ALEXANDRIA, VA (September 26, 2002) – The Printing Industries of America has concluded its biennial survey of association members to determine their legislative and regulatory priorities for the 2003-2004 congressional term. The results of the survey show a shift from two years ago that indicates a more intense focus on cost issues in business. Ben Cooper, PIA’s Executive Vice President for Public Policy, released the survey that identified rising health care costs as the number one concern. "The fact that health care was the number one concern was no surprise. It has been the top issue for several years; but this year, more than 83 % of PIA members identified it as number one-- a much more intense response than two years ago. The surprise for us was that concerns over property and casualty insurance and energy ranked in the top four." This year’s survey indicated a modest decline in tax priorities and a continuing decline in concerns about the environment. Cooper said he believes the survey, taken during the summer of 2002, is a direct reflection of printers’ anxieties about the economy and the outlook for printing in general. "Printers are looking to cut costs as a way of generating additional profits. In better times, less scrutiny is given to cost issues such as property and casualty insurance and energy. Now everything is important to the bottom line, " Cooper added. The PIA Government Affairs Committee hosts an industry policy meeting in November after the congressional elections to recommend an agenda for the organization for the next two years. The survey results form the basis for that meeting. PIA members who would like more information about the Fall Legislative planning session should call Caryn Zirpoli at 703/519-8184 or email [email protected].