legislative alert from Summit Racing

Washington lawmakers are drafting a large economic stimulus package to help create jobs and rebuild infrastructure. They want to include a nationwide scrappage program which would give U.S. tax dollars to consumers who turn-in older cars to have them crushed, as a misguided attempt to spur new car sales. The lawmakers need to scrap this idea.

The stimulus package is being drafted right now. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) wants to introduce the bill on January 6 and have it approved by Congress by January 20, so that President Obama can sign it into law after he is inaugurated.

Contact House Speaker Nancy Pelosi
IMMEDIATELY To Oppose Cash for Clunkers!
Call: 202-225-0100
Click here to send an electronic message: http://speaker.house.gov/contact/
Talking Points
Feel free to use any of the statements below as a starting point for your message to Speaker Pelosi.

• I am [calling/writing] to urge lawmakers not to include a
  “Cash for Clunkers” provision in the economic stimulus bill.
  Owners who turn in vehicles for crushing would receive a "minimal"
  payment to
  purchase a new car. This is a misguided attempt to spur car sales and
  claim that the country’s air quality or fleet fuel mileage is being
  improved.
  
• I work for [company name] located in [city and state]. My
  company is part of the specialty automotive industry, an industry which
  enables consumers to enhance their vehicle’s appearance, performance,
  comfort, convenience and safety. “Cash for Clunkers” programs deny our
  small businesses the availability of older cars necessary to
  develop and market their products and services. The programs will hurt
  my company and our customers.
  
• “Cash for Clunkers” programs threaten
  enthusiasts nationwide with the loss of valuable parts and parts-cars
  for repair, restoration, and customization projects. The programs also
  risk destroying classic, historic and special-interest vehicles, our
  American heritage.
  
• Cars turned in for scrappage often barely run, or are
  rarely-driven second or third vehicles that have a minimal impact on overall fuel economy or emissions.
  
• “Cash for Clunkers” programs will reduce the
  availability of affordable transportation and repair parts used by
  low-income drivers. It will also compete with the Salvation Army, the Purple Heart
  and other charities that rely on vehicle donations to raise money.
  
• “Cash for Clunkers” ignores better policy
  options. If Congress wants to act, support for repair and upgrade is a
  better choice and a win-win for consumers, dealers, manufacturers and
  repair shops. Significant emissions and fuel economy improvements can be achieved in older vehicles through relatively simple and inexpensive means:
  repaired/replaced exhaust systems, tune-ups, etc.
  
• We hope we can count on you to reject “Cash for
  Clunkers.” Thank you for your consideration on this very important matter.
  

If you choose to send a message to Speaker Pelosi, please send a copy of your message to SEMA
also:
E-mail: briand@sema.org
Fax:
202/783-6024

i saw this yesterday and i sent an e-message