From an advocacy perspective, we are now in the

We are all well past the “Lazy days of Summer”, in the height of the conference and budget season now. It is also the “Lazy days of Fall” from an advocacy perspective. Just look at the state-level legislative activity.

In the month of February this year, ATMIA received 96 alerts from Stateside Associates. Last month (September) it was a mere 11. Virtually every state legislature was in session some or all of the first quarter.  Lately it is 7 or 8, as most the rest have adjourned for the year. That’s not to say that our advocacy efforts have ground to a near halt. Quite to the contrary – they are chugging along at a good steady pace.

Although the probability is shrinking, there is still some optimism that Congress could pass the “Safe Access to Cash Act” this year – there is bipartisan support. This is the bill that would make ATM crime a federal felony subject stiff fines and up to 20 years in prison. We encourage all of our members to contact their House and Senate members and voice support for this bill. Then plan to join us for the 2024 Washington, DC Fly-in to meet your representatives or their staff and advocate for ATM industry issues.

Plans for the 2024 Fly-in have been finalized. Our strategy meeting will be March 19, 2024 at the JW Marriott on Pennsylvania Ave. The next day will find us on the Hill meeting with both House and Senate members. Your organization also has an opportunity to wave its own flag as the sponsor of this event. Every communication through the final event follow-up will include the sponsor’s linked logo.

We are also using the Fall lull to make additional improvements in Stateside Associates resources. Earlier this year, the capability to select alerts by state was introduced, giving smaller operators the ability to limit Stateside email to their specific footprint. In the next few weeks, the Current Law pages on the Stateside website will be moved to the ATMIA website, along with a new easier-to-search format. Watch for this announcement as well as an educational webinar on how to make the best use of Stateside resources.

Remember, too, that ATMIA is making available up to four Stateside alert sponsorships. This year, those alerts received tens of thousands of views from active ATMIA members. And they will again next  year.

I hope everyone enjoys the mild weather and has a very productive Fall season.

Best regards to all,
David