Read about the Hearing at the State House this past week!! Very exciting. Hearing Held on House Bill 2832, Senate Bills 1464 and 1557 The gears of progress have not let up at the State House. This week the Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight held a hearing to review several bills, most of which were related to code, construction and permitting issues. Of interest to interior designers were the three bills written simultaneously for our inclusion in the Massachusetts’ designer selection process. The bills are House Bill 2832, and Senate Bills 1464 and 1557, recognizing interior designers to bid on state contracts. The intent of the bills is to permit qualified interior designers to propose design services on state projects that specifically involve interior design. Three interior designers testified in support of the bills, including key leaders from both ASID (American Society of Interior Design) and IIDA (International Interior Design Association). ASID Government and Public Affairs Specialist Alexis de Armas spoke eloquently about the need for Massachusetts to recognize interior designers as professionals, as we are recognized throughout the United States. Felice Silverman, the National President of IIDA, shed light on the current local situation from her perspective both as a leader in the profession and as a practicing professional whose own local business opportunities are limited by the current regulations. Jeanne Kopacz, Managing Principal of Allegro Interior Architecture, followed them in identifying the discrepancy between private sector work and the work being done through DCAM (Division of Capital Asset Management) in terms of interior designer prospects and the increased costs to the Commonwealth based on her own experience. The atmosphere at this hearing was less contentious than it has been in hearings in the past. Architects in attendance did not oppose the bills. In fact, Representative Chris Walsh, an architect himself, agreed with the idea of permitting interior designers to participate in the designer selection process; however, he made it clear that he would not support any further industry recognition for interior designers. Two individuals did offer opposing arguments. Bill Delaney, who is a lobbyist for the National Kitchen and Bath Association, briefly expressed his opinion that the bill is not necessary and that the objectives are already accomplished by other means. Bill Vernon also testified, a lobbyist representing the National Federation of Independent Business (MA NFIB), shared their belief that the bills are a backdoor attempt to promote registration for interior designers. The NFIB warns that this bill may lead to licensure requirements which would restrict some small businesses. MIDC president Christina Oliver, and our trusted advisors from Serlin Haley, Andrea Serlin and Danielle McCourt, helped us all gain perspective on the hearing immediately thereafter. All are confident that the important points were communicated clearly and that the strategy of keeping our testimony concise in this case will benefit our long term efforts to promote interior design recognition in the Commonwealth. The next step is to work with the sponsors and Serlin Haley to get the bill favorably out of committee. Thank you to everyone who made themselves available to support this effort and to those who worked behind the scenes to aid on our effectiveness.
Posted on: Sat, 13 Jul 2013 17:53:43 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015