The Angle

A letter from Clark Manus, FAIA, 2008 Vice President, Advocacy

We asked, and I'm happy to say that many of you have already answered the call and shared your passion.

In response to the 2008 Call for Issues that the AIA Advocacy Committee issued last month, AIA members like you have expressed their views on a broad range of issues they'd like to be included in our 2008 federal agenda, including:

• Continuing to advocate for climate change initiatives, green design incentives, and alliances 
• Increasing the role of the architect in the construction process 
• Advancing tort and liability reform 
• Providing grant opportunities for training new architects in the internship process 
• Expanding affordable health care 
• Increasing H1-B visas caps granted for design professionals by the US government

Clark Manus, FAIA, 2008 Vice President, Advocacy. (Photo courtesy of Heller Manus Architects)

This year's Congressional Issues Agenda, on which we've already made significant progress in Washington, was developed from member suggestions like the ones I am asking you to submit today. So I hope that you will take a moment to share your ideas and comments today by using the comment section below.

With your action, you will ensure that the issues important to you will be included in the AIA Advocacy Committee's review process this fall, which will set the AIA's federal issues agenda for the 2008 legislative session.

How Does This Process Work?
The AIA government advocacy staff compiles all the submissions resulting from the Call for Issues and will then divide that list into the following groups:

1. Issues the AIA is currently working on
2. New federal issues
3. Issues that are better addressed at the state or local level

All of these issues are reviewed by the Advocacy Committee based on their relevance to the Institute's policies and positions. This enables us to assess the available opportunities for advancement in Congress in the coming year.

While we have already received comments and ideas, I want to personally extend my request in seeking your feedback. I believe that it is essential for all members of the AIA community to offer their input so that we accurately represent the priorities and address the needs of the architecture profession.

The AIA cannot be a credible voice for our profession without your input and suggestions. Thank you for your continued support!

Clark Manus, FAIA
2008 Vice President, Advocacy

This year, the health care debate has focused mainly on expanding access to health care for children (today, the House is voting on a slightly revised version of the children’s health insurance bill that was vetoed by the President earlier this month). And several Presidential candidates have spoken of their plans for health care reform. But legislation to help small businesses purchase more affordable health insurance is not on Congress’ radar screen this year.

Does that mean that the issue is dead? Or that compromise is too hard to achieve? How should Congress and the President help smaller firms deal with the rising costs of health care?

What do you think?