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News

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

Jun 27, 2019

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. 

NECA’s Look Ahead: NECA has worked tirelessly with administration officials and stakeholders to ensure the exclusion would exempt our industry from being undercut by parallel programs that would hinder our ability to operate as world class institutions. NECA CEO David long issued a statement on the matter immediately following their publication.

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: The S-Corp association, of which NECA is a member, published a detailed response to the hearing. NECA will continue to advocate for parity for its members both S-Corp and C-Corp.

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: NECA looks forward to this event every year. Bipartisan events are few and far between here in the nation’s Capital, which is why the Congressional Baseball game is a favorite. Bringing both Republicans and Democrats together in friendly competition will spark conversation and get legislation moving.