Some have told me that they don’t really need to join a trade association for legislative purposes because, after all, they will protect my interests regardless of whether I am a member. Hmm… This statement got me to thinking.
There is some truth to that in highly licensed or regulated industries such as plumbing, electrical or HVAC. However, does legislation get crafted, and ultimately passed just to represent a few? I beg to differ with the statement above as I truly believe that pushing legislative changes, new laws, or even an agenda takes a village as they say!
In my experience at the Capitol in Austin, the messaging I hear is, “what do the plumbers want?” Or, “are all the plumbers in agreement?” “Is there one voice?” That doesn’t sound much like for the benefit of few, or for the elite only, etc. Legislators want to win. Winning means having the majority back you. As this pertains to the legislative season beginning in 2019; we must come together to continue to promote a strong presence, strict standards, and, a protective stance for the licenses you hold dear. Well-deserved, hard-earned, and highly regarded.
Here at PHCC, we not only discuss these issues with our members, but we reach out to all stakeholders. As the largest continuing education provider in Texas, our reach is huge. We want to know what you think. Would we want you to be a member of PHCC? Absolutely! Our message is louder when we have more voices behind us. Further, as a member, you get a voice in “what” messaging is crafted. You get special invites to testify before a committee; visit key legislators in their district and capitol offices; and, you get to preview, firsthand, what makes up our next legislative agenda.
Does this mean that all other license holders are left out? Not a chance! It takes an industry to move the needle forward. Creating consensus, grassroots movement, and concise messaging of the whole is what it takes to be successful in this arena.
What can you do as we approach this next legislative cycle? Talk about what bothers you; what keeps you up at night; and what would you change if you had the power to do so. Share those thoughts with us, the premier trade association for the plumbing and HVAC industry. We exist to be the legislative “watch dog” for all matters that affect you, the plumber and/or heating and AC contractor in Texas.
Won’t you consider joining PHCC Texas to help us protect our industry? We need your help. In this ever- changing business climate where licensing is becoming more of a threat than protection, we need to keep our message strong: occupational licensing means quality and standards. Why should run of the mill handymen be able to perform work you sought to learn with many years of training and testing?
Let me know what you are thinking. All ideas are welcome. As we begin to draft legislation that furthers our trades, we want to include you. You can reach me at alicia@phcc-tx.org or by phone at (512) 523-8094.
At your service,
Alicia Dover, CAE
Executive Director