CEDIA Champions Workforce Training and Division 27 Clarity

CEDIA-backed Workforce Development Bill Passes US House

The bipartisan “Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act” has been included in the federal tax bill (H.R. 1) following two years of in-person and ongoing lobbying by CEDIA. The legislation is now under consideration in the U.S. Senate.

In March, as a part of CEDIA on the Hill Day in Washington, D.C. CEDIA met with Congressional leaders to support the “Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act” and increase the training for technical skills jobs. This priority issue for CEDIA and the industry would expand the use of 529 education savings plans to cover career training and professional certification programs – not just traditional college tuition.

CEDIA members are encouraged to take action by contacting their U.S. Senators to urge support for the bill. A pre-populated form is available in the CEDIA Action Center and can be completed in under two minutes. The form will remain open through June 27, 2025.

Proposed CSI MasterFormat Changes to Division 27 Deferred to Next Cycle

In May, CEDIA and other industry associations were notified of proposed changes to the CSI MasterFormat that threaten the structure and independence of Division 27 (Communications). The proposed changes would have moved core components of the limited-energy systems industry into Division 26 (Electrical), eroding the clarity and specialization of the limited-energy systems industry.

CSI MasterFormat is a standardized numerical system used by various construction industries to divide specific aspects of construction projects into different divisions, like Division 26 (Electrical) and Division 27 (Communications).

Associations from the industry urged the MasterFormat Task Team to reject the proposal and to maintain Division 27 for Communications. Industry associations also asked that CSI engage with industry stakeholders from the limited-energy systems industry to ensure any future revisions are inclusive, well-informed, and consensus driven.

The MasterFormat Task Team has deferred all remaining proposals, including Division 26 (Electrical) revisions to the next revision cycle. We expect the next revision cycle to begin in about 18 months.

Be a Part of CEDIA’s Advocacy efforts by serving as a CEDIA State Captain

The CEDIA State Captain Program is an important part of CEDIA’s Government Affairs Program.

The mission of CEDIA's Government Affairs Program is to support CEDIA members and ensure that their ability to own and operate their businesses is not impeded upon.

CEDIA State Captains help to analyze legislative bills and regulations CEDIA has identified as potentially problematic in their state. State Captains often attend legislative hearings and give testimony on important legislation for CEDIA and the industry. State Captains also help to promote CEDIA member involvement throughout the legislative process.

To learn more about CEDIA’s State Captain Program, contact CEDIA’s Director of Government Affairs, Darren Reaman at dreaman@cedia.org.