Apr 30, 2014

Healthcare, Chain Restaurant Menu Labeling, Data Security, and Tax Reform Top Industry Agenda

APRIL 30, 2014 - WASHINGTON, D.C. - Over 200 grocery retailers, wholesalers, and food industry state association executives from across the nation convened in Washington, DC today for the annual "Day in Washington" Supermarket Industry fly-in. Members of the National Grocers Association (NGA), Food Marketing Institute (FMI), and the Food Industry Association Executives (FIAE) will participate in over 210 meetings with their elected officials and key Congressional staff to advocate on legislative issues such as healthcare, tax reform, chain restaurant menu labeling, and data security during this two-day event, held Wednesday, April 30 and Thursday, May 1.

On top of many fly-in attendees' agenda is the definition of a full-time employee, which is set at only 30 hours average per week per month, under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The supermarket industry has been steadfast in seeking flexibility and ways to minimize new burdens under the ACA in order for food retailers and wholesalers to continue providing quality health coverage that is affordable to both the employee and the employer.
While the Administration has taken steps to provide some flexibility within the regulatory process, there are several outstanding concerns with the law itself that are impacting how grocers manage their workforce, adjust work schedules and offer employee benefits well beyond health care. Both FMI and NGA advocated in support of the Save American Workers Act (H.R. 2575), which passed the U.S. House earlier this month.

"The supermarket industry plays a critical role in our nation's economic growth; creating jobs and paying billions in tax revenue," said Peter J. Larkin, President and CEO, NGA. "It is increasingly important that policymakers in Washington hear first-hand from grocery executives about how legislation and regulations directly impact the supermarket industry, their employees, and ultimately, the consumers they serve."

"Supermarkets are the place where the real-life economic, social and health concerns of the American public become manifest," said Leslie G. Sarasin, President and CEO of the Food Marketing Institute. "With such a close working relationship with their customers, this makes food retailers the voice our legislators need most to hear to help heal the existing disconnect between Washington, D.C. and the citizens they represent."