CEDIA advocates policy initiatives that promote and protect the smart home technology industry at all levels of government. Federal legislation and regulations can have far-reaching impacts on our industry. Many federal agencies also provide valued support and resources for small businesses.
Federal Legislation — Areas to Watch
Congress is the lawmaking branch of the federal government. Federal legislation and regulation areas CEDIA watches (and you’ll want to, too) include connected devices, tax deductions, training incentives, and workforce development solutions.
- Connected Devices: Congress and federal agencies have had numerous proposals related to improving internet-connected device security.
- Tax Deductions: CEDIA monitors federal legislation for potential tax benefits and grants for employee training.
- Training: The bipartisan Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act (HR 1477 / S.722) has been reintroduced to allow Americans to use “529” education savings accounts for skills training, credentialing, and certification programs.
- Workforce Development Solutions: One key role of the public workforce system is to help businesses find the qualified workers they need. Workforce legislation can address recruitment and screening, training, and education, including pre-employment training, on-the-job training, and apprenticeship programs.
Important Federal Agencies for the Industry
- Small Business Administration: The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) helps power the American dream of business ownership. The SBA supports entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow, and expand their businesses.
- Small Business Development Centers: Small Business Development Centers provide counseling and training to small businesses, including working with SBA. The centers develop and provide informational tools for startups and existing business expansion.
- Department of Labor/Bureau of Labor Statistics: The U.S. Department of Labor oversees federal programs for ensuring a strong American workforce. Building the skills and competencies of American workers is top priority.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is the principal fact-finding agency for the federal government in the broad field of labor economics and statistics. The BLS publishes valuable information on employment and wages by occupation, including career information, employment levels, and projections.
One of CEDIA’s ongoing goals is to establish the Integrator occupational classification with the BLS. One way to support this important initiative for the industry is to begin using the term Integrator throughout your business and communications.
CEDIA tracks hundreds of legislative and regulatory proposals for the industry. As a CEDIA member and industry stakeholder, you need to know what’s happening in the policy process for your industry. Learn more about CEDIA’s government affairs program and legislation and regulations it tracks, monitors, and lobbies by visiting https://cedia.net/advocacy/government-affairs.
