Front
Lines
(Originally published in Messaging Magazine,
November/December 1998)
The last days of the 105th Congress saw final passage of key legislation impacting information technologies in today’s business enterprise. EMA celebrated approval of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act and the Internet Tax Freedom Act, among other significant laws that will positively affect on-line commerce. However, legislation to protect children on-line from material harmful to minors also emerged from the 105th Congress, and the extent to which corporate networks will be exposed to increased liability is yet unclear.
These developments are indeed encouraging and reflect the steady efforts of EMA’s advocacy and education on Capitol Hill, however, there are still other issues that keep us burning the midnight oil. EMA continues to stress that only market driven solutions to these challenging issues will enable effective implementation and truly protect consumers and providers alike.
A range of legislative initiatives will likely be at the forefront when the new 106th Congress convenes in January 1999. As EMA fashions its policy agenda for the coming year, your input is vital to our success. Your distinct voice is essential in the debate and dialogue surrounding messaging, Internet issues, privacy and the global information infrastructure.
EMA’s Government Affairs Committee works around-the-clock to ensure that your business isn’t turned upside down by impossible regulations and ill-advised legislative actions. The benefits of your technical wisdom and public policy insights serve to strengthen our efforts and help us achieve important public policy goals. As always, your participation can make a difference! If you are willing to volunteer time or resources to EMA’s Government Affairs Committee or would like more information on the latest policies affecting your business, I encourage you to contact Sarah Reardon, EMA’s Government and Public Affairs Manager at 703/524-5550, ext. 240 or sarah.reardon@ema.org .
I promise you, it will be time and energy well spent.
| Kerry C. Stackpole, CAE President & CEO, Electronic Messaging Association |