Snack World - November 2013 - (Page 12)

Government Affairs On Guard in Tumultuous Times by bob Gatty W ith Congress and the White House at loggerheads over reducing the nation's deficit and other mega issues with financial consequences, the snack food industry remains vigilant as to the potential fallout that could affect companies and their employees. At the same time, myriad ongoing developments could directly impact the industry, and SFA's leadership and policy advisers are working to make sure members' interests are effectively represented as legislators and regulators make decisions. "This is an exceedingly tumultuous time in Washington," said Tom Dempsey, SFA's CEO. "The battle over the government shutdown and the debt limit has many ramifications beyond the beltway, and business enterprises need to be aware." For example, as Congress discusses tax reform issues and negotiates deals to raise revenue to fund government programs, the potential exists for specific business sectors such as the snack industry to be targeted and affected. "We intend to be vigilant," Mr. Dempsey said, "and we will work as hard as possible to prevent our industry from being unduly and unfairly impacted. We are working with coalitions of other organizations in Washington that have similar concerns, and there undoubtedly will be times 12 Snack World November 2013 www.sfa.org when we need to ask our members to reach out to lawmakers in their local areas and express their concerns." Michael Torrey, SFA government affairs adviser, also observed a new attitude in Washington. "As a result of the last two elections, there are more new members of Congress, and the focus has turned to reform in terms of balancing the budget and reducing the nation's debt," he said. "As a result, many of the challenges we face could be dealt with in December. It will be an important period as our elected officials work to determine how best to proceed - and next year is an election year." Coming to a head all at the same time, Mr. Torrey pointed out, are such once-in-a-lifetime issues as immigration reform, tax reform, the budget deficit, the debt ceiling and health care. These, of course, are on top of the several, and more specific, issues in which SFA is involved, including the current controversy over GMO labeling requirements, preserving choice for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants, competitive foods, a new nutrition facts panel, the impact of biofuels on commodity prices and efforts that could make it more difficult for companies to use independent contractors. www.sfa.org August 2 http://www.sfa.org

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Snack World - November 2013

Snack World - November 2013
Table of Contents
Letter from SFA - Making SFA Stronger
Calendar
Supplier's Corner - Managing Change
Government Affairs - On Guard in Tumultuous Times
SNAXPO Preview - SNAXPO 2014 Goes Big in ‘Big D'
SFA Snack School - Back to School
Food Safety Course - Food Safety Tours the US
New Snacks
Products & Services
Ad Index

Snack World - November 2013