January 2019 Policy Update

Jay OwenSRI/ESG News, Latest Headlines

ASBC Report Helps States
Close Corporate Tax Loopholes

While many hardworking firms and families struggle to pay taxes for our shared infrastructure and services, big multinational corporations dodge taxes on U.S. earnings with offshore tax-haven subsidiaries. But states can recoup billions in lost tax revenue without waiting for Congress.

A report by ASBC, U.S. Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) Education Fund, Institute on SalesFactor.org, and Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy (ITEP) explains how states themselves can provide “A Simple Fix for a $17 Billion Corporate Tax Loophole.”

“Responsible businesses pay their taxes, but others are allowed to dodge their fair share,” said John O’Neill, ASBC’s senior tax policy analyst. “When firms don’t pay what they owe for the public services and infrastructure they use in our states, other taxpayers, including businesses, pay more. That hurts everybody. We need tax reforms like the ones in this report to close unfair loopholes so our corporate tax system fosters a more just and sustainable economy for our future.”

Click to Tweet: Off shore tax havens harm the US economy, but we know how to fix it. Read the @ASBCouncil @iteptweets @USPIRG report on how to close this loophole here: https://bit.ly/2ScsJFV

What’s New

ASBC Endorses Green New Deal

ASBC is proud to lead the business community in endorsing the Green New Deal. It offers the comprehensive, fearless assessment we need to tap America’s business ingenuity and rebuild our nation’s infrastructure, broaden consumer prosperity and tackle the climate change crisis that already harms our companies. ASBC aims to have Pricing Carbon and many of our High Road Workplace policies included as the resolution moves to legislation. Stay tuned!

Click to Tweet: @ASBCouncil green-lights the Green New Deal to strengthen our economy and save our environment: https://ctt.ec/fcUO2+

 

Fight Threat to Clean Water in Mississippi Basin and Delaware Watershed

Clean water is vital to our companies and our economy, but it’s under threat. If your business is based in the Mississippi River Basin or the Delaware River Watershed, help us protect these vital resources! Sign on to ASBC’s Clean Water is Good for Business principles now: Sign here for Delaware River Watershed-based businesses and here for businesses based in the Mississippi River Basin.

ASBC Member News

·       Sustainability in Packaging US offers expert insights on sustainable packaging from top brand owners, CPG’s, retailers, packaging manufacturers, government and NGO’s. ASBC members save 15% on registration for the upcoming conference in Chicago with promo code ASBC19.

·       National Stewardship Action Council (NSAC) sponsored California legislation helped Aquafil bring a carpet recycling plant with 50-plus green jobs to Woodland, CA. Help NSAC pass similar legislation in other states: Contact NSAC Executive Director Heidi Sanborn at [email protected] or 916-217-1109.

·       Jenny Kassan Consulting has launched The Angels of Main Street, a new membership group for people interested in learning about investing in small businesses and promoting a vibrant and sustainable economy.

·       Ethical Markets fully supports the Green New Deal launched in the 116th Congress, and offers “Green Transition Scoreboard® Reports” background research since 2009 that shows a transition to renewables by 2030 is technologically possible.

ASBC Welcomes New Members

·       SimonSays Entertainment

SimonSays Entertainment is an award-winning implementation and production company in the entertainment industry. It helps professionals and organizations create, produce and finance compelling, action-inspiring stories in film, television, theatre, education and technology.

·       ResolutionCare

ResolutionCare provides professional care to people in their homes and shares its perspective to improve care wherever people with serious illness seek value in the U.S. healthcare system.

Upcoming Events

How To Effectively Advocate & Lobby Your Elected Officials
Webinar | February 14, 1 – 2 PM ET
Government listens to business leaders, and this training prepares you to effectively advocate for your issues. You will learn how to: Plan an in-person meeting with policy makers Prepare and research for an in-person meeting Execute a successful meeting with policy makers Conduct post-meeting outreach Get your message to policy makers when you can’t meet in person.Hone Your Message and Work with the Media to Get It Out

Webinar | February 21, 1 – 2 PM ET
If you’d like to add your business insights to the current political discussion, this session will give you best practices from the front lines. You will learn how to: Make the strongest arguments for your policy agenda Use your company as proof of how policies affect business Locate journalists interested in what you have to say Enhance your credibility and confidence.Natural Products Expo West
Anaheim, CA | March 5 – 9
Natural Products Expo West & Engredea, the leading tradeshow of the natural, organic and healthy products industry, offers 3,100 exhibits at the Anaheim Convention Center and attracts over 80,000 industry professionals each year. ASBC will be an exhibitor.

NESSBE 2019
New Haven, CT | March 8
INESSBE (Northeast Summit for a Sustainable Built Environment) involves the broad community of building professionals, owners, academics, policymakers and advocates in a conversation about sustainability in the built environment. On this year’s theme, Equity of Place: Social Justice in the Built Environment, the summit’s focus is material health and social justice, climate justice and conservation, resilience, community engagement, and affordable housing. ASBC’s David Levine will be a featured speaker.

Responsible Business Summit New York 2019
New York, NY | March 18 – 19
More than 500 CEOs and other business leaders will gather to discuss the core challenges and understand the latest technologies that are shaping the future of responsible business. ASBC’s CEO Hammad Atassi will be a featured speaker.

SPLC Summit 2019
Portland, OR | May 20 – 22
Partner: Sustainable Purchasing Leadership Council
SPLC’s annual Summit brings together 400 purchasing and sustainability professionals, suppliers, and NGO experts from diverse sectors and regions to share and promote sustainable purchasing best practices for organizations. The Summit’s expert-led sessions, networking, tradeshow, and buyer-supplier matchmaking are open to both members and non-members.