NEWS
THIS MONTH...
Government insiders see more regulations with Democrats in
control of Washington, but the outlook is unclear on tax hikes,
trade with China and other industry issues.
NOBODY knows the changes, as a result of the elected under the Democratic on taxation for the National
consequences of the historic Obama election, are not clear, banner. Association of Manufacturers.
2008 election in the USA, but we know that they’re going “T_h ese moderates – often “Most economists will tell you
including the newly elected to happen in a big way. We also known as Blue-Dog Democrats that the time not to increase
president, vice-president and know that the changes at the –are primarily interested in taxes on businesses is when they
members of Congress. Less than Senate and House levels are, balancing the federal budget. are in a down-turn, and they
three days after the Democrats perhaps, even more important T_h ey are interested in a much clearly are in a down-turn.
won control of the White House with regard to the kinds of diff erent political agenda than “Businesses will be in a heavy-
and Capitol Hill, however, a legislation that might be passed is often seen… So it’s not an education mode in the 111th
group of government insiders Congress, particularly to educate
gathered on a conference call
“I don’t believe that President-elect
new members about the impact
to speculate about the election’s of tax increases on businesses.”
possible eff ects on the sporting-
Obama has a protectionist agenda, I think,
T_h e newly elected Congress
goods industry.
generally, he’s viewed as a free trader.”
will probably place more
T_h e call was orchestrated emphasis on trade and
by the Sporting Goods to aff ect our industry. It’s automatic or 100-per cent one- government regulation, agreed
Manufacturers Association going to be an Obama-driven way… T_h ere is a lot of details other members of the panel,
(SGMA) whose vice president of Washington for at least for the and nuances that have yet to be including Brad Figel, global
government relations, Bill Sales, next couple of years – with the worked out.” director of government relations
is one of Washington’s leading fi rst 100 days being important Higher taxes on businesses and public aff airs for Nike.
lobbyists. – but the members of Congress and individuals earning more “I don’t believe that President-
“It’s clearly an exciting and are coming with a diff erent than $250,000 a year was a key elect Obama has a protectionist
uncertain time in Washington,” agenda as well. element of the Obama campaign. agenda,” Figel said. “I think,
said SGMA president Tom While one may have an “I’m not sure whether President- generally, he’s viewed as a free
Cove, only an hour before opinion about the left-leaning elect Obama will continue to trader, but my inclination is that
President-elect Barack Obama tendencies of the Democratic advocate for higher taxes on he does not want to raise the
would address his fi rst press Party, one clear element of the businesses when, we know, that issue of free trade early on – even
conference following the election was that a signifi cant they are struggling,” said Monica within the fi rst year. Trade has
November election. “T_h e number of moderates were McGuire, senior policy director been very divisive, even within
08 TTW | JANUARY 2009
P08-09_TTW_01_News.indd 1P08-09_TTW_01_News.indd 1 19/11/08 1:56:21 pm19/11/08 1:56:21 pm
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