Rent-to-own News - A Call to Arms: State association presidents gear up for elections

The presidents of 18 state associations held a conference call today to compare notes on the best strategies with which to rally their members to action this election cycle.

This year's "Call to Arms" will prove crucial for the industry as it regroups and prepares to rally a new Congress to support pending federal rent-to-own legislation in both the House and Senate.

APRO President "Tiger" John Cleek.

With Congressional focus now on financial industry regulations and consumer credit issues, the timing is ideal for the industry supported Consumer Rental Purchase Agreement Act to gain ground, according to APRO Public Affairs Director Richard May.

This year, the industry broke all previous co-sponsor records earning 100 total sponsors in the House. The wave of success is one APRO President "Tiger" John Cleek wants to build upon in the next legislative session.

"It certainly doesn't hurt to let our employees and customers know who supports us," Cleek said. "It's important for us to hit the ground running with this legislation in our next Congress. Get involved and make a difference."

APRO Executive Director Bill Keese said bipartison support of the industry's rent-to-own bill will help in the 2009 legislative session where more Democrats are due to be elected to Congress.

Keese urged state presidents to to call and thank co-sponsors for their support of industry backed legislation and to make contact before elections. All House seats are up for re-election this year and one third of Senate seats are on the line.

"Our legislation is valid on both sides of the aisle," Keese said. "It's important to get a head start on our legislation."

According to May, less than five percent of constituents actually attend a meeting or event with an elected official. Therefore,  just by attending an event you increase your impact 20 times. Less than one percent actually contribute to campaigns so by just contributing you maximize your stature 100 times.

"You would be amazed at how much return you can get just by getting involved in the legislative process," May said.

Keese also urged state association presidents to remind members to attend campaign rallies and to contact campaign offices of candidates and ask how they can help by either contributing cash donations or products such as flat screen televisions to watch election returns.

mevans@rtohq.org