Silica call to action

Words: Jeff BuczkiewiczThe Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA) is working to try to get language into a House bill that would support Senate bill language to require OSHA to do more research and prove the need for the new silica legislation. We ask that you contact your Congressman today and ask them to sign on to a letter being drafted by Congressman Huizenga which would encourage the House Appropriations committee to include the language.

The sample below is a guide; you should feel free to add your own story about silica and how it will impact your company, your community, and your employees. You can view the MCAA position paper for reference as well. Please ask for the staff person who handles labor and appropriations for the Member of Congress.

We appreciate your help in getting support for this letter. This may be our last opportunity to try to get this included.

Sample Phone Call

Hello, my name is ___________________ and I am calling as a member of the Mason Contractors Association of America who lives in ___________________ (city, state).

I am calling with an important request for the Congressman / Congresswoman to sign onto a letter circulated by Rep. Bill Huizenga to the House Appropriations Committee requesting language be included in the FY17 Labor-HHS-Education Appropriations bill that would ensure the Department of Labor answers pertinent questions before they finalize or enforce any new regulations related to silica exposure limits.

By now I am sure you have heard from numerous industries, including my industry, on how destructive this new proposed rule will be. This regulation would decimate the masonry and construction industry to the tune of $5 billion per year and in many ways is not technologically feasible. This is likely the last chance we have to slow OSHA and the Department of Labor down and we need your boss to sign this letter.

For questions of Rep. Huizenga's office please reach out to Nate Bult.

Thank you!
If you need help identifying your Congressman, please visit our website or contact our office at 800-536-2225. If you reach your Congressman's office, please let Jeff Buczkiewicz know. You can send him an e-mail at jeffb@masoncontractors.org.
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