Inside the ASA StaffingPAC Event

StaffingPAC is the political action committee of the American Staffing Association, funded by personal contributions from the executive and administrative personnel of ASA member firms. The StaffingPAC Event is an annual invitation-only event to honor industry leaders (those who donate $1,500 or more). We sat down with Toby Malara Esq., Vice President of Government Relations, to get an inside look at this fun and exclusive event, and why StaffingPAC is important.

“The event started in the early 80s as a black-tie dinner, but we’ve shifted in recent years to a more fun, event-based gathering. For instance, last year we had a special night at the Grand Ole Opry where country music writers performed an acoustic concert. This year we’re going to Sea World, where we will have the exclusive use of the Wild Arctic Area, it’s roller coaster rides, as well as a meet and greets with animals, food and cocktails and networking opportunities with some of the biggest names in the staffing industry.”

Malara wants to encourage invitees to attend, as it can be a great opportunity for all kinds of reasons.

And it’s more important now more than ever to get involved, says Malara. He explained that a federal PAC is something that allows a trade association to make contributions to political candidates.

“We focus our contributions to members of committees that work on the issues that most impact our industry, such as the House Ways and Means and Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions committees. We’re a bipartisan PAC looking to support lawmakers who embrace policies that help our members put people to work.”

Even if federal legislation is not targeting staffing, bills can have a big impact on the industry.

“Recently, we were focused on expansion of the QBI deduction in the Big Beautiful Bill (BBB). We want staffing firms to continue to qualify for that 20% reduction. We’re also focused on labor law issues and making sure that laws like the Affordable Care Act recognize the unique nature of our industry.

Critically, says Malara, it’s a chance to educate lawmakers about the industry as a whole.

“I would say that 1 out of 3 Members of Congress will say to me, “oh I was a temp in college!”. It helps them put two and two together and appreciate what our industry does. In May, at the Staffing Law conference, we had members of congress come and talk to our StaffingPAC industry leaders during breakfast. It was a chance for them to update our members on the latest from Capitol Hill, while also giving our folks a chance to tell the Representatives what they are seeing and hearing, from their employees and their clients. It’s a way for them to get to know us and our industry and allows us to open up the lines of communication.”