ATA PAC

Butch Rise

President, Stallion Transportation Group Chairman, ATA Political Action Committiee

Letter from the PAC Chairman

I’m a big believer in the importance of style and how it can make an impact on other people’s perceptions. My trucks are a bright yellow to capture folks’ attention and make sure they recognize the Stallion brand. I always wear a jacket to meetings to let my peers know I respect them and take them seriously. And I proudly sport my “I ♥ TRUCKS” button on my lapel so everyone knows how proud I am to be a part of this industry.

In politics, making an impression is a bit more complicated. You can’t just wear a “Support Truck Parking” button and expect funding for infrastructure to magically appear. You have to get in the game. You have to get in front of candidates to tell them what matters most to your business and our industry, and you have to support their campaigns.

The Arkansas Trucking Association Political Action Committee was founded to help communicate the trucking community’s goals of safety and successful business to those running for and currently holding political office in Arkansas. The ATA-PAC knows how to make an impression on legislators by laying out a solid game plan and helping draft the best political players.

But the ATA-PAC can’t be successful without your help. And with more special interests than ever competing for their attention, we have to work harder to get noticed.

Don’t worry – ATA makes it easy to support the PAC, from lunches with legislators in every corner of the state, to healthy competition with peers during the Play for the PAC Bracket Challenge and Bowling Tournament to simply clicking a link and donating whenever the moment strikes you.

From me, all supporters of the ATA-PAC and the Arkansas trucking industry as a whole, thank you for getting in the game, making an impression and making an impact.

Arkansas Trucking Association Political Action Committee (ATA PAC)

To give us the best chance of passing pro-trucking, pro-business bills, the Arkansas Trucking Association Political Action Committee was formed in 2010 to financially support candidates who demonstrate support for our industry.
Our elected officials make decisions every day that impact our daily lives, our jobs and our industry. That’s why it is so important that we not only support pro-trucking candidates, but that we continue to educate those officials on the issues impacting trucking.

The 2022 election cycle was the biggest in our state in a decade as a result of the 2020 U.S. Census redistricting. Over this election season, the ATA PAC contributed $94,150 to state campaigns; 75% of these candidates won their races. Your support of the ATA PAC allows us to make these contributions and to keep trucking top of mind for our legislators.

The Arkansas Trucking Association is currently working on or monitoring the following issues:

Lawsuit abuse reform
Towing reform
Truck parking capacity
Autonomous Vehicle (AV) framework
Cargo theft/freight fraud prevention, protection and deterrents
Commercial driver License (CDL) standardization
Emissions standards and timelines
Electric Vehicle (EV) and hybrid vehicle policies
Fuel economy standards
Independent contractor model
Infrastructure funding
Federal preemption/meal and rest breaks
Marijuana legalization
Safety technology policies and incentives
Speed governors
Tariff and trade policies
Truck size and weight laws
Corporate/employer taxes (unemployment, excise, income)

Commercial Driver License (CDL) testing
Driver medical qualification standards
Workforce training and access
Workers' compensation laws and regulations
Compliance Safety Accountability (CSA)
Driver distraction laws
Hours-of-service regulations
Federal transportatoin reauthorization legislation
Leasing and tolling of interstates
OSHA reform and regulation
Hazardous materials regulations
State and federal highway law enforcement policies
Weight distance tax
Protecting the sales tax cap on tractors and semi-trailers
Vehicle Mileage Taxes (VMT)
Biodiesel mandates
And more . . .

Play for the PAC: Where Industry Impact Meets Entertainment

Turn your competitive spirit into political action through our year-round series of engaging fundraisers supporting the Arkansas Trucking Association Political Action Committee:

ATA-PAC Bracket Challenge – Put your basketball bracket skills to the test for just $25 per entry. Fill out your picks for the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament and compete for a grand prize of 50% of the total pot. The champion’s name is engraved on our traveling trophy, earning them year-round bragging rights in the Arkansas trucking community.
Spring Golf Tournament – Join industry colleagues for a day on the green. Network with fellow trucking professionals while supporting the PAC through friendly competition, complete with prizes and plenty of memorable moments.
Fall Bowling Tournament – Round out the year with our lively bowling tournament. Form a team and compete for custom trophies while building connections across the industry. It’s the perfect blend of casual networking and spirited competition.

Each event in our Play for the PAC series offers a unique way to support the industry’s advocacy efforts while enjoying time with colleagues. Whether you’re a basketball enthusiast, golfer or bowler – or just enjoy friendly competition – there’s a perfect opportunity for you to get involved.