The State Government Network was established in 1991 to give state components resources and materials necessary to advocate effectively on the state government level. The Network is comprised of component presidents, legislative affairs chairs, contract lobbyists and members who have an interest in government advocacy. The program is designed to help foster communication between state components. Members are designated by their state component, and, currently, there are one hundred fifty members actively engaged in State Government Network activities.
To get more information on the AIA SGN, click here
To contact Eric Roberts, Assoc. AIA - AIA Nevada SGN Representative, click here
SGN Report
Eric Roberts, Assoc. AIA State Government Network Representative for AIA Nevada eroberts@sh-architecture.com
Grassroots Recap 2010: A Call to Action!
In early 1990 I remember watching the heavyweight champion of the world, Mike Tyson, get knocked-out by James “Buster” Douglas. As I watched the fight, I remember seeing Mike Tyson’s head rocking back and forth as punch after punch landed and I thought to myself: this can’t be happening! The final image that sticks in my mind to this day is Mike Tyson trying to scramble back to his feet to beat the ten-count. His mouthpiece had been haphazardly placed in his mouth backwards in his delirium. The “Champ” got worked. This memory is pertinent in regards to our meetings with Legislators on Capitol Hill this year, because the look on Mike Tyson’s face in that moment was eerily similar to the looks on many faces in Washington D.C.
For many years our economy was “the Champ.” It was seemingly unbeatable and destined to grow and grow without checks or slowing. In the past years, we have each been “worked” in our personal and in our business finances and our legislators are facing issues that run deeper than any of those faced in our nation’s history. Our Nevada Legislative Committee went to the belly of the beast the week of February 1st through the 5th (some spent longer due to “Snow-mageddon”) to plead the case of architects and the design industry. We had excellent representation from northern and southern Nevada and we were able to visit all five of our elected officials in Washington, D.C. Our “Pencil Ready” campaign was very well received by our Senators and Representatives (as well as being recognized by AIA National as an innovative campaign that was raising awareness.) As a testament to our place in the national and state discussion, our own Randy Lavigne, Hon. AIA was invited by Senator Harry Reid to be his guest at the State of the Union Address. Regrettably, Randy couldn’t go, but Ric Licata, AIA valiantly filled in for her.
Some points from our time in WashingtonD.C. that really frame our current situation: Currently only 1/3 of the stimulus money has been released with more to be released in 2010 and 2011. The 3rd and 4th quarters of 2009 showed expanding growth of the GDP (6% in the 4th quarter) which is a good sign for the recovery of the economy. However, architecture and construction payroll declines are becoming a larger share of losses in the overall economy. (Architecture payrolls have been in decline for 24 consecutive months nationwide.) In the coming next two fiscal years, 382 Billion dollars have been cut from state budgets already with 140 Billion already cut from 2010. It is apparent that without the stimulus package and favorable interest rates we would be in much worse shape than we are now; the stimulus has helped stabilize financial markets and credit conditions. However, the ARRA funds are set to expire in 2012. The end of the stimulus funds coupled with the sunset of state tax provisions enacted in the last state legislative session foretells a financial cliff for higher education and K-12 education in our state as well as a structural deficit in Nevada which will reset the financial playing field into an ever-continuing decline if substantial changes are not made.
It is evident that Nevada must adapt, as a state, to a more diverse marketplace that can evolve to changing economic conditions. In the upcoming election two house seats and one of our senate seats are up for election. Statewide, many seats are also up for elections. To add more fuel to the political fire, this is also a “re-districting” election. This means that districts for political seats will be reassigned by those we put into office this election. In short, the future of the State of Nevada is up for grabs! The AIA must have a seat at the table to ensure that quality design, communities and lifestyles are part of the Nevada future. That we have had as much positive political exposure as we have had is a testament to the membership of the AIA and the respect we have been given by our community. However, it remains insufficient to get our message heard by our elected officials.
To that end, I am resurrecting the “Nevada Society of Architects” Political Action Committee. This PAC is the AIA’s vehicle for making small donations to political campaigns thereby assuring our seat at the table and that our voice is heard in the debate. The PAC is non-partisan but is focused on issues important to AIA Nevada and our members. It is funded by donations from our membership – that’s YOU!
In the coming months I will discuss how easy it is to donate to the PAC and how it can benefit you and your business. To get us started, I am issuing a challenge: donate an amount equal to one billable hour of your time to our PAC. If that amount is too much, make a small monthly donation equal to $1 for each year you have been in the profession. Checks can be sent to the AIA Las Vegas office and payable to “Nevada Society of Architects PAC” Through small and simple means we can effect great change on our environment and society.
It has been said “Get into politics or get out of business!” And so, we will. Remember: this is your profession, your life and your chance to get your voice heard!
