2025 Federal Legislative Priorities: What Matters Most to Printers
by Stephanie Buka, Government Affairs Manager Oct 30, 2025

PRINTING United Alliance members have spoken. Our 2025 Federal Legislative Priorities Survey highlights three areas that will shape our advocacy in the year ahead: trade and tariffs, tax and economic policy, and labor and employment.

Trade and tariffs topped the list, reflecting members’ continued exposure to global supply chain volatility and the cost of essential inputs. Members pointed to the need for predictable, transparent trade rules; targeted relief where tariffs drive up costs for critical print materials and equipment; and a durable strategy that strengthens U.S. manufacturing without penalizing downstream users.

Close behind, tax and economic policy remains a core concern for capital-intensive businesses. Members emphasized the importance of pro-growth incentives—expensing for machinery and technology upgrades, R&D and workforce credits, and a stable, competitive tax environment that supports reinvestment, innovation, and productivity across commercial print, packaging, and wide-format segments.

Rounding out the top three, labor and employment challenges persist. From skilled press and bindery operators to color management and digital press technicians, members cited difficulty recruiting and retaining talent. Priorities include modern training pathways, short-term credential flexibility, apprenticeship support, and balanced workplace rules that provide clarity without adding red tape.

These findings will guide our Hill outreach, coalition work, and member resources in 2026. What’s next: we’ll translate these priorities into concise policy asks, targeted education for lawmakers, and easy ways for you to engage—letters, testimony, plant tours, and more.

Thank you to everyone who participated. Your input ensures our advocacy reflects real-world needs from the shop floor to the C-suite. Stay tuned for action alerts and opportunities to make your voice heard.

In this article, Stephanie Buka, Government Affairs Manager, PRINTING United Alliance, reports on the findings from the 2025 Federal Legislative Priorities Survey. More information can be found at Business Excellence-Legislation or reach out to Steph should you have additional questions specific to how these issues may affect your business: sbuka@printing.org.    

To become a member of the Alliance and learn more about how our subject matter experts can assist your company with services and resources such as those mentioned in this article, please contact the Alliance membership team: 888-385-3588 / membership@printing.org.    

 

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Stephanie Buka Government Affairs Manager
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Stephanie Buka is the Government Affairs Manager for PRINTING United Alliance. In this role, she supports Ford Bowers, CEO, the Government Affairs team, and coordinates efforts with contracted lobbying firm, ACG Advocacy. Buka is the chief editor of the Industry Advocate newsletter. She is responsible for advocacy campaigns, policy analysis, strategy development and team leadership, all aimed at promoting the Alliance's legislative agenda. She is also responsible for the administration of the Alliance's political action committee, PrintPAC.

Prior to joining the Alliance, Buka served as a senior legislative researcher, and later as a constituent services coordinator, for the 15-member legislative body representing 1.3 million residents of Allegheny County, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. In addition to drafting legislation and addressing constituent concerns, Buka cultivated strong relationships with appointed and elected officials at the local, state, and federal levels of government.

Buka holds a master’s degree in Public Policy and Management from the University of Pittsburgh, Graduate School of Public and International Affairs (GSPIA). She also earned a master's degree in Criminology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, along with a Certificate in Forensic Science and Law from Duquesne University.

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