ADVOCACY ALERT: Protect Consumer Choice for Paper Communications
by Stephanie Buka, Government Affairs Manager Sep 3, 2026

Two federal agencies have proposed major changes that could significantly reduce the use of printed financial and healthcare communications by making electronic delivery the default option for consumers.

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) have each issued proposed rules that would shift the delivery of important disclosures from a consumer "opt-in" model to an "opt-out" model for paper communications. While consumers would still be able to request paper copies, these proposals would automatically enroll millions of Americans in electronic delivery unless they take action to choose otherwise.

Why This Matters

For the printing, mailing, and graphic communications industries, these proposals represent a significant policy shift with implications for consumer choice, accessibility, and the future of printed communications.

Research consistently shows that consumers value the ability to choose how they receive important information. Many Americans, including seniors, rural residents, caregivers, and individuals with limited broadband access, continue to rely on printed documents for financial and healthcare information. Concerns also remain about data security, fraud, and the accessibility of digital-only communications.

PRINTING United Alliance, a member of the Protect Paper Choice Coalition, encourages members to share their perspectives with federal regulators and emphasize the importance of preserving consumer choice and maintaining access to printed communications.

Add Your Voice. Both comment periods close September 21, 2026

  • Click here to submit your comments to the SEC on S7-2026-25 Electronic Delivery of Information Under the Federal Securities Laws. You can also submit your comments to the SEC by using the coalition site at ProtectPaperChoice.org
  • Click here to submit your comments to the DOL on the Electronic Disclosure by Group Health Plans Under ERISA. You can also take action on the DOL proposed rule via the Americans for Paper Access portal here: Take Action Now!

Thank you for helping us protect consumer choice.

Business Regulations
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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