4/7/2003

Tackle Box Tax Redux:  The U.S. House of Representatives' passage of a legislative measure that would eliminate the Wallop-Breaux excise tax on tackle boxes made national news recently.  Since then, many members have inquired about ASA's position on the measure. While recognizing the disadvantage the tax places on some manufacturers when competing with similar untaxed dual-purpose products (an issue that extends beyond tackle boxes), ASA has formally opposed eliminating the excise tax on tackle boxes. Instead, ASA urged Congressional Committee Members to consider similar situations with dual-purpose products and ensure the Treasury Department applies the tax equitably to all who market boxes for fishing tackle. For more information, contact Vice President Gordon Robertson, 703-519-9691 x237 or grobertson@asafishing.org.

Consensus on Lead Sinkers in MN:  Working together, a coalition of industry leaders in Minnesota, state legislators, and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources reached consensus on new legislative language affecting the manufacture, sale, and use of lead fishing tackle in that state. The ASA Trade and Commerce Sub-Committee's position paper on the lead sinker issue gave a strong basis of information for the negotiations. Replacing previously introduced legislation calling for an all-out ban on lead tackle weighing one ounce or less, the state's Omnibus Game and Fish Bill instead makes provisions aimed at education on lead tackle and the availability of non-lead products. For more information, contact Vice President Gordon Robertson, 703-519-9691 x237 or grobertson@asafishing.org.

Opportunities Abound to Reach New Anglers:  As the Future Fisherman Foundation expands its reach in supporting angler education across the country, new avenues are opening up all around. A new effort with Big Brothers and Big Sisters in Kansas bodes well for a national partnership that's especially promising because of the importance of mentors for new anglers and the potential to help disadvantaged youth. The International Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies also just awarded the foundation a new $150,000 grant for our efforts to support 4-H sportfishing programs for youth groups nationwide. In addition, four more states have expressed
interest in adopting Hooked On Fishing-Not On Drugs as a key education program. With these kinds of partnerships sprouting, it's no coincidence that we've coordinated distribution of $70,000-worth of fishing equipment already this year, thanks to support from numerous ASA members who offer discounted prices on gear to advance the Future Fisherman Foundation's angler education programs. For more information, contact Executive Director Anne Glick, 703-519-9691 x238 or aglick@asafishing.org.

Good Cause to Celebrate:  As the Fish America Foundation celebrates its 20th year