Legislative Affairs

         

Legislative links, information and advocacy from federal to state

July 2024 Update  

1st NCDA CDA in the Nation

to be Granted Governor Proclamation

for November 2024

To be recognized as

National Career Development Month

in Maryland

NATIONAL CAREER DEVELOPMENT MONTH Proclaimed in MD.pdf

Partnering for Success with

Governor Moore's Service Year Option

Maryland's Department of Service & Civic Innovation (DSCI) looks forward to continuing to link with MCDA Career Development practitioners. Connect your clients today to the best next steps in their work or educational journey through a year of paid, full-time service. Click here to help your clients find out more about this first effort of its kind in the nation and register for Governor Wes Moore's new initiative.

The Service Year Option Program begins September 11, 2024 with the next Member application deadline being July 22, 2024 at 11:59 PM EST. 

Major Benefits:

• Full-time service opportunity for at least nine months (i.e. 40 hours/week)
• Earn at least $15/hour
• Receive $6,000 Completion Award at the end of the program
• Match with an employer in your field of interest
• Gain on the job training, mentoring, professional development, and exposure to employers and colleges across the State
• Opportunity to enroll in a federally recognized registered apprenticeship pathway

Don’t miss out on an amazing opportunity!!!

What’s Happening in Washington

Week of JUly 15th

Headlines to Know

Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. July 15-18 

• The first day of the Republican National Convention (RNC) focused on union support, highlighted by a speech from International Brotherhood of Teamsters President Sean O’Brien. The day also addressed cultural issues, including transgender and LGBTQ+ topics, and featured criticism of high inflation and President Biden's handling of the economy.
• Trump proposed tariffs on trade partners, eliminating taxes on tips and reducing the corporate tax rate. The Republican platform includes promises to combat inflation, lower prices, and increase oil, natural gas, and coal production.
• Milwaukee’s mayor described the first day of the RNC as 'calm' overall. As the RNC enters its second day, the focus shifts to immigration, with the Republican platform proposing the “largest deportation program in American history” to address illegal immigration.

Primary Election Updates

Donald Trump Picks JD Vance for VP 

• On Monday, former President Donald Trump announced that 39-year-old Ohio Senator J.D. Vance would be his running mate for the 2024 election. He marked Vance as a leading figure in the MAGA movement and the first millennial on a primary party ballot.
• Vance's selection signifies a move towards Trump's vision for the Republican Party, with a populist conservative and nationalist "America First" policy stance that resonates with white, working-class voters.
• In his short Senate career, Vance has made significant impacts, notably opposing the Ukraine aid package while collaborating with Democrats on issues like railway regulations and credit card company oversight. His transformation from a Trump critic to a staunch supporter reflects the party's shift over the last decade.

Former President Trumps Attempted Assassination  

• The House Homeland Security Committee, chaired by Mark Green (R-TN), has scheduled a second hearing on July 24, inviting Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, FBI Director Christopher Wray, and Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle to testify. The committee has requested documents detailing the security plan for the Trump rally and is planning a site visit with the FBI.
• The House Oversight Committee, chaired by James Comer (R-KY), will hold its first hearing on July 22, featuring Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle. The committee is receiving briefings from the Secret Service and has requested documents related to the rally's security plan, with Chair Comer criticizing the Secret Service's failure during the rally.
• Senate Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committee Chair Gary Peters (D-MI) announced a bipartisan investigation into the assassination attempt on Trump. Senators are seeking information on new security measures to prevent future incidents and have expressed deep concern over how the shooter managed to get so close to former President Trump.

President Biden Eyes a ‘Reset’ after Trump Attempted Assassination 

• President Biden has stated that he will not drop out of the 2024 race, delivering a speech to defend his candidacy against recent criticism and calls for him to withdraw. After temporarily pausing campaign activities due to the aftermath of the rally’s attempted assassination, Biden has addressed the nation three times and has now resumed his campaign efforts. 
• Former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) suggested that Biden seeks a “reset” as the Democratic National Convention approaches. In his addresses, Biden urged citizens to act at the ballot box rather than through political violence.

The Democratic National Committee will invest $15 million in 7 swing state parties. 

• Democrats are offering political counterprogramming to the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee by announcing $15 million in funding for campaign operations in crucial swing states. As some party members urging President Biden to bow out of the November election, the funding aims to enhance state party efforts by opening more field offices, increasing staffing, and adding to the 217 existing coordinated campaign offices working on Biden's reelection. 
• The investments include nearly $3 million for Wisconsin, $2 million each for Pennsylvania, Michigan, and Nevada, almost $1.5 million for Arizona, more than $1.2 million for North Carolina, and upwards of $1 million for Georgia.

Trump Leading Biden in 7 Major Swing States 

• A new survey from The Times/SAY24 found President Biden trailing in crucial swing states ahead of the 2024 election. 
• Trump has 42% support in Michigan compared to Biden’s 40%. Trump holds a 4-point lead in North Carolina, Georgia, and Nevada. In Wisconsin, Trump leads by 5 points, with 43% support to Biden's 38%. Trump's widest lead is in Arizona, with 44% support compared to Biden’s 37%. These findings highlight the challenges Biden’s campaign faces in critical battleground areas.

Other News to Know

Chevron, Appropriations, and Gas Tax

• The Supreme Court ended Chevron deference, increasing judicial power to strike down regulations. This change had an immediate impact when a judge blocked a Labor Department rule expanding overtime eligibility.
• The House Appropriations Committee advanced the Labor-HHS spending bill, and the Senate Appropriations Committee approved Military Construction-Veterans Affairs funding. The end of Chevron deference may affect future presidential rulemakings, including those by Donald Trump if reelected.
• With expanded judicial authority to contest agency regulations, appropriations, and federal spending bills, potential challenges and uncertainties in fund allocation and program execution may increase, resulting in additional administrative impediments.

Medicare Vaccine Rates

• In 2023, Medicare Part D enrollees saved approximately $400 million on vaccines after the Inflation Reduction Act eliminated cost-sharing. 1.5 million enrollees received the Tdap vaccine, up from 700,000 in 2021.
• The data highlights the Inflation Reduction Act's role in making healthcare more accessible and affordable, providing valuable insights for future policy decisions. Reducing financial barriers to vaccines has helped increase immunization coverage, which is important for preventing outbreaks and protecting vulnerable populations.

Sen. Bob Menendez Verdict

• Sen. Bob Menendez was found guilty on all 16 charges in his federal corruption and bribery trial. His sentencing is set for Oct. 29. He faces a potential 20-year sentence for bribery.
• Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has called for Menendez’s resignation. Rep. Andy Kim (D-NJ) is the Democratic nominee for Menendez’s seat, though Menendez plans to run again.

Treasury Roadshow in Ohio

• The Treasury Department is touring to educate small businesses on the new Corporate Transparency Act database, which aims to crack down on shell companies. Rep. Joyce Beatty hosted an event in Columbus, OH.

Economic Gospel According to Vance

• Sen. J.D. Vance has raised questions about the strong U.S. dollar and its economic effects. He supports the Credit Card Competition Act and has collaborated with Sen. Elizabeth Warren on bank executive clawback legislation.
• Vance is developing industry-friendly crypto legislation and has supported child tax credit expansion, emphasizing pro-family policies.

Political Developments and Campaign Updates

Leadership and Appointments

• Marco Rubio: Potential as a running mate was hindered by residency issues, and he is now expected to chair the Senate Intelligence Committee if Republicans win the majority.
• Tim Scott: A top contender and the only Black Senate Republican, may take a post in a second Trump administration, having led Republicans on the Senate Banking Committee.
• Elise Stefanik: House Republican Conference Chair might be considered for a Cabinet post, possibly as Secretary of Education or U.N. ambassador.
• Byron Donalds: A young congressman from Florida might run for governor despite being a strong VP contender.

Campaign Updates

Fundraising

• Frontline Democratic Rep. Susie Lee (NV) raised over $1 million in Q2, with nearly $3 million on hand. Independent candidate Dan Osborn outraised incumbent Sen. Deb Fischer (NE) in the Nebraska Senate race. 
• Congressional Leadership Fund received significant donations from Paul Singer, Ken Griffin, and Miriam Adelson, while House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries raised $5.7 million. Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez raised $2.2 million and has $4.1 million on hand.

Ad Campaigns

• New ads include Bobby Harshbarger’s featuring footage of the assassination attempt on Trump for his state Senate campaign in Tennessee and Rep. Elissa Slotkin’s (MI) 60-second ad focusing on health care for her Senate campaign. Building America’s Future targets Democratic Frontliners with digital ads focusing on immigration and the SAVE Act.

Gaetz Attack Ad

• The Florida Patriots PAC released an ad accusing Rep. Matt Gaetz (FL) of sexual misconduct. Former Speaker Kevin McCarthy is actively working to defeat Gaetz, with the ad running in Gaetz’s district ahead of his convention speech.

Upcoming Legislation

California Worker Protection Law

• Labor and business interests in California reformed the Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA), reducing litigation by allowing workers to sue employers on behalf of the state for issues like improper overtime calculations and failure to provide breaks.

House Bills

• H.R. 8932: FAFSA Deadline Act
• H.R. 9026: House Fiscal 2025 Commerce-Justice-Science Appropriations bill
• H.R. 8997: House Fiscal 2025 Energy-Water Appropriations bill
• H.R. 8998: House Fiscal 2025 Interior-Environment Appropriations bill
• H.R. 9027: House Fiscal 2025 Agriculture-FDA Appropriations bill
• H.R. 9028: House Fiscal 2025 Transportation-HUD Appropriations bill

All Times EST.

Tuesday, July 16, 2024

2:00 PM (EDT) | 2322 Rayburn House Office Building

• Committee: Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe (U.S. Helsinki Commission)
• Topic: "Russia's Ecocide in Ukraine - Environmental Destruction and the Need for Accountability"

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118th U.S. CONGRESS

Executive Branch

• Statement from President Joe Biden on the June Jobs Report.
• Contact & More

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Maryland General Assembly (446th session)

• The Maryland Legislative session ended at midnight on Monday, April 15th.
• For a general overview and information on the 2024 session, visit the General Assembly's Tutorial page
• Contact & More Information

Advocacy Affiliates

MCDA is an affiliate of NCDA, ACA, and MCA and its advocacy work is linked to these organizations. Your MCDA membership automatically links you to the advocacy efforts of all four groups. However, all MCDA members are eligible to join these groups.

NCDA Federal Advocacy 2023-2024

NOTE: Policy Areas are not in order of priority. Priority of these areas will be ever-evolving to mirror prominent issues within the legislature.

Policy Areas

1. Employment Opportunities and Job Market Adaptability
   • Focus 1: Advocating for federal policies that foster a dynamic and inclusive job market, ensuring opportunities for all skill levels and backgrounds.
   • Focus 2: Pushing for legislation that supports job transition programs, particularly for workers in declining industries or those impacted by automation and digital transformation.
   • Focus 3: Collaboration with federal agencies to develop and promote initiatives that match job seekers with opportunities based on current and forecasted labor market trends.
2. Student Career Services
   • Focus 1: Educate policymakers and advocate for the continuum of career services from early education through the end of life, with particular emphasis on meaning and purpose derived from work.
   • Focus 2: Advocating for and supporting funding for high-quality career services in K-12 settings.
   • Focus 3: Advocating for and supporting funding for high-quality career services in higher education institutions at the undergraduate, graduate, and professional (e.g. law and medical school) levels.
   • Focus 4: Advocating for and supporting funding for high-quality career services in vocational programs, community programs, and additional services for minors and adults.
3. Professional Accreditation and Certification Standards
   • Focus: Lobbying for federal standards and support for the accreditation and certification of career development professionals to ensure quality and uniformity across the field, with particular emphasis on NCDA’s professional and ethical standards, including credentials approved by the NCDA Credentialing Commission.
4. Access to Professional Development
   • Focus: Advocacy for federal grants or subsidies aimed at promoting ongoing professional development among practitioners and educators in the career development field.
5. Workforce Development and Education
   • Focus: Collaboration with federal agencies, including the Department of Education and the Department of Labor, to integrate career development into national education policies and workforce development programs.
6. Equal Opportunity and Inclusion
   • Focus: Promoting legislation that ensures all individuals, especially those from underrepresented and marginalized groups, have equitable access to career development resources and opportunities.
   • Focus: Advocating for legislation to protect workers from discrimination, especially those from underrepresented and marginalized groups.
7. Special Populations
   • Focus: Advocating for legislation and programs that support special populations, including military veterans, individuals with disabilities, reentering formerly incarcerated individuals, immigrants, and other groups with barriers to workforce participation.
8. Mental Health and Career Development
   • Focus: Pushing for policies that integrate career development as part of broader mental health and well-being initiatives at the federal level.
9. Funding for Research and Innovation
   • Focus: Advocating for federal funding to facilitate research in career development trends, technologies, and best practices.
10. Small Business Development
    • Focus: Support funding and programs supporting small businesses, including tax structures to support small businesses and their owners.
11. Data Privacy and Ethical Compliance
    • Focus: Advocacy for ethical standards and data protection laws relevant to the gathering and storage of client information in the career development sector.

ACA Federal Advocacy

Agenda for Advocacy Power Hours (APH):

1. Introduction of attendees and ACA staff
2. State updates – ACA staff
3. Federal updates – ACA staff
4. State & regional updates – ACA members
5. Final call(s) to action – ACA staff

Q&A, wrap up, and important ACA administrative updates – ACA staff

Meetings and an updated schedule for the 2025 FY will resume in September 2024.

• More ways to take advocacy action.
• ACA's Statement on the Conflict in Ukraine.
• Contact the ACA Government Affairs and Public Policy Team.
• Click here for further information on ACA's federal advocacy work.

MCA Advocacy

• Our Counseling Compact WELCOMEs New Hampshire! There are now 15 states  signed to the Counseling Compact including:  Alabama, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Hampshire, Ohio, Tennessee, Utah and West Virginia!
• Click here to access the MCA Advocacy Committee web page.

For any questions or to get involved in legislative advocacy at the local, state, or national level, 
please contact MCDA’s Legislative Co-Chairs MCDA.Legislative@MDCareers.org.