OUR AUTO HOBBY’S “HOLIDAY” IS BACK:

Collector Car Appreciation Day (CCAD) will be celebrated this year on July 10, 2015. At the request of the SEMA Action Network (SAN), this “holiday” has been marked each year since 2010 by a U.S. Senate Resolution recognizing that the “collection and restoration of historic and classic cars is an important part of preserving the technological achievements and cultural heritage of the United States.” As in years past, a wide range of automotive events will be held to commemorate the occasion. As this annual event continues to grow worldwide, states, provinces, counties and cities are following suit with their own recognition. SEMA encourages participation throughout the month of July to honor the classics of the past and the future.

CELEBRATE OUR HOBBY YOUR WAY!

• ATTEND an official vehicle-inspired event

• HOST your own gathering or club meeting

• Promote a “HOLIDAY SALE” at your business

• DRIVE your special ride, new or old, whatever the destination

Plan and submit your July event at no cost, locate a listing near you and more on the website: semasan.com/CCAD

(Participating organizers will be awarded a copy of the Congressional resolution for display at each registered event.)

Legislative Front Lines

• Maryland Bills to Increase Age Requirement for Historic Vehicles Die as Legislature Adjourns

• Missouri Bill Introduced to Tax Cars for Miles Traveled

• Province of Nova Scotia Proclaims July 2015 as "AUTOMOTIVE HERITAGE MONTH"

• Idaho Bill to Increase Registration Fees Signed Into Law

• New Hampshire Bill to Include Older Trucks as Antiques Approved by Senate; Moves to Governor

• Tennessee Bill to Exempt Newer Cars From Emissions Inspection Moves to Senate Floor

• Maryland Bill to Allow Single License Plate for Hobby Cars Goes To Governor

• Nevada Bill to Restrict Classic Vehicle Registration Approved by Committee; Moves to Full Assembly
   

SEMA SAN Strike Force

Counted among Betty Mitchell’s car collection are a 1972 Mustang Mach 1, a 1967 Jaguar XKE and the 1999 Pontiac Fire Hawk shown here. This Fire Hawk has enjoyed several Hot Rod Power Tours, earning the coveted ‘Long Hauler’ title in 2013 by completing the Tour’s entire journey.

Veteran SEMA Action Network (SAN) members are well aware that influencing public policy requires a great number of voices working together. Betty Mitchell of Maumelle, Arkansas, is among those that intimately understand the thrill of achieving legislative victory. Ever the defender of our hobby, she is a proud representative of the Arkansas Pontiac Association. They are well known for hosting monthly “Cruisin’ in the Rock” events, supporting large shows as a host club and charitable efforts benefitting the Clinical Nutrition department of Arkansas Children's Hospital. However, this group advocates for pro-hobby solutions in the Legislature as well. Betty recalls a fight that took place several years ago against proposed restrictions to obtaining an antique license plate. Early on in the process, she began a constructive dialog with two legislators on the committee of jurisdiction. She kept in touch with them and the bill was ultimately killed. Once the dust had settled, Mitchell recalls one of these lawmakers thanking her for her personal perspective and guidance.

Recently, Betty relentlessly rallied her fellow car enthusiasts in the Natural State to another triumph. She was among the SAN members that led a public outcry against a bill that would have implemented a pilot program to charge drivers based on vehicle miles traveled (VMT). Under the measure, participants in the program would have been taxed 1.5 cents per each mile the subject vehicle traveled on Arkansas roadways. Once the SAN’s Action Alert to contact state lawmakers was issued, she and her contacts quickly began requesting involvement from other clubs and organizations by sending e-mails and posting website messages. Although this initial attempt didn’t stop the bill from leaving committee, another wave of voices hit the members of the House Floor as it moved. After e-mailing the bill’s sponsor with questions and concerns, Mitchell was invited to discuss the topic with him by phone. “The sponsor informed me that he had received about 5,000 emails and about 300 phone calls regarding the bill,” she explains. In fact, his colleagues had been reaching out to him day and night expressing their lack of support. As a result of this effort, the proposal was withdrawn from consideration mere days later.

Way to go, Betty! Thanks to you and the Arkansas Pontiac Association for heeding the call once again—may you all enjoy this well-deserved win.

◄ Driving Force Online Archives