05/06/2026

NECA Legislative Conference - Highlights - May 4 - 6, 2026

Conference was held at the Willard Intercontinental Hotel in Washington, DC.

NECA Legislative Conference
Willard Hotel Intercontinental
Washington, D.C.
May 4-6, 2026

The NECA Legislative Conference was held May 4 – 6, 2026 in Washington, DC.  The Chapter had the most representatives from the overall Illinois contingent.  Eight ECA members and two ECA staff members participated with the numerous meetings with the Aides / Chiefs of Staff of the Illinois Representatives and Senators.  We thank our members for their time at the Conference.  Our members were able to forge new relationships as they expressed overall issues that affect union electrical contractors / construction, in general, with our elected officials.

NECA Government Affairs offered the attendees the background needed to best address the industry issues.  The NECA “Asks” included the following:

• Pass a 2026 Highway Bill that Modernizes and Electrifies Surface Transportation
• Pass the Retainage Tax Fairness Act to Provide Tax Clarity for Contractors
• Invest in Resilient and Electrified Transportation Infrastructure
• Support Permitting Reform and Streamline Transmission Work

The Conference had numerous panel discussions, remarks from NECA President, Mark Walter, special presentations from a number of Representatives, U.S. Small Business Administration, NECA PLC update, special receptions, among other areas and topics. 

Again, we thank all that were able to participate!

Pictured are the Chicago Chapter members during the NECA Legislative Conference.
From left to right in the backrow are:
Jerry Kosteck, Hy-Power Electric Company, WC Schult, Super Electric Construction Company,
Alberto Rocha, Rocha Electric Company, 
Middle row from left to right are:
Neil Parish, ECA Director of Operations, Bob Forrest, MJ Electric, LLC,
Bob Fimbianti, NECA Governor, Linear Electric, Inc., Jerry McGlynn, McWilliams Electric Company, Inc.,
John Chivilo, Grand Kahn Electric, and
Front Row Center:  Jim McGlynn, Sr., ECA Legislative Committee Chair, McWilliams Electric Company, Inc.

 

The following are photos from the NECA Legislative Conference sessions and the Congressional visits: