February News from SEMA

by Guest Sat Jan 31, 2009 11:05 pm

Caucus Corner

Strength in Numbers

This year, the legislatures in all 50 states will be meeting and considering approximately 160,000 bills and other various initiatives. Within those legislative bodies there are 7,382 lawmakers, many of which are serving for the first time, and more than 35,000 support staff.

While at first glance these numbers seem intimidating, it also provides an opportunity to educate these lawmakers and their staff on the automotive hobby and the positive impact it has on communities across the country. To start that process, the SEMA Action Network (SAN) recently e-mailed all state lawmakers inviting them to learn more about and join the State Automotive Enthusiast Leadership Caucus.

Formed in 2005, the caucus is a non-partisan group of state legislators whose common thread is simply a love and appreciation for automobiles. To date, there are more than 300 members from all 50 states. A complete list of current caucus members can be viewed on www.semasan.com.

To assist in building this network of hobby-friendly lawmakers, SAN members are urged to contact their state representative and state senator and ask that they join the caucus. As there is no specific obligation in joining the caucus, new members must only agree to list their names among other state legislators around the country who have also chosen to associate themselves with this great American hobby. Their contact information can be accessed through the “Find and Contact Your Legislator” link on www.semasan.com.

For more information or help in contacting your elected officials, please contact SAN Director Jason Tolleson at jasont@sema.org.

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Newly Introduced Legislation

Note: The following state bills are not laws. They were recently introduced and are currently under consideration by the respective state legislatures:

Video Screens

Indiana SB 196: Would prohibit the use of a video screen or computer in the sight of a driver unless the screen is required or assists with driving of a vehicle.

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February 2009 SAN Club Events

Indiana
February 13–15, Indianapolis
World of Wheels
Information: www.autorama.com/casi/show/indianapolis.html or 248/373-1700

Check Out These Early March 2009 Events

Michigan
March 6–8, Detroit
AutoRama
Information: http://autorama.com/casi/show/detroit.html or 228/373-1700
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