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 Government Affairs Government Affairs: The Necessary Evil
Although many business owners focus more on their day to day businesses than what's going on at the state or national capitol, the fact is that politics affects everyone who owns or works for a restaurant. Insurance rates, tax rates, liquor laws, foodsafety issues, highway regulations, tourism and travel . . . all of these are regulated by your local, state and federal representatives in one way or another.
The Greater Austin Restaurant Association represents Austin-area hospitality interests and works with all of the various agencies within Austin and surrounding cities to defeat or promote city ordinances that will have an impact on the restaurant industry. The TRA is your 24/7 lobbying agent at our State Capitol, continuously working to defeat or promote legislation that will have an impact on the restaurant industry. The restaurant association is your industry watchdog. .
Get involved!
There are plenty of ways that you can make a difference in the fight for what's right for the industry. Why not become a part of our local grass-roots group of dedicated restaurateurs and suppliers? To find out more about becoming a member of the GreaterARA Government Affairs Committee, email our committee chairperson at government@greaterara.org
We also send out member alerts asking you to contact your local officials to tell them how you feel about issues that are important to you. Use the "Who Represents Me?" link below to find contact information for your elected officials, then take a few minutes to make that call or send that email. Remember, every effort you make is important - your message may be the one that tips the scales in the industry's favor with a local decision maker. So let your voice be heard! To Find contact information for your elected officials, please select this the following link - "Who Represents Me?"
AUSTIN FOIE GRAS CONTROVERSY Dear Greater Austin Restaurant Association Members:
There has been a great deal of publicity regarding Austin restaurants that serve foie gras. The Central Texas Animal Defense group has been coordinating protests in front of several area restaurants and a few restaurants have been vandalized by unknown individuals.
The Greater Austin Restaurant Association has been working with the Austin Police Department Crime Stoppers to raise funds for a reward. To date, local area restaurants have pledged $10,000. If you are interested in pledging, contact Bryan Poff at hbpiii@gmail.com . The funds will only be collected after an arrest and conviction in this matter.
The Greater Austin Restaurant Association supports restaurants’ right to decide what to feature on their menus. Additionally, the chefs and owners of these restaurants have researched their suppliers diligently and purchase their products from the most responsible and ethical vendors who meet the highest standards.
If you have any questions, please contact us at volunteer@greaterara.org.
FOIE GRAS UPDATE - OCTOBER, 2008 Austin police were able to arrest and charge one of the suspected vandals after he was caught on video tape acid etching the windows of Restaurant Jezebel. He had been one of the protestors seen earlier protesting outside the restaurant. The electricity to the location was cut off immediately before the vandalism took place, but the security camera was running on battery backup and taped the suspect in the act. He was later convicted of the crime and sentenced to 7 months in jail for the offense.
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