Government Relations

TRALA's government relations program supports the association's mission of fostering a positive legislative and regulatory climate within which those companies engaged in leasing and renting vehicles, as well as other related businesses, can compete without discrimination in the North American marketplace.

TRALA's aggressive and effective advocacy program covers issues at federal, state and local levels of government that are of concern to the industry. TRALA's government relations professionals advocate on industry concerns, monitor bills, research legal issues and alert TRALA members to important and timely issues. In addition, the staff advises the Government Relations Committee, which is responsible for recommending TRALA policy and action on federal and state legislative and regulatory issues affecting the industry. TRALA also has five Councils that discuss issues affecting specific segments of the industry, strategize on actions, and in some cases provide policy and action recommendations to the Government Relations Committee and the Board of Directors.

TRALA victories on federal and state legislative issues reflect the substantial return on investment the association provides to its members. TRALA is able to play such a key role in so many successes because of members' support of the Legal Action Fund. This campaign allows TRALA to have the resources necessary to protect the vehicle renting and leasing industry at a moment's notice.

TRALA Advocacy Resources

TRALA provides a range of resources that supply members with succinct and reliable information on current legislative and regulatory issues.

Legislative Action Update focus on a variety of issues that affect the vehicle renting and leasing industry. Members are provided with a brief description of the current issue, how it affects the industry and the action that TRALA is taking on behalf of its members.

Industry Wire is a montly electronic newsletter that gives up-to-date information on the very active legislative and regulatory advocacy work in which TRALA engagaes. As well as recent headlines from around the industry and TRALA programs.

The grassroots mobilization program is designed to encourage TRALA members to actively participate in the political process. TRALA provides links for members to keep in contact with their Representatives in Congress or the White House.

TRALA Councils

Canadian Vehicle Renting and Leasing Council - The Canadian Vehicle Renting and Leasing Council includes representatives from companies operating in Canada and focuses on issues involving the ownership, renting, leasing and maintenance of vehicles in Canada. The Canadian Council also focuses on issues related to U.S. vehicles that periodically cross the border into Canada. The Council meets regularly and provides recommendations to the Board of Directors and to the Government Relations Committee on these issues.

Equipment and Technology Advisory Council -The Equipment and Technology Advisory Council (ETAC) is comprised of maintenance and equipment experts from leasing systems and independent companies within the TRALA membership. ETAC works with TRALA staff to develop recommendations for the Board of Directors and Government Relations Committee on issues involving the maintenance of vehicles, maintenance operations, vehicle safety, vehicle technology and workforce issues.

Light Truck Rental Council -The Light Truck Rental Council (LTRC) includes representatives from companies engaged primarily in the rental of light-duty vehicles. The council focuses on issues of unique interest to these companies. The Council meets regularly and provides recommendations to the Board of Directors and the Government Relations Committee on these issues.

Tax Advisory Council -TRALA's Tax Advisory Council (TAC) is made up of tax experts from leasing systems, leasing system companies and independent companies within the TRALA membership. The TAC works with TRALA staff to analyze and quantify the impacts of legislative and regulatory action in the areas of sales, property, excise taxes, registration fees and other fiscal matters. The Council meets regularly and provides recommendations to the Board of Directors and the Government Relations Committee on these issues.

The Industry Council for Vehicle Renting and Leasing -The Industry Council for Vehicle Renting and Leasing is a forum for companies and organizations from the many segments of vehicle renting and leasing, working together on common issues affecting the broader industry. The Industry Council includes representatives from companies involved in finance leasing, as well as car and truck renting and leasing. The Council meets regularly to discuss issues affecting the industry and to strategize on actions involving legislative and regulatory initiatives in the areas of tax, insurance, security, and legal reform.