On April 16-17, the roofing industry will gather in Washington, D.C., for Roofing Day in D.C. 2024. This annual event provides an opportunity for lawmakers to hear the voice of the industry regarding key government policy issues. As we begin an election year, it is critical the industry is seen and heard. All roofing industry professionals are invited to participate and demonstrate the industry’s breadth and diversity to Congress.
With hundreds of participants in years past, Roofing Day in D.C. is one of the largest advocacy events in Washington, D.C. It is the fulfillment of former NRCA CEO Reid Ribble’s vision of how the industry can expand its influence and enhance its image with federal policymakers. Roofing Day in D.C. unites all segments of the industry to advocate collectively regarding matters critical to its continued success. The event, designed to expand the professionalization and prosperity of the roofing industry, is a collaboration among NRCA members; industry stakeholders; and numerous regional, state and local associations.
Training and education
Roofing Day in D.C. provides participants with specialized advocacy training, in-depth issue briefings, and numerous educational and networking experiences.
The welcome program, held Tuesday, April 16, at the Grand Hyatt Washington, will feature advocacy training including a mock congressional meeting, a briefing regarding key advocacy issues from policy experts, meetings with team leaders to tailor messages to individual members of Congress and a networking reception. On Wednesday, April 17, participants will enjoy a morning program beginning with a congressional keynote speaker and an election presentation by Dave Wasserman, senior election analyst for The Cook Political Report and contributor to NBC News.
Wasserman analyzes the current political environment in entertaining presentations tailored to his audience’s specific interests and locales. His data-driven forecasting looks at national and local trends, the relationship between consumer brand loyalty and voting, and the future of U.S. elections.
Participants also will hear tips for congressional meetings from current Capitol Hill staff. In the afternoon, participants will have meetings with senators, representatives and congressional staff to convey the roofing industry’s message. To make participation as easy as possible, all meetings will be scheduled by NRCA and Advocacy Associates, a Washington, D.C.-based consulting firm specializing in managing large advocacy events to ensure Roofing Day in D.C. is seamless and successful.
NRCA has long partnered with Advocacy Associates. All participants will have access to the company’s state-of-the-art online platform, which accounts for last-minute scheduling changes and includes necessary information to advocate for the industry such as key legislation research, policy papers and attendee information.
Key issues
Participants can prepare for Roofing Day in D.C. by viewing position papers for key policy issues that will be the focus of meetings with Congress members on nrca.net. Selected with input from members of the Roofing Day Advisory Committee, the 2024 advocacy issues will focus on federal legislation to address workforce challenges and pro-growth tax reform.
Specifically, solutions to address workforce challenges include increased funding for Perkins Career and Technical Education State Grants, reform of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act to allow more employers access to training resources, and immigration reform to meet workforce needs. NRCA will advocate for a new market-orientated visa category under the Essential Workers for Economic Advancement Act and a permanent solution for qualified individuals currently working under Temporary Protected Status of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program.
To support legislation promoting pro-growth tax policy, the industry will advocate for the bipartisan Main Street Tax Certainty Act and the American Innovation and R&D Competitiveness Act. The Main Street Tax Certainty Act (H.R. 4721/S.1706) makes permanent the 199A Qualified Business Income Deduction for pass-through entities. This deduction is set to expire at the end of 2025 if Congress does not act, disadvantaging many roofing industry employers. The American Innovation and R&D Competitiveness Act (H.R. 2673/S. 866) restores the ability for businesses to immediately deduct research and development expenses that currently must be amortized over five years for domestic companies.
Thanks to participants at previous Roofing Day in D.C. events, the industry has seen progress and success regarding most issues presented to Congress, but engagement must be year-round and frequent.
Since Roofing Day in D.C. began in 2018, Congress has increased funding for Perkins Career and Technical Education State Grants each year to nearly $200 million, bringing the total to an estimated $1.4 billion. This funding is critical to helping employers meet workforce development needs. Participants also helped secure passage of the bipartisan Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which included a strong buildings component, into law.
In addition, Roofing Day in D.C. attendees supported passage of the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act to ensure workforce development programs work well for the roofing industry and helped pass important provisions of the Energy Savings and Industrial Competitiveness Act, legislation to promote energy efficiency in residential, commercial and industrial buildings.
Additionally, progress is being made on workforce visas through the Essential Workers for an Expanding Economy. This immigration reform has been a long-standing priority for the roofing industry. Roofing Day in D.C. advocacy was also successful in nearly doubling the number of members co-sponsoring the Main Street Tax Certainty Act.
The primary goal of Roofing Day in D.C. is to establish long-term relationships with lawmakers in Congress that ultimately will help achieve important policy goals for the roofing industry’s future.
Strength in numbers
NRCA strongly encourages all industry professionals to participate in Roofing Day in D.C. 2024. All participating companies are encouraged to include one or more field workers; elected officials benefit greatly from hearing from the roofing industry’s dedicated workforce. The registration fee is $95 per person for company representatives and $35 for field workers, students and spouses. Additional information about Roofing Day in D.C. 2024 and registration information, including a tentative itinerary and hotel links, are available at nrca.net/advocacy/roofingday.
As a roofing industry professional, you need to be a part of this transformational event. Your participation is vital to helping make your business and the industry more successful and prosperous. Lawmakers need to hear directly from constituents regarding issues of importance, and this is your opportunity to make your voice heard.
On behalf of NRCA’s leadership and staff, we look forward to seeing you April 16-17 in Washington, D.C., for the premier advocacy event of the year!
DEBORAH MAZOL is NRCA’s director of federal affairs in Washington, D.C.
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