Next month, the roofing industry will show up with one voice to call on Congress to talk to them about issues of interest to the industry. 

These issues range from workforce challenges and pro-growth tax reform to workforce shortages, among many other topics that drive our industry. The day is Roofing Day in D.C. This year, the event runs from April 16-17 at the Grand Hyatt Washington.

Since its conception in 2018, Roofing Day has accomplished great things. This year, the advocacy issues for Roofing Day in D.C. 2024 are:

Support Solutions to Workforce Shortages

The roofing industry encourages Congress to provide a robust increase in funding for Perkins Career and Technical Education State Grants. The industry also supports reform of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act to ensure more job creators and workers can benefit. The industry requests Congress adopt balanced immigration reform that addresses workforce needs. We support the bipartisan Essential Workers for Economic Advancement Act (H.R. 3734) to establish a visa system that meets the demands of a 21 st century economy. The roofing industry also supports allowing qualified individuals currently working under Temporary Protected Status or the DACA program to adjust to lawful permanent status so they can continue contributing to our communities.

Support the Main Street Tax Certainty Act

The Main Street Tax Certainty Act (H.R. 4721/S. 1706) makes permanent the Section 199A deduction, an essential part of the tax code. Without it, individually- and family-owned Main Street businesses organized as pass-through entities would pay significantly higher taxes, putting them at a competitive disadvantage and accelerating economic consolidation taking place in our economy. This provision allows roofing industry employers to invest back into their employees, businesses and communities.

Support the American Innovation and R&D Competitiveness Act

The American Innovation and R&D Competitiveness Act (H.R. 2673/S. 866) permanently restores the ability for businesses to immediately deduct their research and development expenses, which currently must be amortized over five years for domestic companies. Congress should act quickly in advancing bicameral, bipartisan legislation that would ensure the tax code once again supports American innovation, one of our nation’s greatest assets and a major contributor to job and economic growth, competitiveness and national security.

Each year, multiple industry-leading associations show up to Washington D.C. to help protect and enhance all of our businesses. Below, we've shared a few snippets from some of these associations to highlight what is also of the most importance at this year's gathering.

"Just as it takes a cohesive team to design and install a roof, SPRI members relish the opportunity to join forces with lawmakers shaping the policies that bolster our industry. Roofing Day bridges these vital connections, fostering dialogue with decision-makers and government officials dedicated to seeing the roofing sector thrive for the betterment of our economy and communities." – Chadwick Collins, SPRI Technical Director

“Roofing Day in D.C. offers a powerful opportunity for the roofing industry to come together as one and voice their thoughts on the future of the sector before Congress. Given the industry’s pivotal role in ensuring that homes and buildings have code-complaint roofs, which are essential for high-performing envelopes, this event draws attention to the key issues and challenges the roofing industry faces. This year, the roofing industry will urge national leaders to implement reforms that address workforce shortages. It will also advocate for better tax benefits through the Main Street Tax Certainty Act and the American Innovation and R&D Competitiveness Act. These measures aim to create employment opportunities, support businesses and strengthen the industry at large. They underscore the roofing industry’s steadfast commitment to progress and innovation, which is crucial to keep up with the need for a sustainable and more energy-efficient built environment. And with elections coming up this year, these efforts take on added national significance.” – Justin Koscher, President of PIMA. 

“Roofing Day in D.C. represents a powerful collective voice for the roofing industry, raising awareness about critical advocacy issues and emphasizing the vital role of roofing in our communities. ARMA takes pride in its longstanding sponsorship and involvement in this leading legislative advocacy event that continues to inspire us all. We eagerly anticipate this year’s program and the opportunity to come together and make our voices heard.” – Reed Hitchcock, ARMA Executive Vice President.

“MCA is a proud sponsor of Roofing Day. Roofing Day unites the various sectors of the industry and provides the opportunity to leverage the collective influence of the industry in advocating for issues of interest to our membership. It provides both the opportunity to inform legislators of the scope and impact of the industry as well as the chance for us to learn the legislators’ expectations for furthering our objectives. We thank NRCA for its efforts in continuing this most important initiative.” – Jeff Henry, Executive Director, Metal Construction Association

If you’re interested in learning more about what to expect at this year’s Roofing Day, visit https://www.nrca.net/advocacy/roofingday. Registration closes March 29. If there’s a specific advocacy issue you think should be highlighted during this year’s event—we want to hear more about it! Email me directly at lewisl@bnpmedia.com.