May 2 was the Electronic Security Association’s (ESA) first District Day, a nationwide advocacy movement connecting members with their local federal elected officials.

This event marks a unique opportunity for electronic security and life safety professionals to meet with federal officials at their local district office, ESA reported. 

ESA has worked closely with members and congressional staff to coordinate meetings and arm the industry’s professionals with talking points on the issues that matter such as:

Career and Technical Education
It is unfortunate that many students today do not have opportunities or even exposure to participate in or learn more about high quality technical education programs. Too often, policymakers, and educators push traditional college education, which often comes with extraordinary personal debt for many who are ultimately not suited for or interested in post-collegiate opportunities. From fiscal years 2007-2016, Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Technical Education Act funding to states has declined 13 percent while allocations for higher education tuition assistance has grown by 264 percent. 
     
School Safety and Security
ESA urges Congress to support legislation that enhances school security infrastructure needs in addition to other measures that will facilitate more long-term solutions such as crisis intervention, mental health awareness, increasing law enforcement presence in schools and other evidence-based solutions that will reduce the risk or minimize the loss of life with active shooters.
     
Occupational Licensing
There is no consistency or conformity in licensing requirements for the electronic and life safety industry. Licensing in most states, where licensing does exist, often do not reflect the rapid advances in technology that has occurred in the last decade. ESA urges Congress to support legislation that recognizes the skillsets needed for low-voltage intrusion, life safety and integrated systems. ESA further supports uniform licensing and reciprocal endorsements for licenses across state lines.

“It’s important that we get the voice of our industry out to our federal elected officials,” said ESA Vice President of Advocacy and Public Affairs, Chris Heaton. “Issues like school safety and occupational licensing have tremendous impact on our industry — and they are topics our members are passionate about. While as an association, we are present on Capitol Hill and we advocate, I’m proud of unique events like District Day that give a sounding board to our members.”

ESA will continue to schedule meetings for members through the end of the week. For information on ESA policy positions, activity on the Hill and upcoming opportunities to become more involved with ESA and its advocacy campaigns, visit ESAweb.org/Advocacy.