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Victory in Tallahassee

We are very proud to write about a major victory for Promotional Products and scored by GCPPA and PPAFlorida.  To our knowledge it’s the first legislation of its kind at the state level anywhere in the country.

Background

In 2008 a bill was passed that had to do with home healthcare.  Tucked inside the 28 pages of the bill was a section that outlawed giving “remuneration of any size” to any doctor, nurse, or any referral source in healthcare. The intent was to outlaw big honoraria, country club memberships, cruises, etc from being given to these individuals in exchange for their endorsement or referrals.

Of course, the phrase “remuneration of any size” included pens, notepads, coasters, or any other product our customers might use to help promote their brand to a healthcare professional.

Until this time, promotional products were not on the radar of anyone in Tallahassee.  There was not one objection or comment about this clause that we can find offered at the time of discussion of this Bill.

Action

The boards of GGPPA and PPAFlorida became aware of this law and the remuneration clause early in 2009.  We really had no idea that it had passed. Nor what we could do about it. We just knew that we had to create awareness of our industry.

It took two legislative sessions, hiring a lobbyist to take us around, two Promotional Products days in the state capital to raise awareness, and a lot of sweat equity on the part of the two legislators who sponsored our bill to see it through.  It passed with two minutes left in the 2012 legislative session.

Special thanks to our sponsors Senator Jack Latvala and Representative Jim Frishe who made it happen.

And a big thanks to Ms. Mary Ann Stiles of Stiles & Grace, P.A., our lobbyist who mentored, cajoled and pushed every step of the way.

The gist of the bill amends the previous law that dictates no remuneration at any level, to read:

“Remuneration” means any payment or other benefit made directly or indirectly, overtly or covertly, in cash or in kind. However, if the term is used in any provision of law relating to health care providers, the term does not apply to an item that has an individual value of up to $15, including, but not limited to, a plaque, a certificate, a trophy, or a novelty item that is intended solely for presentation or is customarily given away solely for promotional, recognition, or advertising purposes.

A lot of hard work went into this effort and we just barely got it through this year.  The journey was worth it.  Passing this Bill corrects the unintended consequences of 2008 law.  But it also gives us visibility and precedence should other sectors try to use the same language.

Wayne Greenberg
PPAF Legislative Chair

Fruits of our efforts... Following the Bill through the 112th Congress

To: Dale Worden
Subject: Re: Promotional ProductsA Vibrant, Dynamic Industry


March 12, 2012

Thank you for letting me know of your opposition to an Executive Order signed by President Obama on November 9th to limit government spending on "unnecessary promotional items," among other savings.

Because of your interest in this matter, and in an effort to be of all possible assistance to you, I have taken the liberty of sharing your thoughts with my colleagues on the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee. As they continue their work during this 112th Congress, you can be sure that they will keep your views in mind.

Again, thank you for taking the time to contact me regarding this matter of mutual concern.  It is my hope that you will continue to keep me apprised of your interest in legislative issues important to you.

With best wishes and personal regards, I am


Bill Young
Member of Congress


Visit my online office at http://www.house.gov/young.<http://www.house.gov/young>

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