AIA Pennsylvania's 14th annual Architect's Day on April 9 brought members and leadership to Harrisburg, where they met with administrative, cabinet and legislative leaders to discuss the needs and concerns of architects.
The morning briefing started off with state Rep. Frank Dermody (D-Allegheny) talking about some of the priority issues such as PlanCon and Mandatory Continuing Education (MCE). He then took questions and offered suggestions on lobbying.
Afterward, members departed AIA Pennsylvania's offices, across the street from the Capitol, and went up to the Hill to meet with lawmakers and their staffs. MCE was the chief topic of conversation.
As a policy, AIA Pennsylvania, which already offers continuing education for membership, supports MCE for licensure because the program enhances the public health, safety and welfare.
Studies have shown improved public safety resulting from continuing education. In fact, most other professions already have MCE. Pennsylvania is one of the few states currently not requiring continuing education for architects.
Legislation proposing MCE has been introduced in both the House and Senate. The bills are SB 804, sponsored by Sen. John Rafferty (R-Montgomery), and HB 1096, sponsored by Rep. Curt Sonney (R-Erie).
AIA believes that all architects should maintain a professional standard of competence and it supports lifelong education and continuing education programs that supplement active practice.
The AIA Continuing Education System was developed in 1994 as a commitment to the importance of lifelong learning. It allows AIA to organize and track professional development activities required for membership, and enables members to keep current on issues in the field, master new skills and knowledge, plan for the future, and meet the responsibilities of a professional architect.
While on the Hill, AIA members also talked to lawmakers about the moratorium on the Planning and Construction Workbook, or PlanCon. Negotiations continue. AIA supports elimination of the moratorium.
The previous evening, at the Government Dinner, AIA Pennsylvania was joined by Senators Lisa Boscola (D-Northampton) and Jay Costa (D-Allegheny); Department of State Secretary Carol Aichele; Steve Aichele, Gov. Tom Corbett's chief of staff; and several legislative staffers.
During the dinner, Costa received AIA Pennsylvania's Government Award and the speaker, Philadelphia Daily News political columnist John Baer, discussed his new book, "On the Frontlines of Pennsylvania Politics: Twenty-Five Years of Keystone Reporting."
