ATSSA members advocating for roadway safety on Capitol Hill today

ATSSA members from across the country are meeting with legislators on Capitol Hill today, carrying their insights and priorities for roadway safety directly to lawmakers.

Sixty meetings are scheduled with members of the Senate, the House of Representatives and their legislative teams.

The goal is to fuel the future of roadway safety by carrying their message directly to the nation’s decision makers.

ATSSA’s two-day Legislative Briefing & Fly-In returned to Washington, D.C., this week after two years as a virtual event because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

More than 50 people representing 17 states and the District of Columbia registered to attend the event, which is a benefit of ATSSA membership.

On Monday, ATSSA members took part in a Legislative Briefing where they heard from several speakers including Rep. Brendan Boyle D-Pa., Emily Schweninger, senior policy advisor for Transportation, Health and Safety with the U.S. Department of Transportation,  and three Congressional staff members – Rebecca Higgins on the Senate Environment and Public Works EPW Committee Majority Staff, Laruen Baker, on the Senate EPW Committee Minority Staff,  and Garrett Gee, House Transportation & Infrastructure Majority Staff.

ATSSA President & CEO Stacy Tetschner welcomed the members to D.C., thanking them for taking the time to invest in the future of roadway safety by gaining or sharpening their advocacy skills and then putting them into practice.

ATSSA Vice President of Engagement Nate Smith discussed roadway safety priorities including the Infrastructure Investment & Jobs Act, which passed in November and provides significant funding for the industry. He also addressed the negatives of suspending gas taxes, which has happened in a handful of states but is not expected to gain traction at the federal level.

The ongoing effects of rising fuel prices, raw materials shortages and workforce challenges are all topics impacting the roadway safety infrastructure industry.