b'received,andyoullhearmoreabout invaluable opportunity to engage fundingforCoastGuardhiring,re-nextstepsaswepressthisissuewith directlywithpolicymakersandtheir tention,andtraining.PVAalsomettheCoastGuardandonCapitolHill. staff,saidAndrewSargisPVASec- with Congressman Rob Menendezretary/Treasurer. These meetings anddiscussedillegalpassengervesselOurlastmeetingofthedaywaswith servedasaplatformforadvocacyon operationsincludingtwoofhiscon-Rep. Rob Menendez of New Jersey issuescrucialtotheindustryshealth. stituentswhotragicallylosttheirlifeandhisstaff.CongressmanMenendez Weconveyedourindustrysconcerns whileonanillegalcharter.servesontheHouseTransportation regarding Coast Guard personnelCommittee and was the author of shortages,illegalpassengervesselop- By participating in these meetings,legislationcallingforastudyofnear erations,taxexemptionsforCERTS PVA gains insight into legislativeshorevesselfiresafterthetragiclossof Grants,exorbitantcreditcardprocess- developments, influences policytwofirefightersinNewark,N.J.Rep, ingfees,andmore.Thepolicymakers outcomes, and fosters relationshipsMenendez was warm, friendly, and wemetwerehighlyempathetictoour withmembersofCongress.IwouldinquisitiveaboutPVAissues.Welook industrys challenges and concerns. encourageallofourmemberstosignforwardtocontinuingourworkwith Illinois Senator Tammy Duckorths upwhenthenextFly-Inisannouncedhisoffice. stafferconveyedherconcernsoverthe and take advantage of this fun andCoastGuardlaborcrunchandasso- meaningful opportunity to educateThe Passenger Vessel Association ciatedbilletcutsandinformedusof lawmakersandparticipateinourpo-Congressional Fly-In offered an theirsteadfastsupportforincreased liticalsystem.Clockwise from top left: Andrew Sargis, Steve Jones, and Patrick Murphy meet with Ben Goldberg of Senator Caseys office; PVA members at the Capitol Building;John Groundwater and Patrick Murphy with Rep. Rob Menendez27 MAY 2024'