I often think about how much people can accomplish when they come together to support a worthy cause. It’s a powerful thing to witness. As leaders in the electrical construction industry, ask yourself: What do I care about? What issues have moved me to action? How can I make a difference?

In Washington, the National Electrical Contractors Association, led by our awesome government affairs group, continues to make tremendous strides. Our voice on Capitol Hill has never been stronger. The NECA Legislative Conference’s accomplishments this spring are remarkable. More than 200 NECA members held nearly 300 scheduled meetings with lawmakers and their staffs. I am pleased to see this annual gathering keeps growing in size and influence. Members of Congress on both sides of the aisle, including House Small Business Committee Chair Nydia Velazquez (D-N.Y.), House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee ranking member Sam Graves (R-Mo.), and Reps. Don Bacon (R-Neb.) and Brian Fitzpatrick (R-Pa.) spoke to our gathered members during the two-day event.

NECA continues to be an advocate for contractors on multiple fronts. This includes infrastructure investment, lower individual tax rates and a permanent pass-through deduction, a repeal of the estate tax and the 40 percent excise tax on Cadillac healthcare plans, authorization of composite plans to modernize the multiemployer pension plan system, the use of 529 education savings plans to finance ancillary apprenticeship costs, and vital reforms concerning change orders. We’re making progress in many of those areas. Achieving success takes hard work and steadfast commitment. We are focused on our approach, and success is within our grasp.

The contractors I met in our nation’s capital are now back home, advancing our efforts and building relationships with leaders in the communities where they live and work. It’s important to keep that momentum going. The business of government affects everyone in our industry. And I’m sure I don’t have to remind you that another election year is approaching. Here’s what you can do: Know the issues. Stay involved. Engage with your legislators. Support NECAPAC, which, I am proud to say, is one of the largest construction contractor PACs in the country. We have the power to shape our industry’s future. Thank you for your ongoing passion and dedication. Make a difference!