Cash for Clunkers- make your voice heard

[Tbird100636]

Summit Racing oddly sent me this (they never send me anything anymore) and it apparently is going to be introduced next week. Here's the whole article, Michelle maybe this should go into the news section.

Dear Fellow Enthusiast,

As a SEMA Member Company, we have received an Urgent Legislative Action Alert from the association. You may be interested in this legislative alert and the possible impact it will have on your hobby.

The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) is a non-profit trade association composed of more than 6,800 member companies involved in all aspects of the automotive industry, from manufacturers to car clubs and race teams.

The SEMA Action Network (SAN) protects your hobby from unfair or unnecessary legislation on national and local levels. Through distribution of information and the collective voice of automotive enthusiasts and businesses, the SEMA Action Network has successfully impacted legislation concerning scrappage laws, equipment standards, registration classifications, emissions regulations, and more.

The following information is directly from SEMA. If you would like to contact the lawmaker, follow the instructions in the alert.


Thank you for your time,
Your Friends at Summit Racing Equipment

http://www.summitracing.com/email/images/legislative/sema_logo.gifhttp://www.summitracing.com/email/images/legislative/oppose_header.jpghttp://www.summitracing.com/email/images/legislative/whitespace.gif
Washington lawmakers are drafting a large economic stimulus package to help create jobs and rebuild infrastructure. They want to include a nationwide scrappage program which would give U.S. tax dollars to consumers who turn-in older cars to have them crushed, as a misguided attempt to spur new car sales. The lawmakers need to scrap this idea.

The stimulus package is being drafted right now. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) wants to introduce the bill on January 6 and have it approved by Congress by January 20, so that President Obama can sign it into law after he is inaugurated.

Contact House Speaker Nancy Pelosi IMMEDIATELY To Oppose Cash for Clunkers!
Call: 202-225-0100
Click here to send an electronic message: http://speaker.house.gov/contact/ (http://email.e-mailnetworks.com/ct/3856825:1718443848:m:1:114796679:AC60E95C0C4EDDA41 F114DB100BF6C5E) Talking Points

Feel free to use any of the statements below as a starting point for your message to Speaker Pelosi.

I am [calling/writing] to urge lawmakers not to include a “Cash for Clunkers” provision in the economic stimulus bill. Owners who turn in vehicles for crushing would receive a "minimal" payment to purchase a new car. This is a misguided attempt to spur car sales and claim that the country’s air quality or fleet fuel mileage is being improved.
I work for [company name] located in [city and state]. My company is part of the specialty automotive industry, an industry which enables consumers to enhance their vehicle’s appearance, performance, comfort, convenience and safety. “Cash for Clunkers” programs deny our small businesses the availability of older cars necessary to develop and market their products and services. The programs will hurt my company and our customers.
“Cash for Clunkers” programs threaten enthusiasts nationwide with the loss of valuable parts and parts-cars for repair, restoration, and customization projects. The programs also risk destroying classic, historic and special-interest vehicles, our American heritage.
Cars turned in for scrappage often barely run, or are rarely-driven second or third vehicles that have a minimal impact on overall fuel economy or emissions.
“Cash for Clunkers” programs will reduce the availability of affordable transportation and repair parts used by low-income drivers. It will also compete with the Salvation Army, the Purple Heart and other charities that rely on vehicle donations to raise money.
“Cash for Clunkers” ignores better policy options. If Congress wants to act, support for repair and upgrade is a better choice and a win-win for consumers, dealers, manufacturers and repair shops. Significant emissions and fuel economy improvements can be achieved in older vehicles through relatively simple and inexpensive means: repaired/replaced exhaust systems, tune-ups, etc.
We hope we can count on you to reject “Cash for Clunkers.” Thank you for your consideration on this very important matter.
If you choose to send a message to Speaker Pelosi, please send a copy of your message to SEMA also:
E-mail: briand@sema.org (briand@sema.org)
Fax: 202/783-6024

[speedfreek95gt]

:bricks: Are you kidding? Do they not think that if people had money in the first place to buy a new car that they wouldn't be driving their old worn out model? I'm going to assume that they're not going to give you an overabundant amount of money to scrap a car. And besides, most scrap metal from bone yards is sent to companies that sell to China where it's reused and remanufactured. Again, our assets and further potential employment being sent away. I think our government needs to take a look at the bigger picture.

[Evil95GT]

Done! Thanks for the heads up. :)

It sounds similar to the legislation that California pushed for in the mid 90s. Totally stupid idea, IMO. Speedfreek nailed it.........they need to take a step back, and look at the source.

[63SpecialDlx]

Update!!!!!

SEMA just notified me that the "Cash For Clunkers" program has been dropped by the U.S. Congress. Good news!!

[Tbird100636]

Update!!!!!

SEMA just notified me that the "Cash For Clunkers" program has been dropped by the U.S. Congress. Good news!!
Well, Summit hasn't sent me anything new yet on the latest one, I tried to post this weeks ago but there was some sort of glitch with my user account blocking me from doing so. Now it's focusing on gas guzzlers:

Dear Fellow Enthusiast,

Last month, we sent you an Urgent Legislative Alert from The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) regarding a proposed “Cash for Clunkers” bill that would threaten our hobby. Thanks to your overwhelming response, this legislation was dropped from the economic stimulus package. Congratulations for standing up for your rights as enthusiasts!

We have just received a follow-up Legislative Alert from SEMA. New legislation (S. 247 and H.R. 520) has been introduced in Congress to create a national vehicle scrappage program which will give U.S. tax dollars to consumers who turn-in their “gas guzzlers” to have them crushed. This program would target vehicles with low fuel economy ratings of any model year. That means sports cars, SUVs, and performance-built vehicles could be crushed in exchange for a monetary reward.

The following information is directly from SEMA. If you would like to contact the lawmaker, follow the instructions in the alert.


Thank you for your time,

Your Friends at Summit Racing Equipment

http://www.summitracing.com/email/images/legislative/sema_logo.gifhttp://www.summitracing.com/email/images/legislative/oppose_header2.gifhttp://www.summitracing.com/email/images/legislative/whitespace.gif
Our effort to prevent Congress from including a nationwide “Cash for Clunkers” program in the economic stimulus package has been successful – so far. Thousands of SEMA members and SEMA Action Network (SAN) enthusiasts contacted House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in opposition to the plan. The Speaker’s Office informed us that your emails, calls and faxes were received and, thanks to your work, Cash for Clunkers was not included in the economic stimulus package introduced in mid-January in the House of Representatives. Unfortunately, new legislation (S. 247 and H.R. 520) has been introduced in Congress to create a national vehicle scrappage program which will give U.S. tax dollars to consumers who turn-in their “gas guzzlers” to have them crushed. Lawmakers need to scrap this idea!

Contact Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) and Rep. Henry Waxman (D-CA) Immediately
to Oppose S. 247 and H.R. 520

The so-called “Accelerated Retirement of Inefficient Vehicles Act” is Cash for Clunkers with a twist. Instead of focusing exclusively on older cars, this program would target vehicles with low fuel economy ratings of any model year. Participants would receive cash vouchers ranging from $2,500 to $4,500 based on the model year and whether the replacement vehicle was a more fuel-efficient new car or used car (MY 2004 or later). Fuel-efficient is defined as getting at least 25 percent better mileage for the corporate average fuel economy (CAFE) target for its class. The bill sponsors want to scrap up to one million cars a year for at least four years.

There is no evidence that the program would achieve the goal of boosting new car sales or increasing fuel mileage. Many states have considered scrappage programs in the past as a way to help clean the air or increase mpg, but abandoned the effort because they simply don’t work. The programs are not cost-effective and do not achieve verifiable air quality or fuel economy benefits, but they do have a devastating impact on the many small businesses that market products and services for the scrapped cars.

Don’t Delay! Please contact Senator Diane Feinstein and Rep. Henry Waxman today to urge their opposition to S. 247 and H.R. 520. For those who responded to our first call for action, we need you again, along with everyone else.

Contact Sen. Dianne Feinstein to oppose S. 247
Click here to send an email: http://feinstein.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=ContactUs.EmailMe (http://email.e-mailnetworks.com/ct/3952845:1768844277:m:1:114796679:C73822192DC58328E B80840A8E888D7F)
Call: (202) 224-3841
Fax: (202) 228-3954

Contact Henry Waxman to oppose HR 520
Click here to send an email: http://energycommerce.house.gov/index.php?option=com_content&=view&id=1313&Itemid=1 (http://email.e-mailnetworks.com/ct/3952846:1768844277:m:1:114796679:C73822192DC58328E B80840A8E888D7F)
Call: (202) 225-2927
Fax: (202) 225-2525

Talking Points


Oppose the Use of U.S. Taxpayer Dollars for Accelerated Vehicle Retirement

I am writing to urge lawmakers not to approve an “accelerated vehicle retirement” program. Even on a voluntary basis, the program will hurt thousands of independent repair shops, auto restorers, customizers and their customers across the country that depend on the used car market. These businesses are already very vulnerable in the weak economy.
An accelerated vehicle retirement program is flawed since it does not target the “gross polluter,” an improperly maintained vehicle of any make or model year that has poor fuel mileage and dramatically more emissions due to poor maintenance.
An accelerated vehicle retirement program is flawed because it does not factor-in how many miles-a-year the collected vehicles are currently being driven. U.S. taxpayers will be buying rarely-driven second and third vehicles that have minimal impact on overall fuel economy and air pollution.
Accelerated vehicle retirement won’t generate many new car sales. The cash incentive provided will not be enough to enable a person to buy a new or used vehicle.
Accelerated vehicle retirement will compete with nonprofits that rely on vehicle donations to raise funds, such as the Salvation Army, the Purple Heart and other charities.
Accelerated vehicle retirement threatens to disrupt a large and complex industry which already handles scrappage, repair, remanufacturing and recycling issues. This independent industry provides thousands of American jobs and generates millions of dollars in local, state and federal tax revenues.
Accelerated vehicle retirement ignores better policy options. Taxpayer dollars would be better spent as direct tax incentives to purchase a fuel-efficient new or used car, without a government vehicle crushing program. Congress should also provide tax incentives to upgrade, repair and maintain existing cars, trucks and SUVs. There are many commercially available products and technologies that can substantially improve fuel mileage and lower the emissions.
We hope we can count on you to reject “Accelerated Vehicle Retirement.” Thank you for your consideration on this very important matter.
If you choose to send a note and/or message to Sen. Feinstein and Rep. Waxman please forward a copy of your message to:
E-mail: briand@sema.org (briand@sema.org)
EDIT- I guess it did get shot down, but something supposedly will surface later this year:
SEMA praised the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives for passing "clunker-free" versions of the economic stimulus bill. The final bill to be signed into law by President Obama has no vehicle scrappage program.
SEMA launched the largest grassroots effort in its 46-year history to oppose attempts by some Washington lawmakers to include a national car crushing program in the legislation. Thousands of SEMA members and SEMA Action Network (SAN) enthusiasts responded to a call for action urging legislators to reject the program.
Cash for Clunkers programs accelerate the normal retirement of vehicles through the purchase of older cars which are then typically crushed into blocks of scrap metal. For 20 years, Congress has rejected this 'sounds good' idea because it fails to spur car sales, reduce vehicle emissions or raise fleet fuel economy.
Two proposals were considered during the debate. The first was an $8 billion program targeting SUVs and pickup trucks of any model year that make less than 18 mpg such as Chevy Silverados, Dodge Rams, Ford F-Series and Jeep Wranglers. The second would have provided $16 billion worth of cash vouchers toward the purchase of a new vehicle for lower-income individuals who allowed their turned-in cars to be destroyed.
"SEMA continues to believe that a cash for clunkers program would, for no proven gain, hurt thousands of independent repair shops, auto restorers, customizers and their customers across the country that depend on the used car market," said SEMA Vice President of Government Affairs Steve McDonald.
"We look forward to working with the House and Senate and all stakeholders on sound economic solutions to the current recession that will help drive product sales for the entire auto industry, including the vast automotive aftermarket and its specialty equipment segment."
The stimulus bill includes a SEMA-supported amendment which allows taxpayers to claim a federal tax deduction on state sales/excise taxes when buying a new car in 2009. The tax break will cost about $2 billion. Lawmakers abandoned an $11 billion program that would have also allowed consumers to deduct car loan interest payments.
The two Cash for Clunkers proposals may reemerge later this year. SEMA will remain vigilant in opposition. Meanwhile, SEMA thanks all member companies and SAN enthusiasts who donated their time and effort to contact legislators. Your voice helps protect our industry and hobby.
For more information, visit www.sema.org/san (http://www.sema.org/san)

[Tbird100636]

Well, seems Nancy Pelosi is trying to re-introduce this again. Let's stop this!!!

[Rev.Hammer]

Well, my friend it looks like the regualar useless do-gooder muffery that we have all come to expect and to enjoy!

Cash for clunkers is already running out of money!

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090731/ap_on_go_ot/us_cash_for_clunkers


By KEN THOMAS, Associated Press Writer Ken Thomas, Associated Press Writer –
WASHINGTON – The government's popular "cash for clunkers" program may be running out of money after only a matter of days as car shoppers flock to dealerships to take advantage of the rebates.
The White House said Thursday it was assessing its options amid concerns the $1 billion budget for rebates for new car sales may have been depleted. The program officially began last week and has been heavily publicized by automakers and dealers.
Transportation Department officials called lawmakers earlier Thursday to alert them of plans to suspend the program as early as Friday........



This is sadly hilarious! :woowoo:

[Rev.Hammer]

They are busting thier asses to shore up another failed idea!!!




http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090731/ap_on_go_co/us_cash_for_clunkers



By KEN THOMAS, Associated Press Writer Ken Thomas, Associated Press Writer – 25 mins ago
WASHINGTON – The House raced Friday to pass legislation pouring an additional $2 billion into the popular — but financially strapped — "cash for clunkers" car purchase program.
Reps. Sander Levin, D-Mich., and Betty Sutton, D-Ohio, said the House planned to consider the additional funding after lawmakers from the two states were assured by Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood that the program would continue while the Obama administration looked for more money.
Democrats in the House were exploring the possibility of votes as early as Friday to replenish the funding. The Senate was not scheduled to vote on Friday but lawmakers hoped to win approval for additional funding next week.
Sen. Carl Levin, D-Mich., said the administration assured them "deals will be honored until otherwise noted by the White House." But he suggested that "people ought to get in and buy their cars."
At the White House, press secretary Robert Gibbs sought to assure consumers that the program is still running and will be alive "this weekend."
"If you were planning on going to buy a car this weekend, using this program, this program continues to run," Gibbs told reporters. He would not commit to any timeframe beyond that.








HILARITY!

[Evil95GT]

My take on cash for clunkers?

One word: FAIL

What a waste.............

[Rev.Hammer]

Ha!!!! They pushed through another 2 billion on funding, about another months worth....

If they are this big a bunch of morons with this simple program..... how can they run a car company without disaster?

[Mr. OAM]

Bottom line, they are tripling their original best plan for this......in just a week.


Steve

[Rev.Hammer]

Once again, this is government choosing the winners and losers of economic stability through carefully manipulated tomfoolery.

The government doesnt just say, hey, anyone who buys a new car this year will get 4500 bucks of taxpayer money.

Make no mistake, it is a carefully manipulated program to spend tax payer dollars unwisely while limiting the audience based on bullshit criteria.

It also makes hippies and eco-moonbats think that the all powerful government is doing things to save the planet by suddenly replacing every beater dodge ram dually with a prius. Which isnt the case.

Cash for clunkers will not stimulate people into buying cars, it only changes the timing of someone who was going to buy anyway.


Real economic freedom and liberty can only come about once again when the government does not control your spending via tax manipulation, pandering, and other bullshit.

[Rev.Hammer]

Do you get the pattern here?



The Top Ten Cash for Clunkers Trade-Ins:

1. 1998 Ford Explorer

2. 1997 Ford Explorer

3. 1996 Ford Explorer

4. 1999 Ford Explorer

5. Jeep Grand Cherokee

6. Jeep Cherokee

7. 1995 Ford Explorer

8. 1994 Ford Explorer

9. 1997 Ford Windstar

10. 1999 Dodge Caravan

The Top Ten Cash for Clunkers New Cars:

1. Ford Focus

2. Honda Civic

3. Toyota Corolla

4. Toyota Prius

5. Ford Escape

6. Toyota Camry

7. Dodge Caliber

8. Hyundai Elantra

9. Honda Fit

10. Chevy Cobalt

[Evil95GT]

Seems to me that the only ones who stand to benefit from this program are the foreign automakers. Am I off base? Does anyone else see it?

[Rev.Hammer]

Give that lady a seegar!