There is an old saying that parents like to use to motivate their kids into doing work for things that they want—if you want something done right you have to do it yourself. Basically, what it means is that if there is something that you want you can’t expect it to just come to you because you want it; you have to do something to go get it. This can also refer to making efforts to protect and enhance what is yours as well.
This could not be truer for businesses like the self storage industry. With government regulations dictating how business is done it is up to the businesses to make sure that regulations do not make it harder or too expensive for businesses to operate. Whether it’s holding a barbeque for lawmakers to enjoy like the Georgia Self Storage Association did the message has to get out.
That is where lobbyist can come in handy. It is there job to make sure that the needs an interest of their clients (in this case the self storage industry) are respected, protected, and hopefully enhanced by lawmakers.
The 2011 legislative session is no different. At a meeting last November the Self Storage Association’s Legislative & Regulatory Advisory Committee and various affiliated groups discussed what should be prioritized for the next legislative session.
One of the major efforts that the organization will be spear heading in many states will be for improved lien laws. Many states have outdated and old laws that are in desperate need of upgrading. The language that the Advisory Committee came up with essentially is looking to provide for a more efficient process with less liability to the self storage operator.
Several states are actively lobbying to get their respective lien laws improved upon.
Colorado and Georgia are hoping that notification, advertising and vehicle lien improvements can be made. Florida is looking for roughly the same thing, but is drawing a lot more attention due to the large number of self storage facilities in the state. Other states looking to make changes are Massachusetts, Nevada, Illinois, and Tennessee.
Next to lien law reform the next biggest concern among the self storage industry this legislative session is sales tax. To make up for budget shortfalls many states are looking to institute changes in their sales tax laws. In many cases some of the proposed changes could result in a negative effect on the self storage industry. Among the states dealing with sales tax laws are Connecticut, Georgia, Illinois, Michigan, North Carolina and South Carolina.
Sources Used:
“2011 Legislative Season Kicks Off with Industry Wish List.” SSA Globe; February 2011.
“Lobbyists supply special-interest feast for Georgia legislators.” AJC; 17 February 2011.