Collision repairers and industry supporters came together on Tuesday, July 20 for a successful Legislative Briefing Day on Beacon Hill. The Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of Massachusetts (AASP/MA) is reporting a turnout of approximately 125 industry professionals, who were joined by 15 state representatives and the legislative directors and aides from another 37 representatives’ offices for a 45-minute presentation in support of the passage of SB 122, the Auto Body Labor Rate Bill.
"A large part of the battle in getting legislation of any kind passed is making sure the decision-makers are familiar with your cause," says AASP/MA Executive Director Peter Abdelmaseh, "and the repairers in support of this bill have worked very hard to make their voices heard throughout our journey to this point. It was very important that we had a good showing at this ‘Legislative Briefing Day,’ and I’m proud to say that our industry came out in force.
"I know of several shop owners that closed down their businesses for the day so that they and their entire staff could be here to speak with their State Reps on this issue; others traveled over two hours just to be a part of this event. I believe that our sheer numbers alone have proven the importance of this legislation to the powers that be on Beacon Hill. Now, with just days to go before the end of the Formal Session, I implore repairers throughout Massachusetts to keep the momentum going and contact their representatives — daily, if possible — to urge their support."
The bill, which aims to establish an advisory commission and a system to validate collision repair labor rates in the Commonwealth, passed on a voice vote (unanimously) in the state Senate last week and must be approved by the House prior to the end of the current session on July 31. If passed in the House, the bill moves to the desk of Governor Deval Patrick for his signature, then becomes law.
More information:
Find more information on AASP/MA’s efforts in passing the Auto Body Labor Rate Bill.
