IEC is committed to advocating on behalf of the merit shop electrical contracting industry before Congress and the executive branch. IEC’s policy focus includes issues related to labor, energy, tax, jobs, and workforce development, all of which that have the ability to greatly affect IEC members and the electrical profession as a whole.
IEC works to advance the voice of the industry in the halls of Congress and in regulatory agencies in an attempt to shape legislation and regulation in a way that’s advantageous to electrical contractors and the merit shop.
Click below to view both National IEC and IEC of Texas updates.
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IEC Voices Opposition to Proposed Davis-Bacon Rule - January 11, 2023
Today, IEC met with officials from the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) expressing its opposition to the proposed rewrite of the rules governing Davis-Bacon. IEC submitted written comments which detailed its objections with proposed rule that was issued by the Department of Labor last year. Among many of the revisions under consideration that would negatively impact merit shop contractors is expanding the definition to “site-of-the-work” and a return to the 30 percent rule. OIRA is the last stop in the process before a proposed rule is finalized, which means it could get released within the next few weeks.
Supreme Court Hears Union Damages Case; IEC Joins Amicus - January 11, 2023
The United States Supreme Court heard oral arguments yesterday in a case that could determine whether an employer can sue a union over property damages that occurred during a protest. IEC joined an amicus brief in the case of Glacier Northwest, Inc v International Brotherhood of Teamsters supporting Glacier’s case that it can sue a union for property damage during the course of a labor dispute. A final ruling will likely be issued by the Court in June.
IEC Supports Bill Revoking IRS Funding
IEC voiced its support for the Family and Small Business Taxpayer Protection Act (H.R. 23), legislation that rescinds the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022’s (IRA) billions in funding for the Internal Revenue Service’s (IRS) expanded enforcement efforts. One of the first bills considered during the 118th Congress passed the House of Representatives by a vote of 221-210. Of the $80 billion allotted to the IRS in the new law, $45.6 billion (58%) was devoted to enforcement while only $3 billion (4%) was provided for taxpayer services.
Renew Your 2023 Freedom Fund Sponsorship Today! - January 11, 2023
It’s a new year with a divided Congress, which means the Biden administration is likely to increase issuing proposals through regulatory agencies that benefit big labor at the expense of the merit shop. Project labor agreements, pro-union appointees at the National Labor Relations Board, and changes to Davis-Bacon all threaten IEC’s contractor members. To continue to promote and protect the merit shop philosophy, IEC has rebranded its Political Education Fund as the IEC Freedom Fund. This fund is designed to give IEC more firepower in Washington to protect its merit shop electrical contractors.
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IEC Insider is the monthly newsletter that will keep you in the know about the world of politics in Washington. IEC PAC is IEC's vehicle for supporting pro-business and pro-merit shop candidates for federal office. In order to receive this newsletter, you need only complete a quick online form which will permit IEC to tell you more about the PAC and enables you and senior executives from your company to contribute to IEC’s political efforts.
The 88th Legislative Session Begins
January 10, 2023 The 88th Texas Legislative Session began today, Tuesday, January 10, 2023. Representative Dade Phelan was elected to be the Texas House Speaker and Senator Kelly Hancock was elected President Pro Tempore in the Senate. According to Comptroller Glenn Hegar, Texas Biennial Revenue Estimate is projecting Texas to have approximately $32.7 billion in surplus available for spending during the biennium.
Tommy Monaco of San Antonio will continue to serve as our Government Affairs Chair for 2023, with the addition of Mark Matheny as Vice Chair. IEC of Texas will continue working diligently for Electrical Contractors in Texas. Some of our key issues are protecting the integrity of the Texas Electrical Safety and Licensing Act, sub-contractor contract and employment issues, workforce development, business tax issues, and maintaining chapter 133 funding for apprenticeship.
This should be another exciting Texas legislative session and we thank everyone for their continued support of our efforts here in Austin. IEC of Texas mission is to Protect and Promote the Electrical Industry through political action. IEC Legislative Alerts will be sent as needed to update and inform our membership of our actions here in Austin, as well as a call to action when we need your assistance.
IEC of Texas
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