By John Boling
In June, IIBEC became a founding member of the Tomorrow’s Workforce Coalition, which advocates for economic development policy that would strengthen the workforce now and in the future. Organized by the American Society of Association Executives, the coalition’s efforts will focus on building support for the Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act (S. 722 / H.R. 1477), which would allow students, workers, and families to use their 529 savings plans for costs associated with obtaining and maintaining postsecondary credentials, such as licenses and nongovernmental certifications.
Brian Pallasch, executive vice president and CEO of IIBEC, stated, “Bob Lyons started RCI, our predecessor organization, based on the premise that there should be some way to establish qualifications of roof consultants and roof surveyors. Now, with over 2500 credential holders worldwide, the IIBEC credentialling program has proven valuable for both the holders and the building owners. Allowing 529 funds to be used to offset the costs of seeking or retaining a credential will provide IIBEC members with a tax benefit as they seek to better themselves. Advocating for this common-sense legislation aligns with IIBEC’s strategic plan to increase the relevance and value of IIBEC certifications.”
The 529 program, as currently structured, only helps students enrolled in qualified higher education programs. However, associations are the primary source of post-secondary education for most workers. This legislation would bridge the gap and allow workers in any phase of their career, at any education level—of any background—to more readily access the unique tax benefits that 529s provide while boosting their career prospects and earning potential.
The bipartisan and bicameral legislation is being championed by Reps. Rob Wittman (R-VA) and Abigail Spanberger (D-VA) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Mike Braun (R-IN) in the Senate. Read the bill one-pager for more information.
IIBEC credentials represent the pinnacle of roofing, waterproofing, exterior wall, and building enclosure commissioning professionalism. The Registered Building Enclosure Consultant (RBEC®), Registered Roof Consultant (RRC®), Registered Waterproofing Consultant (RWC®), and Registered Exterior Wall Consultant (REWC®) programs distinguish professionals with proven standards of education, experience, and ethics. The requirements for attaining these designations are stringent and take considerable time and effort to fulfill. The Registered Roof Observer (RRO®) and Registered Exterior Wall Observer (REWO®) programs qualify individuals to monitor the construction process to ensure that roof and exterior wall projects stay in compliance with approved construction drawings, specifications, and best-practice or warranty-stipulated installation procedures. IIBEC also recently launched a certification program for a Certified Building Enclosure Commissioning Provider (CBECxP®). The CBECxP is an individual who will conduct all the tasks required to carry out a comprehensive and complete building enclosure commissioning process.
For more information on IIBEC’s credentials program visit https://iibec.org/credentials/.
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