By CEDIA - Mon, Jul 14, 2025 - Press Releases
Dear CEDIA members,
I am writing to you today from my home just outside Washington, D.C. with some good news from the capital city. After two years of Congressional advocacy by CEDIA members, I'm happy to report that the CEDIA-backed "Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow's Workforce Act" was signed into law as part of the major tax package, H.R. 1.
What does this mean for our members? The popular 529 plans, which for decades allowed tax advantages for saving for four-year colleges and universities, have now been expanded to include technical credentialing and even CEDIA certifications.
This means that families will have more incentive to prepare young people for high-paying and satisfying technical careers, such as custom integration. Just as importantly, it signals a shift in the national conversation - elevating skilled, hands-on professions to the same level of respect and value as white-collar careers.
I want to thank the hundreds of members who visited Washington, D.C. during the past two years as part of our CEDIA on the Hill advocacy day and who contacted their Congressional leaders to show support. Our voices were heard.
So what's next? As we prepare for CEDIA Expo, I would encourage you to attend and learn more about CEDIA's ongoing advocacy efforts that support our industry by attending the "Fight for Your Rights!" session on Wednesday, September 3.
Also, we'll be expanding our annual advocacy day to include more CEDIA members in March of 2026, so please sign up for alerts here to stay up-to-date on this and other advocacy initiatives.
Thank you for being a CEDIA member and being an advocate for the smart home technology industry.
Daryl
8475 Nightfall Lane, Fishers, IN 46037 USA
ceo@cedia.org | 800.669.5329 | D: (317) 912-1297
About CEDIA
CEDIA® is the Association for Smart Home Professionals™. Established in 1989, CEDIA is dedicated to advocacy, connection, and education, and fosters a thriving community as the home for smart home professionals. Globally, CEDIA advances the rights of technology integrators by working with governmental bodies; gathers industry professionals and allied tradespeople for learning and networking; and creates trainings, standards, and certifications to ensure the continued growth of the smart home industry. CEDIA co-owns Integrated Systems Europe, the world's largest AV and systems integration exhibition, and founded CEDIA Expo, the world's largest residential technology show. Today, a community of over 30,000 CEDIA members from more than 80 countries deliver smart home technology solutions that enrich homeowners' lives. Learn more about CEDIA at cedia.org.
By providing you with specialised assistance, education, opportunities, and resources, CEDIA membership enables you to realise your full potential and progress both professionally and commercially. Find out more about how to sign up or renew right now.
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