History really does repeat itself, sometimes the good and sometimes the bad.

It seems anytime ASA members descend on our nation’s capital, major news is destined to take place. With the jarring news of the House Majority Whip having been shot at the start ASA’s Capitol Hill day in June, it was just one more reminder of the consequential and seriousness of the matters under debate in Washington, D.C., and how much it impacts our lives.

Leaders of ASA traveled to their nation’s capital to learn, network and advocate for issues important to them, their businesses and their industry. As we’ve all witnessed, Congress and the Trump administration have slogged ahead with promises made on the campaign trail, with limited effect.

A repeal of the Affordable Care Act has passed the House, but appears stalled in the Senate. Senators, as well as the president, openly have questioned the House-passed version and vowed to remain at arm’s length from it. ASA’s task was to keep the fire lit in the Senate and not avoid the tough decisions of taking up health-care reform because nobody believes the status quo is working for anyone.

As part of ASA’s efforts in Washington, building support for key legislation was at the top of our list. Members such as Government Affairs Committee member Glenn Fuller (Texas Plumbing Supply) went above and beyond, reaching out and touching base with every elected official that may represent his company.

This is a strategy that paid off when we learned the following week that Houston-area Representative Ted Poe (R-TX) agreed to co-sponsor the Remote Transactions Parity Act after speaking with and committing to Fuller that he’d support the bill. “This is democracy in action,” Fuller said. “It is our responsibility to come to Washington and educate our elected officials on what matters to us”.

ASA was not the only organization in the homebuilding, repair and maintenance realm that called on their legislators that day. Also in town for similar reasons were members of the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling-Contracting Association (PHCC), as well as members of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). While each of the groups had their own niche issues that impact their membership specifically, we all fought for the advancement and improvement of skilled craft education and opportunities.

The Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act (H.R. 2353), which reauthorizes the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act, was a big priority for each of the groups. This is the first major overhaul to the program since 2006. If signed into law, it would improve alignment with in-demand jobs by supporting innovative learning opportunities, building better community partnerships and encouraging stronger engagement with employers.

In addition, it would enhance career and technical education through increased focus on employability skills, work-based learning opportunities and meaningful credentialing so students are prepared to enter the workforce poised for success. Thanks to the work of these advocates, the House passed H.R. 2353 overwhelmingly June 26.

Whether it’s in Washington or at home, all stakeholders have a voice and a perspective that needs hearing.

Sitting on the sidelines is no longer an option. Speak up and speak out!

History really does repeat itself, sometimes the good and sometimes the bad.

It seems anytime ASA members descend on our nation’s capital, major news is destined to take place. With the jarring news of the House Majority Whip having been shot at the start ASA’s Capitol Hill day in June, it was just one more reminder of the consequential and seriousness of the matters under debate in Washington, D.C., and how much it impacts our lives.

Leaders of ASA traveled to their nation’s capital to learn, network and advocate for issues important to them, their businesses and their industry. As we’ve all witnessed, Congress and the Trump administration have slogged ahead with promises made on the campaign trail, with limited effect.

A repeal of the Affordable Care Act has passed the House, but appears stalled in the Senate. Senators, as well as the president, openly have questioned the House-passed version and vowed to remain at arm’s length from it. ASA’s task was to keep the fire lit in the Senate and not avoid the tough decisions of taking up health-care reform because nobody believes the status quo is working for anyone.

As part of ASA’s efforts in Washington, building support for key legislation was at the top of our list. Members such as Government Affairs Committee member Glenn Fuller (Texas Plumbing Supply) went above and beyond, reaching out and touching base with every elected official that may represent his company.

This is a strategy that paid off when we learned the following week that Houston-area Representative Ted Poe (R-TX) agreed to co-sponsor the Remote Transactions Parity Act after speaking with and committing to Fuller that he’d support the bill. “This is democracy in action,” Fuller said. “It is our responsibility to come to Washington and educate our elected officials on what matters to us”.

ASA was not the only organization in the homebuilding, repair and maintenance realm that called on their legislators that day. Also in town for similar reasons were members of the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling-Contracting Association (PHCC), as well as members of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). While each of the groups had their own niche issues that impact their membership specifically, we all fought for the advancement and improvement of skilled craft education and opportunities.

The Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act (H.R. 2353), which reauthorizes the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act, was a big priority for each of the groups. This is the first major overhaul to the program since 2006. If signed into law, it would improve alignment with in-demand jobs by supporting innovative learning opportunities, building better community partnerships and encouraging stronger engagement with employers.

In addition, it would enhance career and technical education through increased focus on employability skills, work-based learning opportunities and meaningful credentialing so students are prepared to enter the workforce poised for success. Thanks to the work of these advocates, the House passed H.R. 2353 overwhelmingly June 26.

Whether it’s in Washington or at home, all stakeholders have a voice and a perspective that needs hearing.

Sitting on the sidelines is no longer an option. Speak up and speak out!

History really does repeat itself, sometimes the good and sometimes the bad.

It seems anytime ASA members descend on our nation’s capital, major news is destined to take place. With the jarring news of the House Majority Whip having been shot at the start ASA’s Capitol Hill day in June, it was just one more reminder of the consequential and seriousness of the matters under debate in Washington, D.C., and how much it impacts our lives.

Leaders of ASA traveled to their nation’s capital to learn, network and advocate for issues important to them, their businesses and their industry. As we’ve all witnessed, Congress and the Trump administration have slogged ahead with promises made on the campaign trail, with limited effect.

A repeal of the Affordable Care Act has passed the House, but appears stalled in the Senate. Senators, as well as the president, openly have questioned the House-passed version and vowed to remain at arm’s length from it. ASA’s task was to keep the fire lit in the Senate and not avoid the tough decisions of taking up health-care reform because nobody believes the status quo is working for anyone.

As part of ASA’s efforts in Washington, building support for key legislation was at the top of our list. Members such as Government Affairs Committee member Glenn Fuller (Texas Plumbing Supply) went above and beyond, reaching out and touching base with every elected official that may represent his company.

This is a strategy that paid off when we learned the following week that Houston-area Representative Ted Poe (R-TX) agreed to co-sponsor the Remote Transactions Parity Act after speaking with and committing to Fuller that he’d support the bill. “This is democracy in action,” Fuller said. “It is our responsibility to come to Washington and educate our elected officials on what matters to us”.

ASA was not the only organization in the homebuilding, repair and maintenance realm that called on their legislators that day. Also in town for similar reasons were members of the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling-Contracting Association (PHCC), as well as members of the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB). While each of the groups had their own niche issues that impact their membership specifically, we all fought for the advancement and improvement of skilled craft education and opportunities.

The Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act (H.R. 2353), which reauthorizes the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act, was a big priority for each of the groups. This is the first major overhaul to the program since 2006. If signed into law, it would improve alignment with in-demand jobs by supporting innovative learning opportunities, building better community partnerships and encouraging stronger engagement with employers.

In addition, it would enhance career and technical education through increased focus on employability skills, work-based learning opportunities and meaningful credentialing so students are prepared to enter the workforce poised for success. Thanks to the work of these advocates, the House passed H.R. 2353 overwhelmingly June 26.

Whether it’s in Washington or at home, all stakeholders have a voice and a perspective that needs hearing.

Sitting on the sidelines is no longer an option. Speak up and speak out!