I am in Washington DC the next 2 days with 65 colleagues of the golf industry, promoting the game of golf. The USGA, PGA, golf course builders, owners, The First Tee, CMAA, and others are representing the business and meeting with members of the Senate and Congress tomorrow. I have an 11:30 meeting with Richard Burr, a 12:30 meeting with Mark Meadows and 1:00 meeting with Thom Tillis. There are many issues that face the industry that require us to be proactive on the legislative front. For example:
1. The pending new overtime rule- originally, any individual earning less than $51,000 will require overtime pay. That has since been changed to $47,000.
2. H2B visa delays. No need to elaborate on this one!
3. WOTUS- waters of the US has potential allow federal control of every water body in the US. This means potential for permitting when simple spray applications are made.
4. Affordable Care Act and seasonal employees...the definition of who is required to be covered is constantly evolving.
This is just a small number of examples of the issues and bills that can have a major impact on the golf industry. I will be posting more from Capitol Hill.
