive branch and congressional leaders to advance policies that benefit the broader travel industry. Expect the pair to offer frank and insightful discussion on what the industry can expect from the post-pandemic business landscape.
The challenges faced by our industry aren’t just limited to the United States. On Wednesday morning, operators can hear from our global industry peers with our International Panel: Corporate Travel, Entertainment & Hospitality Professionals, with Jim Digby of Event Safety Alliance, Colin Devine of Devine’s Chauffeur Services, and more.
Then, on Wednesday afternoon, one of our most popular presenters, Andi Gray of Strategy Leaders, returns to the CD/NLA fold with a session entitled The Game Has Changed: Long-Term Financial Planning & Forecasting to Move Forward. Joined by a pair of experienced operators and moderator Sharenow, Gray will offer guidance regarding the new rules of business money management in a post-COVID world.
“The CD/NLA Virtual will help you think outside the box and learn your new pivot. These two days offer sessions from people that have walked the walk and are continuing to succeed. Sign up today to spark that creative, entrepreneurial spirit,” says Scott Woodruff of Majestic Limo & Coach.
Despite a whole new means of delivery, CD/NLA Virtual will bring you some returning favorites, such as our Operator Mentoring Program, Women in the Industry event, and more. And while we all miss our legendary nightlife events, we’re keeping that spirit (and spirits!) alive with a closing networking event and cocktail hour that will rival those at our in-person conferences.
Best of all, joining CD/NLA Virtual won’t break the bank for our attendees as we’re all watching our wallets. Take advantage of our early-bird specials and register for only $99 (NLA member)/$149 (non-member). The Virtual is also affordable for your whole team as you’ll only pay $179 (NLA member)/$249 (non-member) for up to three people or $279 (NLA member)/$369 (non-member) for up to 10. Early-bird pricing ends on November 2, so act now to save. Register online and view our full two-day schedule at cdnlavirtual.com.
Visit cdnlavirtual.com for more information.