This year, IIBEC took another big step to bolster its support of members. Hiring a full-time government relations professional gives the organization the capability to focus on legislative and regulatory issues at the state, provincial, and federal levels. Over the coming days and months, IIBEC will continue fighting legislative proposals that negatively impact members, but now we will be able to seek out those negative bills earlier in the process when they are easier to defeat. We will also proactively advocate for measures that will benefit the membership. Working through the Advocacy Committee and with chapters and branches, we will involve members and listen to make sure resources are allocated to those issues that matter to you. IIBEC will also increase collaboration with our industry partners to share information and coordinate our efforts to make our advocacy even more impactful. Finally, IIBEC fully expects to increase its presence at the federal level to keep an eye on the activities of legislators and parliamentarians.
STATE AND PROVINCIAL ACTIVITIES
Oklahoma: IIBEC alerted our industry colleagues to the introduction of legislation (SB 299) that would allow schools to access the state’s cooperative purchasing system for construction services. Coordinating efforts with the Associated General Contractors (AGC) of Oklahoma, IIBEC sent a letter to all the members of two committees that had jurisdiction over the bill, explaining why cooperative purchasing does not work for complex construction projects like roofs. The result was an IIBEC victory.
Illinois: Upon learning of legislation (HB 680) that would upend the qualification-based selection (QBS) criteria used by the state for nearly 30 years, IIBEC jumped into action. Taking the opportunity to educate while advocating, IIBEC sent a letter to the Illinois House Speaker, the Republican Leader, and the members of the Cities & Villages Committee explaining why the QBS system is superior. Again, the result was an IIBEC victory.
“When it comes to the design of buildings, roads, bridges, or water systems, the citizens of Illinois are best served by the qualified professionals—not the lowest bidder. As numerous cases have proven, when price is the primary determinant, corners may be cut, and public safety is put at risk.” — IIBEC EVP Brian Pallasch
Charles Sietmann, RRO, REWO, CCA, CIT, IIBEC Region III director; and Raymond Makiejus, RRC, RRO, Chicago Area Chapter president; joined IIBEC’s Executive Vice President and CEO Brian Pallasch, in signing the letter.
Ohio: Collaborating with American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) of Ohio, IIBEC is poised to take action to fight legislation that would allow construction services to be offered through the state’s cooperative purchasing program.
Ontario, Canada: Recent changes have allowed the expansion of cooperative purchasing programs into the Ontario market. IIBEC’s Advocacy Committee is contemplating the proper strategy to educate the Ontario provincial government about how cooperative purchasing programs can fail when used for complex design and construction projects.
If you are interested in learning how IIBEC’s Advocacy Program can help your chapter or branch, please contact John Boling at jboling@iibec.org.
Boling joined IIBEC in early 2021. He focuses on increasing IIBEC’s influence on federal, state, provincial, and local public policy, helping shape codes and standards, expanding IIBEC’s influence in the building industry, and increasing the relevance and value of IIBEC’s policy positions. You can reach him at jboling@iibec.org.
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