January 6, 2025
(press release)
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As 2024 draws to a close, ISSA reflects on a year of significant advocacy accomplishments and looks ahead to an impactful 2025. With the support of its members, ISSA achieved numerous successes in advancing the interests of the industry. 2024 Advocacy Highlights Federal Court Blocks DOL’s Overtime Rule In a major victory for the industry, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas struck down the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) 2024 Overtime Rule in November. The court held that DOL exceeded its statutory authority under the Fair Labor Standards Act, and the ruling applies nationwide. Notably, ISSA’s comments opposing the rule were cited in DOL’s final rule issued in April, demonstrating the association’s influence in shaping policy. California Janitorial Workloading Bill Modified September saw a significant win in California, where Governor Newsom signed the janitorial workloading legislation into law as a study bill. This marked a substantial shift from the original proposal, which would have imposed an arbitrary and costly 2,000 square-feet per hour production-rate limit for cleaning workers. ISSA’s advocacy efforts were instrumental in achieving this more favorable outcome for the industry. Progress on Training for Essential Workers In July, the U.S. House of Representatives Ways and Means Committee approved the Education and Workforce Freedom Act, a key legislative priority for ISSA. This bill aims to expand qualified expenses under 529 savings plans to include post-secondary training and credentialing, such as licenses and professional certifications for cleaning workers. This development represents a step forward in recognizing and supporting the professional development of essential workers in the cleaning industry. WIPPES Act Passes U.S. House June marked another legislative victory with the U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly passing the Wastewater Infrastructure Pollution Prevention and Environmental Safety (WIPPES) Act. Strongly supported by ISSA, this bipartisan legislation addresses the growing problem of sewer-system clogs caused by improper disposal of consumer wipes not intended for toilet disposal. Ending Period Poverty ISSA’s efforts to increase access to period products gained significant traction, with governors in Colorado, Nebraska, and Pennsylvania signing legislation to address this issue. The association’s work was recognized with the American Society of Association Executives 2024 Power of Associations Summit Award, highlighting the impact of ISSA’s advocacy in this important area. Environmental Recognition The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and Safer Choice selected ISSA, along with 19 ISSA member companies, as 2024 Safer Choice Partner of the Year Award recipients. This recognition underscores the industry’s commitment to environmentally friendly practices and products. Additional Achievements 2024 also saw the successful launch of ISSA’s State Advocacy Leaders program, a record number of International Cleaning Week governmental proclamations, and record attendance at the 2024 Clean Advocacy Summit. Looking Ahead to 2025 As we turn our focus to 2025, ISSA’s advocacy efforts will concentrate on several critical areas: 2025 ISSA Clean Advocacy Summit To build on the momentum of 2024 and make an even greater impact in 2025, industry leaders are invited to join the 2025 ISSA Clean Advocacy Summit, scheduled for March 31-April 1 in Washington, D.C. This event is crucial for shaping the future of the industry and engaging with the new administration and Congress. Early access registration for the 2025 ISSA Clean Advocacy Summit ends on January 15 The 2024 summit was a resounding success, bringing together over 120 attendees from 32 states who conducted 133 congressional office visits. The 2025 summit promises to be even more impactful, offering attendees the opportunity to: The event will take place at the Royal Sonesta Washington, DC Capitol Hill, conveniently located less than a mile from the U.S. Capitol. Attendees will represent a diverse cross-section of the industry, including manufacturers, distributors, commercial cleaning and restoration companies, residential cleaning companies, and franchises. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of shaping the future of our industry. Register today and join fellow industry leaders in Washington, DC, to make a lasting impact on the policies that affect our businesses and communities. Call to Action As we celebrate the successes of 2024, it’s crucial to maintain this momentum and strengthen the voice of the cleaning and facility-solutions industry in 2025. With significant political changes on the horizon, including 72 new members of Congress and eight new state governors, now is the time to ensure our industry’s interests are well-represented. Together, we can build on the successes of 2024 and make 2025 an even more transformative year for the cleaning and facility-solutions industry. Your participation in the Clean Advocacy Summit and our ongoing advocacy efforts is key to ensuring our collective voice is heard and our industry continues to thrive in the face of new challenges and opportunities. Register for the Clean Advocacy Summit today.
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