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ASBC advocacy helps secure major infrastructure win

Following early and consistent advocacy by ASBC, the House last week confirmed a major step toward significant investments in American physical and human infrastructure by agreeing to the $3.5 trillion budget resolution passed earlier in the month by the Senate and setting a firm date to consider another Senate passed bill, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (HR 3684) based on the Bipartisan Infrastructure Framework (BIF). That bill will provide the necessary money to make significant improvements to highways, transit systems, safety on the roads, and much more. This is a major step in the right direction as the $3.5 trillion budget resolution establishes a timeframe for committees to submit their full packages. This is anticipated to happen on September 15. The deadline for consideration will happen no later than September 27. Both of these bills are pushing our economy in the right direction and are giving Americans an equal voice in our democracy.

This is needed to provide Americans with safe routes, and ways to travel, which are essential for commerce and American businesses. The US does not have adequate transportation infrastructure in rural areas to be accessible to everyone. With that being said, this bill will be a great step forward in order to provide transportation to more Americans than ever before. Another feature of this bill focuses on safety, to make sure roads are well paved and to make sure that we have the right tools for construction that we need in order for road safety. HR 3684 will also provide research to help make sure that other forms of transportation are optimized for travelers as well as for economic sustainability.

HR 3685 is a huge step in bettering our economy consistent with the vision of ASBC for a just and sustainable economy. This will make it easier and more accessible for people to make it to their jobs and may even cut back on worker-borne costs for travel to work. After the decline of people working due to Covid-19 it is important that we take steps in the right direction in order to bring people back to the workforce. Making it easier and an all-around better experience for people to make it to work could increase the amount of people that are able to work by giving them a form of transportation to which they previously did not have access.

Read our media release describing what the passage of both bills will mean for individuals and businesses here.

Click To Tweet: I stand by the votes of the House in supporting the Bipartisan Infrastructure Framework and Budget Resolution Package

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What's New

Clean water not only for drinking but also our economy

Numerous organizations have been urging the Senate to stop Republican stonewalling of debate on urgently needed legislation. ASBC is proud to have been the first business group to call for the Senate to amend the filibuster rules, specifically to advance federal voting rights legislation. Building off of voting rights and fighting to protect our democracy, ASBC is also showing our support of the For the People Act as well as the John Lewis Rights Advancement Act. We are urging for these acts as it would give not only a vote but also a voice to all Americans. Amending the filibuster would be the start of the solutions that we are pushing in order to create a more just and sustainable economy and democracy.

Click To Tweet: Clean water is something that seems so simple, but is something not everyone has access to. It is time to make a change and eliminate the threats to our clean water.

Watch the video recording of the event

Rallying Behind S1 in Lebanon, NH

On August 5, Thomas Oppel, ASBC’s executive vice president, spoke at a For the People Act rally in Lebanon, NH. Along with Thomas there was Susan Kaplan, founder of Sustainable Futures Consulting, and State Representative Russ Muirhead. The event was a rally to show support for passing the For the People bill (S1), which would create an equal playing field when it comes to voting rights and letting voices be heard. Thomas gave a speech to highlight the importance of S1 to businesses and just how much it would impact Americans and the economy for the better.

Click To Tweet: The #S1 would create a more equal playing field that we need in our democracy. I support the #ForthePeopleAct and you should, too.

Mandatory vaccination for the protection of our employees and our businesses

ASBC was the first business organization to advocate businesses implement a policy requiring all employees who are eligible to be vaccinated against Covid-19. Many businesses have since taken a stand and implemented this in their businesses in order to protect their workers, and their families and their communities, from the virus. Implementing mandatory vaccination in work settings will favorably impact not only those businesses which require it but also the community as a whole. This Delta variant spreads at a rapid rate and is dangerously easy to contract. Therefore, it is important for people to get vaccinated to not only protect themselves but also their families, neighbors, coworkers, and strangers with whom they interact. This will benefit the businesses positively by reducing the possibility that workers will be infected and become ill from a virus that can be debilitating and keep them out of work for weeks. The vaccine and business efficiency go hand in hand and once businesses start to realize this, we will see a sustained increase in mandatory vaccines for workers.

Read our Op-Ed on why we chose to have mandatory vaccines and how it will play a key part in the recovery and success of the U.S. economy.

Click To Tweet: I support getting the #Covid19vaccine and protecting those around me, do you?

The Passing of the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act

On August 24 the House passed federal voting rights legislation. The John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act (VRAA) will defend our most basic right in a democracy, voting. This is a major step and win as the right to vote has been under attack in many states as the 1965 Voting Rights Act was gutted by two recent Supreme Court decision. This will not only give a voice to independent Americans but also to businesses. This Act will also defend the free and fair markets that businesses depend on and are currently not receiving.

Although this is a great step forward and essential step to a sustainable and just economy it does not end here. The Senate now must act. This will be hard given the Senate filibuster rules that will stand in the way of the final passage of the VRAA. ASBC has been very outspoken about our support to call to amend the filibuster rules and the carving out an exception to the filibuster rules.

Read our media release about the House passage of the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act.

Click To Tweet: The passage of the #JohnLewisVotingRightsAdvancementAct is a huge step in the right direction. I am proud of the voting outcome and what this means for individuals, businesses, and our economy.

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Working Group Updates

Corporate Transparency & ESG Disclosure: The working group met on August 11th and had a special presentation by Bryan McGannon, Director of Policy and Programs, the Forum for Sustainable and Responsible Investment (US SIF), about the “Public Policy Landscape for ESG Regulation." Bryan serves as US SIF's lead representative advancing the interests and perspective of the sustainable, responsible and impact investing (SRI) community with policymakers and stakeholders.

In another consequential, change-making development, ASBC has launched the new Corporate Transparency Disclosure Working Group that will advocate for policies, interventions and other solutions to incentivize True-Cost Accounting/Impact-Weighted Accounts. It addresses America’s growing concern about business activities which are unaccounted for, or currently escape disclosure as negative externalities, in corporations’ P&L income statements and balance sheets. To solve this economy-wide mischaracterization of real-world effects, it will persuasively advocate for policy solutions and other interventions that incentivize True-Cost Accounting/Impact-Weighted Accounts. Of course, any policy incentives and/ or requirements we may recommend will include consideration of current generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP standards), regulatory intervention, accounting standards, valuation methodologies, ESG investment criteria, and related reporting methods as well as the goal of tax regime reform and an overall increase in transparency and equity in corporate and business governance.

Always Open: Problem-Solving Resources

You can count on ASBC sending you timely action tips on legislative issues affecting your business, and we also offer busy leaders a wealth of in-depth guidance you can access any time on our website. Want the details on how famous companies of all sizes provide a high-road workplace – and how it boosts their business? Need to make a big media impression (or lots of them) with your firm’s sustainability news? Want to persuade your market why safer, greener products matter? Need to make your responsible business case for better laws to your elected officials at local, state and national levels? ASBC’s online library of resources can help with these and more. Check out the Research & Data and Policy & Action sections on the ASBC website and contact us with your questions or suggestions.

Media, Blogs & More

On August 16, ASBC was mentioned in an article by The Highland County Press, “Appeal of DeWine’s unemployment benefit cutoff gets support.” This was in support of unemployed Ohio workers asking to reinstate the $300-a-week unemployment benefit. ASBC was one of the organizations that filed the brief. Read the full article here.
On August 25, ASBC was mentioned by Agri Pulse in the article titled “Climate-friendly ag practices need $30 billion, Democrats told.” The article explains how ASBC is advocating for the $30 billion to be used for conservation programs. Read the full article here. (Free registration needed).

Welcome New Members

Please note: For details about membership levels, benefits and more, visit https://www.asbcouncil.org/membership.

Forum for the Future (Association)

Forum for the Future is a leading international sustainability non-profit with offices in London, New York, Singapore and Mumbai. We leverage our expertise in systems change and futures to accelerate change on global challenges, and to cultivate capacity of organizations and individuals to create long-term and transformative change. For over 25 years, we’ve been working in partnership with business, governments and civil society to accelerate transformation toward a just and regenerative future.

Member & Staff News

Nature’s Logic

Mid America Pet Food Acquires Nature’s Logic as their manufacturer in order to produce natural, whole food pet products. This is a great partnership between the two companies, and a great outcome for the pets consuming this pet food. This partnership will have a significant impact on the food industry.
Boma Jewelry

SUSTAINABLE BRAND BOMA JEWELRY ACHIEVES B CORP CERTIFICATION: There are less than 20 certified jewelry companies worldwide and it is a great achievement that Boma Jewelry has received this certification. B Corp means that the company produces high end products while having the economy and sustainability in mind.

ASBC Members, Let Us Help You Share Your News!

Your ASBC membership is a valuable networking opportunity to share your news with other mission-driven companies and supporters nationwide. Please send us your product and service introductions, personnel and facility changes, awards, charitable events and other news in your press releases, blogs, captioned photos and videos. We’ll include them in ASBC’s monthly Policy Update newsletter and social media outlets.

AND....Show your customers, prospects and vendors your values right upfront: display the “Proud Member of ASBC” logo on your website and marketing materials.

ASBC appreciates your support for our work and we’re proud to support you all the way!

Upcoming Events

Power Surge Conference: Clean Energy Innovation
Washington, D.C. | September 15, 2021: 8:00AM-4:40PM
Join many speakers in a great in-person event September 15 in Washington, D.C. Meet influential people in the clean water and energy environment. Register for the conference here.

Business and Childhood Cancer Prevention
Webinar | September 23, 2021: 2:00-3:00PM
Join ASBC-SVC members and presenters on the anniversary of the 2020 release of the Childhood Cancer Prevention report. Join us to hear from businesses about how their leaders are taking steps to prevent childhood cancer here.

RESTORE, REGENERATE, RE-IMAGINE! ASBC-SVC Live Conference
Paradise Point, San Diego, CA | December 8-11, 2021
Join ASBC-SVC members, legislators, influencers and other inspiring leaders at the in-person conference this December 8-11 in San Diego, CA at Paradise Point. REGISTER NOW for the conference and receive 10% off with code WEAREBACK here (scroll to end for installment payment option). Not yet an ASBC-SVC member? Join here (annual or monthly) to access this initial registration period and discount. (See the event story in this Policy Update.)
Please note: Our discounted room block is already >90% sold.