Etsy registered to lobby for the first time, according to Politico. The publication noted that Etsy will be represented by Julie Stitzel, formerly with the Pew Charitable Trusts.
Stitzel is Senior Manager of Federal Advocacy and Policy at Etsy. According to the application, Etsy indicated it would be lobbying in a number of areas including Copyright/Patent/Trademark; Consumer Issues/Safety/Protection; Postal; Manufacturing; Labor Issues/ Antitrust/ Workplace; Taxation/Internal Revenue Code; Trade (Domestic & Foreign); and Small Business.
Etsy also unveiled last month Etsy Advocacy, an area for users to receive updates on public policy campaigns that may affect their business.
The program is similar to eBay Mainstreet, with Etsy telling sellers, “We’ll also let you know about opportunities for you to get involved in advocacy efforts, like crafting comments on current issues, writing to your legislators, attending in-person organizing events and meeting policymakers in your area.”
Among the issues highlighted on the Etsy Advocacy site is “Micro-Business Growth and Development”: “Most government programs to support small businesses focus on businesses of ten, fifty, even two hundred people. See how policymakers can expand their focus to encourage self-employment and microentrepreneurship as well.” Other issues include “Tax and Regulatory Compliance” and “International Shipping.”
