Post-Labor Day Blues – Message From the CEO
September 12, 2019In many parts of the country, and in my neighborhood, the school year began last week. Roads and sidewalks got a little more crowded and the early morning quiet was definitely history. I can (barely) remember my feelings as a child at this time of year – a mixture of trepidation and excitement. Not happy about the regimen of school days, but glad to see my friends and classmates after the summer break. Somewhat eager for new learning opportunities, but anxious about the hard work and long hours ahead.
I don’t worry about school anymore, not for myself or my children. But, I do think about the other recess that has now ended – the one for the U.S. Congress. Those senators and representatives have a lot of hard work ahead of them, unless they go for the time-honored tradition of asking for an extension or taking a grade of “incomplete.”
In addition to the issues of appropriations, election security, and immigration, we can hope the Congress will tackle the challenge of gun violence. We have heard promises over the recess, and polling data reflects that overwhelming numbers of Americans want to see universal background checks and limits on assault weapons. Major retailers have responded to this crisis. You are back from your break, Congress. Time to get back to the hard work the electorate has tasked you to do.
Lee Sherman, President & CEO