PPAI Responds to Senator's SWAG Bill

Following the news of Iowa Senator Jodi Ernst's SWAG Act, a proposed bill that would prohibit government entities from using taxpayer dollars for advertising (including buying promotional products), PPAI sent out a statement to the industry urging them to voice their opposition.

"While it might be tempting to limit the purchase of promotional products in order to yield some short-term savings, in the long term this prohibition may unintentionally diminish the good work of federal agencies," PPAI President and CEO Paul Bellantone wrote in the statement. "Time and again, promotional products have proven themselves to be the most cost-effective way to reach a target audience with the highest rate of recall, reaction and return on investment."

Government contracts can be hugely beneficial for promotional products distributors, thanks to repeat orders and large order sizes. Bellantone contends that they are important for those whose livelihoods depend on them, and that the government would be shooting itself in the foot by not allowing itself to properly advertise.

"PPAI is in favor of balanced budgets and the responsible use of taxpayer dollars, but it would be counterproductive for Congress to pass a bill that would eliminate any opportunity for the government to use promotional products in a powerful and effective manner," Bellantone added. "It will take a concerted effort by the entire industry—including practitioners, companies, and representative national and regional trade organizations—to work together to advocate for our businesses, products and profession."

PPAI included a link for promotional products industry members to message Sen. Ernst directly to oppose the legislation and "ensure [legislators] are watching out for [them]."

For more information on PPAI, visit www.ppai.org.