More than 500 ABC members are currently in Washington, D.C., for Legislative Week 2019, meeting with top administration and congressional leaders on the issues impacting the merit shop construction industry. The annual Legislative Day kicked off this morning, with members hearing inspiring calls to action from merit shop advocates and an overview of ABC’s legislative objectives for the year. Keynote speakers included Mercedes Schlapp, assistant to President Trump and the White House director of strategic communications, and Rep. Dan Crenshaw (R-Texas), who both spoke about their respective political priorities and the current state of American politics.

Legislative Week also featured the ABC Young Professionals Symposium, where prominent speakers helped attendees understand the ins and outs of lobbying, grassroots advocacy and how to make their voices heard at both the local and national levels. The Free Enterprise Alliance held a reception Tuesday evening where members networked, rallied around the principles of free enterprise in construction and heard political insights shared by keynote speakers Ed Henry, chief national correspondent for Fox News Channel, and U.S. Senator Rick Scott (R-Fla.). 

Tomorrow, ABC’s Legal Conference will update attendees up on the latest developments in employment and labor law and open competition in the industry. Featured speakers include Peter B. Robb, the general counsel of the National Labor Relations Board, and Kate S. O’Scannlain, the solicitor of labor for the U.S. Department of Labor. Experts will explain legal and regulatory issues confronting the merit shop, as well as legal battles ABC anticipates during the year ahead. Labor attorneys, contractors and ABC chapter presidents and staff will network and share ideas centered around the merit shop philosophy.