Page 36 - IEC Insights May-Jun20

CHAPTERS

OUR VOICES HEARD

IEC Florida

West Coast’s 1. Apprenticeship and Workforce Education Funding
There continues to be a skilled worker shortage in Florida and it is vital for the state
Legislative Day to increase funding for apprenticeship programs. IEC FLWCC supports increasing
funding as it will help create and expand existing apprenticeship programs.
OUTCOME $10M in Budget for Apprenticeship Grant Program.
BY LUISA REYES
2. Local Government Public Construction Works
O all costs associated with the project, including employee compensations and benefits,
This bill requires the estimated cost of a local public construction project to include
material and equipment, insurance, etc. when determining whether the project can be
One of the many benefits that IEC
done “in-house” or must be put out to bid.
offers is political representation
OUTCOME PASSED, Awaiting Governor’s Approval, Effective Date July 1, 2020.
on state and national level. It is
important for members of Congress and State
legislatures to understand where IEC stands 3. Public Construction Retainage
on the issues as an organization of merit shop Retainage is a portion of a contract that is withheld until work is substantially
contractors. In February, IEC Florida West Coast complete to ensure that a contractor, or subcontractor, will complete the work. This
Chapter (IEC FLWCC) held its own Legislative bill reduces, by half, the amount of retainage that can be withheld by the State or
Day. The chapter was established in 1978 and local government on construction projects in excess of $200,000. Under the bill, the
has 80 contractor members that represent over maximum amount that could be withheld is reduced from 10% to 5%.
4,000 electricians.
OUTCOME PASSED, Awaiting Governor’s Approval, Effective Date Oct. 1, 2020.
Planning for the Legislative Day in Tallahassee
began in December with the formulation of 4. Deregulation of Professions
IEC’s legislative agenda. There were four major This bill allows for reciprocity with other states for electricians to become licensed
bills that IEC FLWCC supported passage on that when they move to Florida if they meet certain standards. It also reduces the
would positively affect electrical contractors in number of annual continuing education requirements.
Florida. These bills are listed to the right.
OUTCOME PASSED, Awaiting Governor’s Approval, Effective Date July 1, 2020.

“ The visit to the State capitol was
Executive Director, Natasha Sherwood, had to following to say about their Legislative Day.
very successful. IEC members
met with more than a dozen
Legislative Day is an important avenue for our chapter to connect with our senators and
State Representatives and
representatives. It gives us an opportunity to personalize our business and put faces to the
Senators and left feeling that
industry. We are able to not only voice our concerns and advocate for important legislation
their voices were heard.
but also thank those who have supported us. It also serves as a great membership event
where we had fun learning about each other and sharing stories of how we came to IEC. Luisa Reyes is the chapter
development manager for
IEC National.
34 Insights Magazine | May/June 2020 | www.ieci.org