(From left to right) Andy Morgan, Keystone Automotive Operations; Bill Rogers, Keystone Automotive Operations; Pennsylvania Senator Marty Flynn and Larry Montante, Keystone Automotive Operations, during the 2024 SEMA/PRI Pennsylvania Rally at the state capitol.

By the PRI Washington, D.C., office

Earlier this month, SEMA and PRI's Washington, D.C., office organized the SEMA/PRI Pennsylvania Rally at the state capitol in Harrisburg, bringing together automotive aftermarket and motorsports businesses to engage with lawmakers and advocate for industry-supportive policies. 

Participants tackled several vital legislative issues during their discussions with state lawmakers, and Pennsylvania's historical alignment with California's motor-vehicle emissions laws was a significant focus. Attendees strongly advocated for the state to maintain its current stance of not adopting California's 2035 ban on new internal combustion engine (ICE)-powered vehicles. Other critical topics included the corporate net income tax rate and net operating losses for small businesses. 

The SEMA/PRI Pennsylvania Rally highlighted the specialty automotive aftermarket industry's substantial contributions to Pennsylvania's economy, with a $9.26 billion economic output and support for more than 40,000 jobs, an economic impact that underscores the industry's vital role in the Keystone state's economy. 

Representative Ryan Mackenzie, the Republican nominee for Pennsylvania's 7th District, delivered an impassioned speech highlighting the pivotal role of individual industry members in advocacy efforts at the 2024 SEMA/PRI Pennsylvania Rally luncheon.

At a luncheon, Rep. Ryan Mackenzie, the Republican nominee for Pennsylvania's 7th District, delivered an impassioned speech highlighting the pivotal role of individual industry members in advocacy efforts. He underscored the significant impact of advocacy from within the industry on shaping legislative initiatives affecting Pennsylvania's automotive aftermarket. 

"Our collective voice gains strength through member engagement, directly impacting policy decisions that shape our industry," said Christian Robinson, PRI's senior director of state government affairs & grassroots, highlighting the critical importance of active member involvement during events like the SEMA/PRI Pennsylvania Rally. "These gatherings serve as essential platforms for fostering meaningful discussions, fostering collaboration, and propelling positive changes, all of which are crucial for ensuring a dynamic and prosperous future for the automotive aftermarket in Pennsylvania." 

For more information, contact Robinson at christianr@sema.org.