THE RETAILERS ASSOCIATION OF MASSACHUSETTS, AS THE ACTIVE VOICE OF THE RETAILING COMMUNITY, REPRESENTS MEMBERS AND THEIR INTERESTS BEFORE ALL BRANCHES OF STATE GOVERNMENT IN AN EFFORT TO PROTECT, PRESERVE AND PROMOTE THE THRIVING RETAIL SECTOR OF THE MASSACHUSETTS ECONOMY. RAM's staff of three registered lobbyists remains keenly engaged in the debate and discussion on both the legislative and regulatory fronts with regard to all issues that impact the retail community.  The following list is just a small sampling of retail related issues in which RAM is involved in on a daily basis:

Child Labor  With a significant portion of the retail workforce under the age of eighteen, any legislation affecting the state's child labor laws always attracts the interest of RAM members.   In recent years, legislative proposals to revamp the state's child labor laws have been gaining momentum and RAM will continue to be an active participant in that debate to protect the interests of the retail community.

Energy  Energy related issues are always at the forefront of the RAM legislative agenda, as RAM is committed in its support of the promotion of energy efficient products. 

Environment  Environmental issues confront retailers on a daily basis on both the legislative and regulatory fronts, involving issues such as product stewardship, recycling, chemical standards, solid waste management and reduction and many others.  RAM works within the retail industry and with all levels and branches of government to ensure that our members' interests are protected and not put at a competitive disadvantage to other retailers in other states or online sellers.

Labeling/Signage  Legislative and regulatory efforts imposing strict labeling and signage requirements upon retailers and merchandise sold in Massachusetts are common issues faced each year by the Association.  RAM defends the retail sector from onerous proposals that would place Massachusetts retailers at a competitive disadvantage with surrounding states.

Health Care  The debate surrounding health care and health insurance has emerged as arguably the top issue facing society today, with its importance to retailers and all employers immeasurable.  Skyrocketing costs across the board, proposed employer mandates, quality control and medical errors are just the tip of the iceberg of a list of issues that RAM staff is involved in discussions on everyday.  RAM advocates on behalf of the retail employer to ensure that any proposed solution is fair and balanced and is mindful of the needs of all types and sizes of retailers, especially our small, independents. 

Item Pricing  RAM has worked closely in the past with the Attorney General and the Legislature to refine the state's item pricing law and develop workable solutions to allow retailers to more easily maintain compliance.  Working within the regulatory process and through legislation RAM continues to try to improve upon the position of the retailer with regard to this area of Massachusetts law.   

Labor/Minimum Wage  Labor and wage issues are always on the minds of RAM members and are conversely always near the top of the RAM agenda.  The effort to protect retailers' interests within the state with regard to increasing the minimum wage and other workforce and workplace related issues is an ongoing battle.

Loss Prevention Retail theft is an issue close to the pocketbook of all retail business owners and RAM works closely with legislators and administration officials to strengthen our laws and practices to first discourage would be criminals, and secondly to adequately punish those who do steal.  RAM maintains a Loss Prevention Committee composed of RAM members interested in sharing ideas and experiences in dealing with retail theft. 

Obesity  The obesity debate in this country has become a hot topic in recent years and Massachusetts is as active in terms of legislation as any other state in the nation.  RAM's membership, including hundreds of restaurants and food stores, is actively involved in this debate regarding the education of the consumer and the protection consumer choice.     

Pharmacy  Pharmaceutical issues and prescription drugs continue to make headlines around the world as the nation debates how to provide affordable access to prescription medication for all our citizens.  At the state level, RAM represents the interests of our hundreds of retail pharmacy members in all areas of the pharmaceutical debate including such issues as drug reimportation, Medicaid reimbursement rates and e-prescribing. 

Privacy  Consumer protection and privacy in retail transactions issues are equally important to both retailer and consumer.  RAM continues to work with our state legislators and administrative agency officials to ensure that both the interests of the consumer and the retailer are protected on an even playing field.

Restaurant  Traditional issues confronting RAM's hundreds of restaurant members include proposed local and state mandates with regard to labeling, menu warnings and obesity issues.  RAM works closely with our restaurant members and other segments of the food service industries to maintain a competitive and thriving restaurant/retail market here in Massachusetts.

Taxation  In 2004 Massachusetts enjoyed its first ever sales tax holiday, thanks to the efforts of RAM, the state legislature and Governor Mitt Romney.  RAM will continue to lead the charge to enact a permanent sales tax holiday here in Massachusetts.  Also, RAM remains active in the fight to establish a vendor's collection allowance, against local option sales and meals taxes and is an active participant in the national Streamlined Sales Tax Project in an effort to level the playing field between traditional and online sellers.

Technology  Radio frequency identification, or RFID, is the technology of the future of the retail supply chain.  This technology will have a wide-ranging positive influence on many areas of our lives, not just retail.  RAM continues to work within the retail community and with all interested parties to protect this technology in its infancy and allow it to develop to its full potential.

Unemployment Insurance  The cost of unemployment insurance and reforms in the unemployment system are constant topics of discussion on Beacon Hill and RAM is actively involved in that debate.  Systematic reform is needed.  Increasing the rates born by the employer community is not the answer and RAM continues to deliver that message on behalf of the business community.  

Workers Compensation  RAM works closely with state legislators and administration officials to improve the climate for the business community with regard to the issue of workers compensation, particularly in the area of protecting smaller businesses.  RAM's self insured worker's comp group provides significant benefits and discounts to RAM members and our government relations team coordinates with the group on all legislative and regulatory efforts.