SMACNA Issues Scorecard
We reached out to Stan Kolbe, Executive Director of Government and Political Affairs for SMACNA, for a brief update on legislation impacting our industry.
HE OUTLINED SOME OF THE TOP LEGISLATIVE GOALS ON TRACK FOR PROGRESS IN 2023, INCLUDING:
- Substance Abuse Program Funding and Research: Would increase access to care for people experiencing opioid use disorder by reforming outdated rules for the prescription and dispensing effective medications.
- Defend the IRA and CHIPS and Science Act 1.0 (Support 2.0): Tax incentives for private construction/public projects.
- Defend Continued Funding of School Construction/IAQ: Programs included in the American Rescue Plan intended for 4 years of retrofits as well as new programs in the infrastructure and reconciliation package.
- Promote Change Order Reform/Small Business Payment for Performance Act: Leading to endorse change order reform (H.R. 2726) bill again to provide payment on approval for half of change order amount, expedited resolution of the remainder once certified by contracting officer.
- Boost Registered Apprenticeship: Support (H.R. 2851/S. 249/H.R. 2900) funds for general workforce development programs for construction industry in DOL Appropriations, Infrastructure Act, Rescue Plan and reconciliation package/Apprenticeship Act/Apprenticeship Hubs Act.
- Advocate for The SAFE Banking Act: House and Senate bills (H.R. 2891 / S. 1323) would provide access to the federal banking system for cannabis related industry payments.