MRF Rep Report - April 2025

We have a lot of new legislators both in Madison and in Washington DC, so it’s imperative that we meet them where they are and make connections to build relationships, in order to get things accomplished. We’re grateful for several friends of the motorcycling community in high-ranking positions in the federal government. We hope that they will listen to our concerns and support our mission. Representative Tony Wied is one of the “new guys” who is also a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, a key committee for bikers.

In February, Congressman Neal Dunn of Florida announced the introduction of the Right to Equitable and Professional Auto Industry Repair Act or the “REPAIR Act,” a bill that would ensure vehicle owners have access to important repair and diagnostic data. The right to repair and modify your motorcycle is an important part of the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) 2025 Legislative Agenda. Access to the parts, tools and technical information required to work on products you own is something all bikers should support. Our partners in the aftermarket and independent shop industries are key parts of the entire motorcycle ecosystem and their survival is crucial.

In March, Steve Panten, who you should all know as our Legislative Committee Chair, and Hardtail, our ABATE of WI’s Deputy Director and MRF President made a trip to DC to set the stage with our new legislators. They talked about everything from Right to Repair, to ethanol mandates, the definition of a motorcycle (yes, that’s still an issue at the federal level), profiling, autonomous vehicles and how they interact with motorcycles, and of course, internal combustions engines.

With 535 lawmakers combined in both chambers of Congress, having engagement from riders in every state is the only way for all our elected officials to get our message. Also in March, ABATE of Iowa and ABATE of California were in DC talking about the same issues with their legislators. So, you can see that the members of the MRF aren’t just out in DC once per year.

But that does lead me to our most important event of the year, Bikers Inside the Beltway, where many states send bikers to Washington DC on the same day, just as we do here in Madison on Lobby Day. This year, it is scheduled for May 19th and 20th. ABATE of WI will have over a dozen people going to represent us and talk to all our WI legislators. Watch the upcoming months’ newsletters from reports on members that went on what their experiences were like.

There’s nothing more effective than speaking to our legislators in person. If you can’t be there in person, you can still support those that will be, by joining the MRF, renewing your membership, or adding a Freedom Fighter donation to your membership. Every little bit helps.

Lastly, if you paid attention this long, I thank you. The MRF thanks you. Education is powerful. Please talk to your regions about how our lifestyle is being affected at the federal level as well as the state level. Spread the word. Text your name and the word “Education” to my cell phone (the number is on the last page of the newsletter) by April 28th, for a chance to win a 1-year individual membership to the MRF.

As always, stay vigilant, my friends,

Jen

Jennifer Abraham

ABATE of WI, MRF State Rep

MRF Assistant to the Board

ABATE Region 2A Treasurer

(920) 207-4679