Pushing Forward: AAF Advocacy in Maryland and Beyond
- Ronaldo Sellers
- Mar 14
- 2 min read
This week, AAF Baltimore had the opportunity to take part in AAF's advocacy efforts during Advertising Day on the Hill, where we engaged with key policymakers to discuss the pressing issues facing our industry.
Advertising Day on the Hill is a biennial event organized by AAF that brings together advertising professionals from across the United States to engage directly with lawmakers in Washington, D.C. The event serves as a platform for industry members to discuss critical issues affecting advertising, educate legislators on the economic and social importance of the industry, and advocate for policies that support its continued growth and innovation.
During the event, AAF Baltimore met with staffers from Senator Angela Alsobrooks, Senator Chris Van Hollen and Representative Sarah Elfreth’s offices, and we were encouraged by their willingness to listen and engage with the concerns of Maryland’s advertising and media community.
At the state level, Maryland’s proposed 2.5% tax on advertising services (HB 1554/SB 1045)
remains a serious threat to businesses, creatives, and media professionals. We’ve seen similar policies fail before—driving business out of state, stifling growth, and ultimately being repealed.
The discussions in Annapolis have been intense, but AAF Baltimore continues to push back,
ensuring that lawmakers understand the real-world impact of these decisions on our industry.
On the national stage, AAF continues to be a voice for advertisers, creators, and small business owners. From digital privacy regulations to policies that affect how businesses communicate with consumers, we’re making sure the people shaping these laws hear from those of us working on the ground every day.
The biggest takeaway? Advocacy never stops. Whether at the state or federal level, these
conversations matter. The policies being debated now will define the future of our industry and it’s up to us to make sure our voices are heard.
If you’re not involved yet, now is the time. AAF is out here fighting for the industry—let’s keep
pushing forward, together.
Ronaldo J. Sellers
Government Relations Chair
AAF Baltimore
About AAF Government Relations
The American Advertising Federation (AAF) serves as the "Unifying Voice for Advertising," representing members across all disciplines and career levels in advertising. On the legislative front, AAF actively advocates for the interests of its members by monitoring and addressing governmental actions that impact the advertising industry. This includes lobbying against adverse regulations, promoting policies that foster industry growth, and keeping members informed about legislative developments that could affect their businesses.
Similarly, AAF Baltimore, as a local chapter, engages in advocacy efforts tailored to the regional landscape. We work to ensure that the voices of Baltimore's advertising professionals are heard in local legislative matters, providing resources and support to navigate and influence policies that impact the local advertising community.