Stay Informed With Our Latest News
March 30, 2023
ASAE hosted 97 association leaders during American Associations Day, ASAE’s annual legislative fly-in event, on March 27-28 to advocate for bipartisan workforce development policy. Advocates from 18 states and the District of Columbia visited with 50 Congressional offices to build support for the Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act (H.R. 1477 / S. 722).
The legislation, championed by Reps. Rob Wittman (R-VA) and Abigail Spanberger (D-VA) in the House and Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Mike Braun (R-IN) in the Senate, would expand eligible uses of 529 education savings plan funds to cover costs associated with obtaining and maintaining legitimate, robust professional certification programs. The bill would provide workers options and flexibility to grow their careers and simultaneously open 529 tax advantages to a much larger group of people.
During the event, ASAE recognized Congresswoman Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) with its 2023 Sentinel Award for her invaluable work to support associations as Chairwoman of the House Committee on Small Business.
“ASAE is honored to recognize Congresswoman Velázquez with its 2023 Sentinel Award for her invaluable work to help our association community,” said ASAE President and CEO Michelle Mason, FASAE, CAE. “Her dedication served as a lifeline during the last few years to thousands of associations that relied on the Paycheck Protection Program so they could continue to pay employees and build up critical industries and professions. We are grateful to Congresswoman Velázquez and her staff.”
“The pandemic created a once-in-a-generation crisis for associations of all shapes and sizes. Given the vital role these organizations play, I was proud to fight to ensure they had access to covid relief programs that helped save jobs and keep organizations afloat during the pandemic,” said Congresswoman Velázquez. “It’s an honor to receive ASAE’s 2023 Sentinel Award, and I look forward to continuing to work in Congress to support associations across the country.”
Review the American Associations Day 2023 program handbook. Follow the Power of Associations on LinkedIn for more information and updates on American Associations Day 2024.
