Pushing for change

NRCA members participate in a successful visit to Capitol Hill to urge action on key legislative issues


In October, more than 100 NRCA members attended NRCA's 2017 Fall Committee Meetings and Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C. During the conference, participants had the opportunity to meet with their senators and representatives on Capitol Hill to help advance NRCA's government relations agenda while also hearing from guest speakers who addressed topics of interest to roofing professionals.

Agenda

The meetings kicked off Tuesday, Oct. 17, with a luncheon presentation given by Cheryl Oldham, vice president of education policy for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Oldham provided an overview of the Chamber's new Talent Pipeline Management program—an innovative, demand-driven system designed to enable employers to address their future workforce development needs. The Talent Pipeline Management program presents a significant opportunity for collaboration with NRCA's ProCertification Series worker training program currently being developed.

During the afternoon, NRCA's Government Relations Committee met to discuss federal legislative and regulatory issues of importance to the roofing industry. Committee members discussed NRCA's advocacy efforts for tax reform, legislation to reduce regulatory burdens, initiatives to address workforce shortages and other issues currently affecting the roofing industry.

One key topic of discussion was NRCA's efforts to work with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to review and potentially modify or repeal several recently issued regulations; these efforts have yielded some progress. Also, there was consensus among committee members NRCA should continue to support efforts to establish a legal immigration program designed to meet industry labor needs while also supporting balanced efforts to crack down on illegal immigration.

On Tuesday evening, 75 NRCA members and guests gathered on the outdoor terrace at Morton's The Steakhouse in downtown Washington, D.C., for a fundraising reception to benefit ROOFPAC, NRCA's political action committee. The beautiful fall weather provided an ideal setting for a festive evening in good company.

On Wednesday, Oct. 18, NRCA members heard from Sen. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.), a longtime NRCA friend who has spearheaded efforts to advance balanced immigration reform that meets the industry's labor needs. Flake provided an update on recent developments in Congress regarding tax reform, regulatory reform and immigration-related legislation, as well as his personal insights on the current political environment in the capital.

NRCA members then headed to Capitol Hill to meet with lawmakers and congressional staff to urge action on NRCA's key legislative issues. During the meetings, NRCA members advocated for tax reform that will increase investment opportunities for roofing industry entrepreneurs, regulatory reform legislation designed to reduce regulatory burdens on employers and legislation to address the widespread workforce shortages currently affecting the industry. These types of meetings are critical for strengthening existing and creating new relationships with senators and representatives to advance NRCA's policy agenda regarding issues critical to our industry.

The day concluded with an appreciation dinner for members of NRCA's Political Insiders Council (PIC), the major donor program for ROOFPAC, at Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab. PIC members enjoyed an evening of fine food, drinks and networking alongside special guest Sen. Cory Gardner (R-Colo.), another longtime friend of NRCA.

NRCA's PAC Advisory Committee also met during the week to discuss efforts to strengthen and expand ROOFPAC. Committee members proposed fundraising strategies aimed at broadening NRCA members' participation in ROOFPAC. Proposed strategies include planning for several ROOFPAC events to be held during NRCA's 131st Annual Convention and the 2018 International Roofing Expo® (IRE) in New Orleans Feb. 5-8. ROOFPAC will host golf and sporting clays tournaments Monday, Feb. 5, a silent auction at the NRCA booth on the IRE expo floor Feb. 6-7, and a "Party on the Mighty Mississippi" the evening of Feb. 7. All NRCA members attending the convention and IRE are encouraged to support ROOFPAC by participating in these fun-filled events.

During a luncheon held Thursday, Oct. 19, NRCA members were addressed by Loren Sweatt, OSHA's deputy assistant secretary of labor. NRCA's Washington, D.C., staff has worked with Sweatt for many years on OSHA policy issues during Sweatt's previous role as a senior policy adviser for the U.S. House of Representatives' Committee on Education and the Workforce. Sweatt provided an update on current Trump administration policies and recent developments related to OSHA regulations and workplace safety policy and answered numerous questions from NRCA members. NRCA looks forward to working with Sweatt on efforts to reduce regulatory burdens and improve workplace safety in the roofing industry in the coming years.

Up next

NRCA's 2017 Fall Committee Meetings and Legislative Conference provided a great opportunity for NRCA members to advance NRCA's work on numerous issues and take our message directly to Capitol Hill. It is critical members of Congress hear directly from their constituents regarding issues affecting the roofing industry.

To continue the efforts made in October, NRCA invites all industry professionals to come together next year in an unprecedented effort to take a stand and share our message on Capitol Hill. Roofing Day in D.C. 2018 will take place March 6-7 in Washington, D.C., and all NRCA members are urged to participate. The event will bring together roofing contractors, distributors, manufacturers and other industry professionals from across the U.S. to communicate the industry's message to lawmakers in Congress. The event will be the largest advocacy event dedicated solely to the roofing industry. The goal is to have every state represented in Washington, D.C., and make sure Congress hears our message loud and clear.

More information about Roofing Day in D.C. 2018 will be available soon. If you have questions or want additional information, contact NRCA's Washington, D.C., office at (800) 338-5765.

Duane L. Musser is NRCA's vice president of government relations.

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