The Riso Report: ACCA, the US Senate and 529 Savings Plans

ACCA Urges US Senate to Expand 529 Savings Plans - Supports Licensing and Certification Expansion to Benefit all Contractors

During the August Congressional recess, the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) was very active lobbying on Capitol Hill on an issue that benefits all contractors - plumbers, electricians, HVAC, etc. And the White House appreciates and continues to recognize the work of ACCA.  Recently, ACCA met with, and sent a letter to Senate Finance Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Ranking Member Ron Wyden (D-OR) advocating for legislation to expand the use of 529 saving plans to cover expenses associated with obtaining a post-secondary credential.  ACCA supports opportunities that will help America’s skilled workers advance in their careers through continuing education and certification programs - Barton James (President and CEO - ACCA).

Skilled Trade Contractors - Monthly Webinar

Having spoken to a number of contractors in the skilled trades industries over the summer, I'll be providing a monthly legislative and regulatory webinar for all contractors in the skilled trades this fall.  The webinar will keep you up-to-date on issues coming off Capitol Hill and the agencies, impacting contractors.  More information soon.

Membership of the 116th Congress: A Profile

The Congressional Research Service publishes a profile of each Congress.  The report presents a profile of the membership of the 116th Congress (2019-2020) as of June 7, 2019. Statistical information is included on selected characteristics of Members, including data on party affiliation, average age, occupation, education, length of congressional service, religious affiliation, gender, eticity, foreign birth, and military service.  Is it important?  Maybe not - but it's kinda cool.

Congressional Retirement Count Continues

Soon, political analyst will begin to focus on what next year's elections will look like on Capitol Hill (the White House as well).  As of today, there are 19 Members of Congress (four members of the Senate and 15 members of the House) who have announced they will not seek reelection -- click here.  Of the 19, four are Democrats and 15 are Republicans.  

Joint Employer, OT Rules Headline Packed Regulatory Queue (Law 360)
As 2019 enters the home stretch, ambitious regulatory agendas laid out by the U.S. Department of Labor and National Labor Relations Board have set the stage for an active autumn that could include eagerly anticipated final versions of rules on overtime pay and joint employment. More information will be forthcoming.