Funding for the federal government runs out in 21 days.

The 2020 Presidential election is in 354 days.

Special thanks to West Virginia-Ohio Valley Chapter’s Duane Shurow of Progressive Electric for renewing his PLC membership!

Personal Contributions = 773
Corporate Contributions = 962

NECAPAC Fund to 11-29-19 = $783,984
ADMIN Fund to 11-29-19 = $228,230

Total Contributions to Date = 1,735
Total Dollars to Date = $1,012,214 

On November 25, 2019, members of NECA’s Penn-Del-Jersey Chapter met with Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester (D-Del.). The group discussed small business issues, composite plans, and the importance of infrastructure investment. Pictured from left to right are PDJ Chapter’s Aaron Kelley, Dan Hahn of Furness Electric, Christine Meyer of Battaglia Electric, Rep. Blunt Rochester, and PDJ Chapter Executive Jeff Scarpello. 

1. Multiemployer Pension Reform Update

Senators Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) and Charles E. Grassley (R-Iowa), Chairmen of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions committee and the Senate Finance Committee, respectively, published a white paper on November 20 with their initial proposals for solving the crisis and challenges facing the multiemployer pension system. This document is the first proposal of weight coming from Republican Senate leaders but is not a legislative text, or a declared bill. The white paper is intended to begin a more in-depth discussion on potential fixes and should be understood as the starting point of negotiations.

NECA’s Look Ahead: NECA will submit comments and continue working with Members of Congress and meeting with congressional leaders and staff on this matter before final legislation is introduced to make sure the industry’s needs are met. While the white paper includes composite plan design and other beneficial aspects, there are revisions that should ultimately be made. To that end, NECA will focus its advocacy on the following topics:

• Maintaining Responsible Employer Premiums
• Limiting the Damages of Withdrawal Liability
• Passing Innovative Composite Plan Design

As this is the initial proposal in a multifaceted negotiation, we continue to urge restraint from our membership. Your government affairs team will tirelessly work on your behalf to represent your companies and our industry to insure we achieve a positive result.

More information can be found here

2. 2020 Legislative Conference Dates Announced

The NECA 2020 National Legislative Conference will be held April 27-30, 2020 in Washington, DC.

NECA’s Look Ahead: NECA looks forward to welcoming our contractors to the nation’s capital for another year of advocating for our industry.

3. Take Action on Nuclear Powers America Act

Tell Congress to support the bipartisan Nuclear Powers America Act (H.R. 2314/S. 1134). This legislation will help NECA contractors by extending the ITC to include nuclear work by creating a 30 percent tax credit for refueling costs and qualified nuclear power plant capital expenditures for each taxable year through 2023. Thereafter, the credit rate would be reduced until it reached 10 percent in 2026. Nuclear power accounts for 20% of the nation’s electrical supply, produces more than 60% of the emissions-free generation in America, supporting 475,000 jobs.

NECA’s Look Ahead: Rep. Darin LaHood (R-Ill.) introduced the NECA-supported bipartisan Nuclear Powers America Act (H.R.2314 / S.1134). NECA has long advocated for a diverse portfolio of energy sources especially, clean and renewable energy sources such as nuclear power.

Funding for the federal government runs out in 14 days.

The 2020 Presidential election is in 347 days.

Special thanks to Quad Cities Chapter’s Dan Palmer of Tri City Electric for renewing his PLC membership!

Congratulations to NECA’s Northern Illinois Chapter, Twin Ports-Arrowhead Chapter, Eastern Illinois Chapter, South Texas Chapter, and Kansas City Chapter for reaching their 2019 NECAPAC goals!

Personal Contributions = 795
Corporate Contributions = 994

NECAPAC Fund to 12-6-19 = $800,639
ADMIN Fund to 12-6-19 = $231,430

Total Contributions to Date = 1,789
Total Dollars to Date = $1,032,069 

Funding for the federal government runs out in 7 days.

The 2020 Presidential election is in 340 days.

Congratulations to NECA’s Kansas Chapter, Northeastern Line Chapter, and Southern Colorado Chapter for reaching their 2019 NECAPAC goals!

Personal Contributions = 812
Corporate Contributions = 1045

NECAPAC Fund to 12-13-19 = $813,269
ADMIN Fund to 12-13-19 = $236,615

Total Contributions to Date = 1857
Total Dollars to Date = $1,049,884

Funding for the federal government runs out in 285 days.

The 2020 Presidential election is in 333 days.

Congratulations to NECA’s North Central Ohio Chapter, Greater Cleveland Chapter, Central Ohio Chapter, Oregon-Pacific-Cascade Chapter, Northern Indiana Chapter, Minneapolis Chapter, Orange County Chapter, Chicago and Cook County Chapter, San Diego Chapter, Northern California Chapter, and San Francisco Chapter for reaching their 2019 NECAPAC goals!

Personal Contributions = 863
Corporate Contributions = 1052

NECAPAC Fund to 12-20-19 = $833,269
ADMIN Fund to 12-20-19 = $240,275

Total Contributions to Date = 1915
Total Dollars to Date = $1,073,544 

1. NECA Wins in Year-End Funding Bills

On December 17, 2019, Congress passed two funding bills, H.R. 1158, FY2020 Consolidated National Security Appropriations Package and H.R. 1865, FY2020 Consolidated Domestic and International Assistance Package, both resulting in big wins for NECA contractors.

NECA’s Look Ahead: In addition to ensuring the full operation of the federal government for the remainder of Fiscal Year 2020, several of NECA’s top legislative priorities were included:

• Full repeal of the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA’s) 40 percent “Cadillac Tax”

• Allowing 529 savings accounts to be used for costs associated with Department of Labor (DOL) registered apprenticeship programs

• Seven-year reauthorization of the Terrorism Risk Insurance Program

• Extension of the National Flood Insurance Program

• Full repeal of health insurance tax (HIT) and the medical device excise tax

• Seven-year authorization of the U.S. Export-Import Bank

• An extension of 179D energy efficiency tax deduction retrospectively from 2017 and prospectively through 2020

• $1 billion for Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grants

Summaries of the package can be found below:

Full Package Summary – H.R. 1158

Full Package Summary – H.R. 1865

Division Q – Summary (Revenue Provision Amendment)

2. USMCA Passes the House

On December 19, 2019, the House passed, in a 385 to 41 vote, the NECA-supported United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), H.R. 5430, to replace the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).

NECA’s Look Ahead: Now that the USMCA has passed the House, it will move to the Senate. Under the Trade Promotion Authority (TPA), the bill procedurally spends up to 15 legislative session days in the Senate Finance Committee. Then, there are up to 15 session days for the Senate to vote on the floor. With Impeachment Articles passed from the House taking precedent, USMCA is unlikely to see a Senate vote any time before late February.

3. Impeachment Update

On December 18, 2019, the House of Representatives took up impeachment procedure and  passed H. Res. 755 – “Impeaching Donald John Trump, President of the United States, for high crimes and misdemeanors” by a vote of  230 – 197, 1 for Article I and by a vote of 229 – 197, 1 for Article II.

NECA’s Look Ahead: It remains unclear when the two articles of impeachment will reach the Senate. When they do arrive to the Senate, it is expected that the Senate will begin the trail immediately.  

On December 19, 2019, members of NECA’s Penn-Del-Jersey chapter attended a holiday event in Philadelphia with Rep. Madeleine Dean (D-Pa.). Pictured with Penn-Del-Jersey Chapter’s Aaron Kelley with Rep. Dean.  

On December 23, 2019, members of NECA’s Penn-Del-Jersey Chapter met with Rep. Fred Keller (R-Pa.) in the district. The group discussed NECA’s priority issues and the electrical contracting industry. Pictured from left to right are Matt Green of Appellation Construction, Rep. Fred Keller, and Penn-Del-Jersey Chapter’s Aaron Kelley. 

NECA’s government affairs team wishes you a very happy holiday season and we hope you are enjoying time with your family and friends.

NECA's Government Affairs team wraps up 2019, check out the year-end review.

NECA's top three legislative items for the week of January 6, 2020.

Funding for the federal government runs out in 278 days.

The 2020 Presidential election is in 326 days.

Congratulations to Rick Osbakken for being our first PLC renewal of 2020! 

Personal Contributions = 5
Corporate Contributions = 3

NECAPAC Fund to 1-7-20 = $5,070
ADMIN Fund to 1-7-20 = $1,600

Total Contributions to Date = 8
Total Dollars to Date = $6,670

Funding for the federal government runs out in 278 days.

The 2020 Presidential election is in 326 days.

Congratulations to Ike Poe of New River Electrical Corp. for renewing his 2020 PLC membership!

Personal Contributions = 31
Corporate Contributions = 1

NECAPAC Fund to 1-17-20 = $18,380
ADMIN Fund to 1-17-20 = $1,000

Total Contributions to Date = 32
Total Dollars to Date = $19,380

On January 14, 2020, members of NECA’s Penn-Del-Jersey chapter had the opportunity to meet with Rep. Dan Meuser (R-Pa.) and the Secretary of Labor Scalia

Funding for the federal government runs out in 250 days.

The 2020 Presidential election is in 284 days.

Congratulations to Nicolaus Feldmann of Eldor Contracting Corp. for renewing his 2020 PLC membership!

Personal Contributions = 34
Corporate Contributions = 2 

NECAPAC Fund to 1-24-20 = $24,100
ADMIN Fund to 1-24-20 = $6,000

Total Contributions to Date = 36
Total Dollars to Date = $30,100

On January 22, 2020, members of the Long Island Chapter NECA met with Rep. Peter King (R-N.Y.)

This week in NECA Government Affairs we spotlight infrastructure legislation, the new SBA Administrator and the newly signed US/China Trade Agreement.

Funding for the federal government runs out in 243 days.

The 2020 Presidential election is in 277 days.

Congratulations to William Darnstadt of Lyons Electric Company for renewing his 2020 PLC membership! 

Personal Contributions = 52
Corporate Contributions = 28

NECAPAC Fund to 1-31-20 = $31,020
ADMIN Fund to 1-31-20 = $11,000

Total Contributions to Date = 80
Total Dollars to Date = $42,020 

Funding for the federal government runs out in 236 days.

The 2020 Presidential election is in 270 days.

Personal Contributions = 52
Corporate Contributions = 175

NECAPAC Fund to 2-7-20 = $31,080
ADMIN Fund to 2-7-20 = $13,600

Total Contributions to Date = 227
Total Dollars to Date = $44,680

Last week, members of NECA’s Long Island Chapter met with Rep. Lee Zeldin (R-N.Y.)

NECA Government Affairs top three for the week of February 7, 2020.

Funding for the federal government runs out in 229 days.

The 2020 Presidential election is in 263 days.

Congratulations to Blair Mahan of Benson Electric Company and District 7 Vice President Greg Rick of Rick Electric for renewing their 2020 PLC memberships!

Personal Contributions = 55
Corporate Contributions = 177

NECAPAC Fund to 2-14-20 = $42,140
ADMIN Fund to 2-14-20 = $13,950 

Total Contributions to Date = 232
Total Dollars to Date = $56,090 

On February 11, 2020, members of NECA’s Penn-Del-Jersey Chapter met with Rep. Madeleine Dean (D-Pa.)

1. Hearing on Expanding the Family and Medical Leave Act

On Tuesday, February 11, 2020, the Workforce Protections Subcommittee held a hearing to discuss the issue of paid family leave. This hearing examined the different ways that the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) could be updated to best benefit employees, employers, and the American economy. Among suggested updates are expanding eligibilty under the FMLA, reducing exclusions, promoting tax cuts to businesses that provide paid leave, and increasing employee access to additional paid leave options.

NECA’s Look Ahead: NECA will continue to monitor this issue as different solutions to paid family and medical leave are presented, working with legislators to reduce the impact on the electrical construction industry. 

2. President Trump Releases Budget Proposal to Congress 

On March 11, 2019, President Donald Trump released his budget proposal to Congress, “A Budget for America’s Future”. The budget and detailed summaries are found here. 

NECA’s Look Ahead: The President’s budget in its current form will not be passed by Congress to become law. The budget is largely seen as a political document. Regarding government funding, the House is expected to introduce the twelve appropriations bills in Subcommittee by the end of April, with the full committee hearings expected in May. The goal is to pass the twelve bills through the House by July. The Senate is expected to pass their version in June.

3. Your Vote Counts!

The 2020 state primary elections are coming up, so be sure to make your vote count! NECA contractors are uniquely positioned to play an important part in our nation's electoral process. NECA is a diverse organization comprised of many voices and election day is your opportunity to make your voice heard.  

NECA’s Look Ahead: Be sure you are registered to vote in your state before election day and research the candidates on your ballot to see where they stand on issues important to you.

Funding for the federal government runs out in 222 days.

The 2020 Presidential election is in 256 days.

Special thanks to Gloria Ashford of Ashford Electric & Construction, LeeAnn Cochran of Cochran Inc., Drew Mackey of Evergreen Power Systems, Marvin Nelson of Nelson Electric, Greg Stewart of The Superior Group, and Rick Rothermel of Pacific Coast Electrical Contractors for renewing their 2020 PLC memberships!

Congratulations to NECA’s Puget Sound Chapter for being the first chapter to reach its goal for 2020!

Personal Contributions = 64
Corporate Contributions = 232 

NECAPAC Fund to 2-21-20 = $72,446
ADMIN Fund to 2-21-20 = $24,450

Total Contributions to Date = 296
Total Dollars to Date = $96,896 

Funding for the federal government runs out in 215 days.

The 2020 Presidential election is in 249 days.

Congratulations to David Washebek of Lemberg Electric for joining the Political Leadership Council! 

Personal Contributions = 77
Corporate Contributions = 234

NECAPAC Fund to 2-28-20 = $88,676
ADMIN Fund to 2-28-20 = $25,700

Total Contributions to Date = 311
Total Dollars to Date = $114,376

On February 24, 2020, NECA’s San Diego Chapter Executive, Andy Berg (left) met with Rep. Juan Vargas (D-Calif.)

On February 24, 2020, a member of NECA’s San Diego Chapter met with Rep. Mike Levin (D-Calif.)

1. New Joint Employer Rule Issued by the NLRB

On February 25, 2020, the National Labor Relations Board released the details of a new joint-employer liability rule. This new rule, which began the regulatory process almost two years ago, reverts the regulatory language back to its pre-2007 form, requiring companies to exercise direct control over workers to be considered their employer. The new joint-employer rule creates a much higher threshold for the employers to be held jointly liable for violations; benefiting organizations and corporations structured around franchising and third-party hiring.

NECA’s Look Ahead: This rule takes effect April 27, 2020. NECA will continue to monitor this rule change, assessing its impacts on jobsites.

2. The Protecting Business Opportunities for Veterans Act Passes the House 

On February 25, 2020, H.R. 561, the Protecting Business Opportunities for Veterans Act, passed the House by unanimous voice vote. This legislation will aid veteran-owned small businesses by directing the Department of Defense and Department of Veterans Affairs to contract with those businesses. Veteran-owed small businesses will be required to perform a majority of the work they are awarded on these government contracts with large subcontractors and will be restricted from performing the work set aside for these types of small businesses. 

NECA’s Look Ahead: NECA applauds the House on the unanimous passage of this legislation and expects it to be received favorably in the Senate. We will continue to monitor this issue as it moves to the Senate and are confident in a positive outcome.

3. The Committee on Small Business Held Hearing to Discuss FY2021 Budget

On February 26, 2020, the House Committee on Small Business held a hearing to discuss the 2021 Budget with the Small Business Administrator. Recently appointed Administrator, Jovita Carranza, gave an overview of the administration’s budget requests and the committee was able to examine the potential opportunities and challenges that small businesses participating in the SBA’s programs will face. 

Funding for the federal government runs out in 208 days.

The 2020 Presidential election is in 242 days.

Congratulations to Puget Sound Chapter Executive Barry Sherman for renewing his Political Leadership Council membership. 

Special thanks to Thomas DePace of Advance Sound Company for renewing his NextGen PLC Membership!

Personal Contributions = 86
Corporate Contributions = 267

NECAPAC Fund to 3-6-20 = $101,011
ADMIN Fund to 3-6-20 = $26,700

Total Contributions to Date = 353
Total Dollars to Date = $127,711 

1. Hearing Held to Reauthorize the National Apprenticeship Act

On Wednesday, March 4, 2020, the Higher Education and Workforce investment Subcommittee held a hearing to discuss reauthorizing the National Apprenticeship Act. The National Apprenticeship Act, originally passed in 1937, will be amended to expand the apprenticeship system to include broader forms of apprenticeship programs. This discussion is centered around how to modernize the Act and bring apprenticeships into the 21^st century.  

NECA’s Look Ahead: Preserving these valued apprenticeship programs is a priority. NECA continues to work closely with legislators while this bill is being shaped.

2. NLRB Chairman and General Counsel to Testify Regarding Funding     

Next week, the Chairman and General Counsel of the National Labor Relations Board are scheduled to testify before the House Appropriations committee. This hearing is anticipated to be contentious with lawmakers inquiring as to the reasons behind the Trump Administration’s request to lower the board’s funding by 10%. At the same time, the NLRB’s regional offices are plagued with under-employment and the board itself is dogged with hearings and legal challenges over ethical conflicts of interest.

NECA’s Look Ahead: While historically the National Labor Relations Board has been a contentious and often politicized place, this hearing is expected to highlight the new level of dysfunction that now riddles the Board. NECA believes that lawmakers should continue to fully fund the NLRB and encourage their leadership to expedite the hiring of their regional offices.

3. Congress Passes Coronavirus Funding Bill

On Wednesday, March 4, 2020, Congress passed a NECA-supported bill, H.R. 6074, the Coronavirus Preparedness and Response Supplemental Appropriations Act.

NECA’s Look Ahead: This bill addresses the critical funding issues surrounding the U.S. response to the Coronavirus outbreak. The bill includes the following:

• $4 billion to make diagnostic tests more broadly available

• $2.2 billion for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for a robust response, including:

• $1 billion exclusively for state and local response efforts
• $300 million for CDC’s Infectious Diseases Rapid Response Reserve Fund
• $20 million to administer disaster assistance loans for small businesses impacted by the virus.
• $1.25 billion for the State Department and (USAID)
• $264 million to evacuate Americans and maintain consular operations overseas

Funding for the federal government runs out in 201 days.

The 2020 Presidential election is in 235 days.

Congratulations to NECA’s Southern Tier Chapter for reaching their goal for 2020!

Personal Contributions = 91
Corporate Contributions = 328

NECAPAC Fund to 3-13-20 = $103,991
ADMIN Fund to 3-13-20 = $41,500

Total Contributions to Date = 419
Total Dollars to Date = $145,491 

1. NECA Helps Secure Construction Industry Exemption in Final IRAP Rule

On March 10, 2020, the Department of Labor released the final rule of the Industry-Recognized Apprenticeship Programs (IRAP) regulation. The final rule contains a permanent construction industry exemption, thereby protecting our industry from participation in IRAPs. NECA released a statement thanking the Administration for recognizing that the construction industry has longstanding expertise in the creation and execution of apprenticeships.

NECA’s Look Ahead: NECA strongly advocated for the construction industry’s exemption, with thousands of NECA contractors sending comments to the Department of Labor. By securing this exemption, the long-established, gold standard apprenticeship model that NECA Contractors utilize will remain intact and not be subjected to these parallel programs which will operate with less scrutiny and limited educational requirements.

2. The House Introduces Legislation to Address COVID-19 Outbreak

Washington D.C., like the rest of the nation and world, is responding to the outbreak of the COVID-19 (Coronavirus). On the evening of March 11, President Trump addressed the nation live from the  Oval Office. On Capitol Hill, negotiators continue to work to find a compromise between competing coronavirus response bills.

NECA’s Look Ahead: In response to the crisis, the Senate plans to cancel a previously scheduled recess week. The House will gavel out today and will return to Washington D.C. on March 23, 2020 to finish the negotiations on a final response package. NECA CEO, David Long, released the following statement in response to the legislative and regulatory negotiations: “ NECA government affairs remains fully engaged with Members of Congress, the Department of Labor, and OSHA on how to best handle the COVID-19 outbreak with safety being a top concern for our contractors and their employees. We continue to monitor legislation coming out of Congress to address the economic impact of this outbreak and will inform our contractors on how to best work with the new regulations when they are finalized.”

3. NLRB Chairman Testifies Regarding Funding      

On March 11, 2020, the House Committee on Appropriations held a hearing on the National Labor Relations Board Budget Request for FY 2021. Testifying on behalf of the NLRB was the Honorable John Ring, Chairman of the National Labor Relations Board. The NLRB budget request and justification documents can be found here.

NECA’s Look Ahead: The NLRB’s FY 2021 budget request funds their mission to protect the rights of employees, unions, and employers under the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA). NECA believes that lawmakers should continue to fully fund the NLRB and encourage their leadership to expedite the hiring of their regional offices.

Funding for the federal government runs out in 194 days.

The 2020 Presidential election is in 228 days.

Personal Contributions = 96
Corporate Contributions = 329

NECAPAC Fund to 3-20-20 = $105,390
ADMIN Fund to 3-20-20 = $42,035 

Total Contributions to Date = 425
Total Dollars to Date = $147,425