CMU CHECK-OFF PROGRAM UPDATE


There is great news to report. The initial cosponsors of our bill, Representative John Shimkus (R-IL) and Representative Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), have released their "Dear Colleague” letter. This letter signed by both Members encourages the other members of the U.S. House of Representatives to join them in supporting our bill, H.R. 3395, to establish a Concrete Masonry Unit Check-off Program.


Cosponsor the Concrete Masonry Products Research, Education, and Promotion Act of 2011 From: The Honorable John Shimkus Sent By: jim.goldenstein@mail.house.gov Bill: H.R. 3395 Date: 3/2/2012


Dear Colleague,


I am pleased to join my distinguished colleague, Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin, in co-sponsoring H.R. 3395, legislation that will contribute to our nation’s economic recovery. This legislation, at no cost to the American taxpayers, will help revitalize the concrete masonry industry, one of America’s oldest and most im- portant industries. We urge you to join us as a co-sponsor.


Jump-starting the recovery of core industries like concrete masonry is the key to achieving overall sustained economic growth. This legislation would create an inclusive, coordinated, and continuous program of re- search, promotion and education to support and enhance its products. This program is exactly what the in- dustry needs to spark its revitalization during these tough economic times.


H.R. 3395 would create a commodity check-off program similar to other already well established check-off programs in other industries such as soybeans, pork and milk. Successful check-off programs have helped other industries increase market share, grow their industries, and provide greater value to the communities they serve. Specifically, this bill outlines the check-off program, provides for Congressional and federal over- sight, authorizes an industry referendum on initiating the program, and creates legal authority for program as- sessment and operation.


This legislation would simply grant the concrete masonry industry the authority to determine for themselves if they would like to begin a check-off program. Industry, not the government, would decide to start the program and at any point, industry can decide to end the program. Our bill would simply set the parameters of this pro- gram and make sure it’s transparent for consumers, as in other check-off programs.


The funds generated by this check-off program will allow the industry to invest in research and development to further enhance concrete masonry. Concrete masonry is a durable construction material and it has with- stood hurricanes, tornados and earthquakes better than many other building materials. The industry is work- ing to develop methods to further increase concrete masonry’s durability. With the recent up-tick in weather related disasters throughout the Midwest and South, the need for this research and development is greater than ever.


We strongly urge you to join us in co-sponsoring this important, bipartisan piece of legislation that will enable the concrete masonry industry to create jobs, support small business, improve building safety and durability, and generate a larger tax base – contributing to a stronger U.S. economy without any cost to taxpayers.


Sincerely, JOHN SHIMKUS


Member of Congress


TAMMY BALDWIN Member of Congress


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