TRSA and WATS Move Legislation with Capitol Visits

The Wisconsin Association of Textile Services (WATS) and TRSA members participated in a Wisconsin Legislative Day to continue the momentum of Senate Bill 845/Assembly Bill 945. The legislation allows the linen, uniform and facility services industry to be eligible to utilize the manufacturing and agriculture tax credit (MATC), significantly reducing the industry’s tax liability.

The day started with an introduction to the legislation and talking points as well as a brief role-playing exercise on best practices of interacting with legislative personnel. The group of 14 then went to the Wisconsin State Capitol building and visited more than 45 offices. Attendees held several high-level meetings, including discussions with the governor’s policy advisor and the Speaker of the House.

“To this point, the legislation has had two hearings, been passed out of a senate committee and is scheduled to be passed out of the assembly committee,” said Kevin Schwalb, WATS executive director. “The next step will be floor action and hopefully passage.”

Those that participated in the legislative visits found them important and informative.

“Policy is a contact sport,” said Sara Gunderson, attending on behalf of Gunderson Uniform and Linen, and a member of both TRSA and WATS. “It is important to stay in front of the legislators to ensure action on our bill; the visits today were great.”

Dave Jerrett, WATS treasurer, added that, “These visits are really making an impact, our conversations are changing from if our bill moves to when. Since TRSA has taken over as the manager of WATS, not only has our policy agenda moved forward, but the networking and professional growth opportunities have improved immensely.”

TRSA President & CEO Joseph Ricci said that, “Doing these events is important in moving policy forward. I am excited that WATS has allowed TRSA to work as the association manager, it is a good opportunity for both organizations and makes the entire industry stronger. TRSA is committed to advocate and protect the linen, uniform and facility services industry and is happy to partner with WATS to achieve that mission.”

The meetings were attended by the following executives:

• Brian Beyer, Cintas Corp.
• Caleb Churchill, Workwear Outfitters
• Greg Crowley, Alsco Uniforms
• Christopher Gibson, UniFirst Corp.
• Sara Gunderson, Gunderson Uniform & Linen Rental
• Drew Hamel, Vestis Uniforms and Workplace Supplies
• David Jerrett, Bay Towel Inc.
• Jim Leef, ITU AbsorbTech
• Lucy Pavisich, Cintas Corp.
• Greg Schermerhorn, HLSG
• Adam Szweda, UniFirst Corp.