Washington, D.C., January 6, 2009 -- The Printing Industries of America has released a legislative advocacy agenda for the 111th Congress that highlights the issues that matter most to the printing and graphic communications industry. The member-driven agenda was crafted in response to the recent elections and highlights legislative issues in the areas of health care reform, labor and employee benefits, tax, postal, and environmental and energy policy.

Michael Makin, president and CEO, stated: "As the 111th Congress is sworn into office today, we congratulate lawmakers and look forward to working with the House and Senate on pressing issues facing the printing and graphic communications industry. We will share our members' concerns and look to find common ground and, ultimately, solutions on these important policy issues."

Printers' foremost legislative concern continues to be the increasingly high cost of health care. Printing Industries supports legislation that provides employees greater benefits choice and employers increased flexibility and will push for measures that increase competition and options in the health insurance market.

In the area of labor policy, the greatest concern for printers is the Employee Free Choice Act, also known as card check legislation. This misnamed act would essentially replace secret ballot union organizing elections with an open petition system. Other issues of concern are new OSHA regulations and the health of defined benefit pension plans.

Congress is likely to undertake a major reform of the federal tax code in coming years. Printing Industries will press for repeal or reform of the estate or tax, a reduced capital gains tax, and a reformed Alternative Minimum Tax that no longer penalizes small business owners.

In recent years, there have been increasing calls for restrictions on direct mail through "do not mail" legislation at the state and federal level. The Printing Industries will continue working to show the value of mail to the economy and the industry's dedication to environmentally sustainable practices and to turn back such ill-conceived proposals.

The environmental and energy policy of greatest concern to printers is the high cost of energy and potential climate change legislation that could affect environmental regulations. Finally, there will be a number of issues at the Environmental Protection Agency, including hazardous waste regulations, industrial laundry/shop towel regulations, and chemical regulations that could affect printing facilities.

Printing Industries is committed to vigorously promoting this agenda and ensuring that print's voice is heard throughout the legislative process. For more information and details on the agenda, please visit the Printing Industries of America website at www.printing.org.