The 2025 NECA Legislative Conference was held from April 28-30, and attendees had the opportunity to hear from Congressional representatives and Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer before meeting with their members of Congress and staff.
The meeting began with a fireside chat between Rep. Rob Bresnahan (R-Pa.) and Marco Giamberardino, NECA’s senior vice president of government and public affairs. The two discussed Bresnahan’s move from working at an electrical contracting firm to legislative work and the importance of having the skilled labor needed to grow businesses.
Rep. Lisa McClain (R-Mich.) spoke to attendees about the importance of job creation and investing in the skilled trades.
Rep. Troy Balderson (R.-Ohio), Rep. Greg Stanton (D-Ariz.), Rep. Linda Sanchez (D-Calif.), and Rep. Brendan Boyle (D-Pa.) also spoke about a variety of business interests, the need for greater investment in jobs and infrastructure and more.
Key discussions included tax reform, energy independence policies and legislation to support infrastructure investment. A tax reform panel, led by James Payne, director of government affairs at NECA, featured Deborah Mazol, director of federal affairs for the National Roofing Contractors Association, and Dwayne Carson, senior director of federal affairs for the Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of America, to dive deeper into issues affecting contractors.
David Long, NECA CEO, gave remarks about the state of the industry and announced Google’s funding support of the Electrical Training Alliance that will “integrate A.I. tools into its curriculum and boost the number of apprentices nationally,” according to Google. This is an effort to train 100,000 electrical workers and 30,000 new apprentices in the country.
Chavez-DeRemer emphasized the importance of safeguarding workers while protecting their rights. She also mentioned strengthening Registered Apprenticeship programs and modernizing the workforce.
Attendees were then able to meet with their members of Congress to discuss the issues important to them.
About The Author
Holly Sauer
Senior Associate EditorHolly Sauer has worked for Electrical Contractor magazine since 2019 and is the senior associate editor. She went to Washington & Jefferson College and studied English and art history. At Electrical Contractor magazine, she creates the newsletters and the new and featured products sections. She also edits articles for the three publications and occasionally writes on tools and industry news. She is fueled by the desire to read every book ever written. And coffee. Reach her on LinkedIn or at [email protected].
