By John Boling
Two weeks after visiting Capitol Hill to advocate that IRC Section 529 educational saving programs evolve into career education savings programs, IIBEC returned as part of the industry’s annual Roofing Day in DC event.
This year, over 250 roofing professionals, including contractors, manufacturers, consultants, and distributors arrived in the nation’s capital for the April 8–9 event. Speakers included Rep. Lloyd Smucker (R–Pa.), who used to own a drywall company, and Rep. Lou Correa (D–Calif.). Key legislative staffers also provided insight on the legislative issues attendees were encouraged to bring up during their meetings with legislators.
IIBEC Executive Vice President & CEO Brian Pallasch, CAE, was joined by IIBEC President Chris Dawkins, PE; First Vice President Jennifer Hogan, REWC, RRO, BArchSci, CET, Certified Passive House Consultant; Region 1 Director Norm Crouse, RRO; Advocacy Committee Chair Melissa Barrows-Lieb, RRC, RRO, CCCA, CDT; and IIBEC Director of Government Relations John Boling. They fanned out across Capitol Hill to meet with their senators and representatives and to educate them on issues concerning the industry. Hogan, a Canadian, joined Pallasch in his meetings with North Carolinian members and industry leaders.
Specifically, the team focused on workforce issues, called for a $70 million increase in funding for career and technical education grants, and asked that Congress enact sensible immigration policies to address chronic labor shortages. Additionally, participants called for Congress to maintain the 20% Qualified Business Income Deduction (199A deduction) and separately, to restore the immediate deduction of research and development expenses. Finally, participants asked that the current section 179D commercial building energy efficiency tax deduction and the 45L new energy efficient home tax credit be maintained in the forthcoming tax bill.
