News

AMOA and AAMA, together, hosted an Industry Fly-In to DC this week in our nation’s capital coordinated and led by association legislative counsel, DGA Group.  AMOA was pleased to have seventeen members participate in this year’s legislative advocacy experience.

The Fly-In began on Tuesday evening with a group dinner where attendees were provided an up-to-the-minute overview on the current atmosphere in both House and Senate offices.

On Wednesday morning attendees gathered again to review the talking points and “asks” to be covered throughout the 35 meetings to be conducted over the two-day event.

Major talking points included:

1. Fair Banking Access – Banks routinely classify amusement operators as “high risk” and abruptly close bank accounts—despite operating lawful, family-friendly businesses in all 50 states.  We asked Congress to pass the FIRM Act and the Fair Access to Banking Act and ensure amusement operators are explicitly recognized as lawful businesses entitled to fair banking access.

2. Tariffs & Supply Chains – Many industry manufacturers rely on important components subject to tariffs up to 25% which results in production uncertainty, deferred investment, and higher prices.  We asked Congress for a streamlined tariff exclusion process for components used in domestic manufacturing, and tariff predictability so our factories can plan.

3. Rising Healthcare Costs – Small group premiums are projected to rise 11% or more in 2026.  Small amusement businesses cannot spread risk like large corporations and face impossible choices between cutting coverage and losing skilled workers.  We asked Congress to expand access to association health plans, increase the small business health care tax credit, and support transparency measures that help small employers control costs.

Earlier in the week, AMOA leadership met with the Small Business Administration (SBA) Advocacy Group to discuss its ongoing debanking issue and met with three members of Congress to discuss the same.

Of course, our annual Fly-In wouldn’t be complete without some “fun” sprinkled in.  On Wednesday evening, the group attended the annual Congressional Ballgame at Nationals Park, and on Thursday afternoon invited Congressional offices to attend our Arcade Game Showcase.

AMOA and AAMA attendees enjoyed working together on industry issues and had a great time sharing another productive legislative experience.