DOL Rule Recognizes Unique Role of Construction Industry Apprenticeships

Top Three 6/28/19: DOL Rule Recognizes Unique Role of Construction Industry Apprenticeships

1. Administration Rule Exempts Construction Industry from IRAPs

Earlier this week, the Department of Labor issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking allowing for the creation of Industry Recognized Apprenticeship Programs (IRAPs). These IRAPs are third-party certified apprenticeship programs with little oversight and regulatory framework. The proposed rule includes an exemption from allowing the creation of IRAPs within the construction industry. This means that while other industries can use this new apprenticeship model, the tried and true construction industry apprenticeship model we have fostered for nearly 80 years will not be impacted at this time.

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2. House Holds Hearing on SALT Deduction

On June 25, 2019, the House Select Revenue Subcommittee chaired by Chairman Mike Thompson (D-CA) held a hearing entitled, "How Recent Limitations to the SALT Deduction Harm Communities, Schools, First Responders, and Housing Values."

NECA's Look Ahead »

3. Democrats Win the Congressional Baseball Game

On June 26, 2019, Democratic members beat the Republicans 15-7 in the annual Congressional Baseball Game held at Nationals Park. First played in 1909, the Congressional Baseball Game has been an annual bipartisan event which has enabled members from both parties to not only develop relationships on the floor, but on the field as well. The popularity of the game has led to the development of the foundation, Congressional Sports for Charity. Proceeds from various congressional games are given to support worthy D.C area charities including, the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Washington, the Washington Nationals Dream Foundation, along with the United States Capitol Police Memorial Fund.

NECA's Look Ahead »

Chairman's Challenge:

Chicago and Cook County Chapter Meets Leader McConnell

On June 22, 2019, members of NECA’s Chicago and Cook County Chapter attended an event with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) in Chicago. Pictured is Steve Diamond of Malko Communications (right) with Leader McConnell.

Take Advantage of the Upcoming August Recess

The best time to meet with your Member of Congress is when they are home in their districts for the August Recess. Take this opportunity to set up a meeting at a NECA Chapter Office, NECA-IBEW Training Center, NECA Member Company Office, or job site.

Be sure to visit our online Congressional Visit Toolkit. This toolkit contains all of the information you need to invite and host a member of Congress at your business. By inviting your elected leaders to visit your facility, you can help demonstrate the importance of the electrical construction industry and the many jobs it creates and sustains.

Below are resources to help you have a successful meeting with your Member of Congress:

Let us know how the meeting went so you can earn points for your chapter in the Chairman’s Challenge. Be sure to take a photo with your Congressman and send it to NECAGovtAffairs@necanet.org so we can feature it in our newsletter!

NECAPAC

Founded in 1978, the National Electrical Contractors Association Political Action Committee (NECA) has helped elect scores of industry-friendly members of Congress.