Architects Day in Harrisburg is, as it is every year, critical for AIA Pennsylvania members. It's an opportunity to meet lawmakers and voice your concerns and needs.

The night before lobby day, on April 8, the board is having dinner with elected officials.  The speaker is Philadelphia Daily News columnist John Baer.  That night Senator Jay Costa (D-Allegheny) will receive AIA Pennsylvania's Government Award.

Senator Costa has been a champion of issues that impact the profession of architecture for several sessions. Last session, he co-sponsored energy efficiency in state buildings, green building and high performance state government standards and championed the passage of historic tax credit legislation, an effort that AIA Pennsylvania has worked on for 16 years.

On Tuesday, April 9, members will meet for a morning briefing at AIA Pennsylvania's offices.  They will then go to the Capitol, across the street, to lobby lawmakers and their staffs.  Meeting with staff is often more critical since they control the state representative's or senator's agenda, drafting issue briefs and writing up legislation.  State Rep. Frank Dermody (D-Allegheny) will speak at the briefing, offering advice and suggestions.  There will be two main issues lobbied for: adopting Mandatory Continuing Education and lifting the PlanCon Moratorium.

Mandatory Continuing Education  The AIA believes that all architects should maintain a professional standard of competence and supports lifelong education and continuing education programs supplementing active practice.  Pennsylvania does not require continuing education for architects like it does for other professionals (e.g. accountants, lawyers and engineers).  Most states, including all of the surrounding states, do require it. The proposed legislation would not exceed the AIA membership requirements in credits per year.

Planning and Construction Workbook
The PlanCon moratorium was to be lifted in May, but the Corbett administration has decided to extend it by one year. The program entails the Department of Education accepting school reimbursement requests for construction and renovation projects that are put through the Planning and Construction Workbook program.  These projects are needed to enhance our educational programs in Pennsylvania for public schools, to protect the students and staff from health and safety concerns, and to stimulate economic growth throughout our great Commonwealth.

While AIA members are certainly busy with their firms, attending Architects Day is an excellent opportunity to get an understanding of the workings of state government as well as make contact with lawmakers that will help AIA Pennsylvania's advocacy efforts.