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Government Affairs

Advocate for our industry

The American Rental Association’s (ARA) government affairs program has ushered in 2025 with a newly restructured team that is ready to respond to issues facing the equipment and event rental industry at both the federal and state level. ARA’s government affairs program provides political representation for the equipment and event rental industry and encourages members to be a voice for rental at a federal, state, and local level.

 

Here’s how we do it

ARAPAC

ARA’s Political Action Committee supports pro-business Congressional candidates, regardless of party affiliation. Supporting ARAPAC makes our voice heard.

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Industry Issues

ARA monitors legislation on federal and state levels that affect the equipment and event rental industry. Stay current on issues that impact your business.

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Get Out the Vote

We encourage ARA members to exercise their right to vote and lead programs for employee education about the importance of voting.

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CA Forklift Spreadsheet

Download the California Forklift spreadsheet below.

Download spreadsheet
Join ARAPAC

ARA Government Affairs Contacts

Kevin Gern

Vice President, State Advocacy & Risk Management
Email Kevin

Matthew Hite

Vice President, Federal Advocacy & Government Affairs
Email Matthew

Frequently asked questions

  • Does ARA lobby?

    Yes, ARA is registered to lobby ...

    Yes, ARA is registered to lobby the U.S. Congress and the Administration.
  • Does ARA ever combine forces with other organizations when lobbying on issues?

    Yes, ARA often works in coalitions with other ...

    Yes, ARA often works in coalitions with other organizations on issues. Currently, the association is involved in the Coalition for a Democratic Workplace, Stop the HIT Coalition, and the Prior Approval Reform Coalition as well as other non-profit entities.
  • Does ARA have lobbyists at the state level?

    Yes, please contact us ...

    Yes, please contact us. ARA has access to highly qualified and experienced lobbyists in all state capitols and will assist in coordination of state lobbying activities.
  • Why does ARA need to have a government affairs program?

    Local, state and federal laws and regulations play ...

    Local, state and federal laws and regulations play an increasing role in our private and business lives every year. The equipment and event rental industry is no exception. Whether its pushing for passage of a law that will benefit the industry, like tax relief or workforce development or fighting against laws that slow and stop business growth, member involvement in ARA’s advocacy at all levels is vital to the health and growth of the industry.
  • What kinds of things does ARA government affairs get involved with?

    ARA works at both the federal and state levels on legislation ...

    ARA works at both the federal and state levels on legislation and regulations. Federal level – Industry Workforce, Infrastructure spending, business taxes and relief, healthcare. At the state levels, associations are involved in ad valorem tax relief, sales and use tax, theft of equipment and services, inflatable and tenting regulations.
  • I’m not “political” … can’t someone else just deal with government affairs?

    Individual ARA member involvement in advocacy is vital to the health ...

    Individual ARA member involvement in advocacy is vital to the health of the industry and it doesn’t matter if you consider yourself ‘political’ or not. ARA works to affects policy decisions, which is different from politics. While politics do play a role in the eventual passage or failure of a measure, you are needed to educate and inform those who represent you at the local, state and national levels about your business and industry. You and your employees are tax paying, voting constituents at the state and national level and therefore are the most persuasive advocate for your industry.