E-news May-2010

IDLCPA NEWSFLASH
Issued: May 2010

<<Click here for a full color printable PDF>>

PURE 2010 - THE ROARING 20'S CAME TO TOWN By Lauren Berger

Just a few days before an enormous winter storm, ASID PA West and IIDA PA/NJ/DE fearlessly brought the Roaring Twenties to the 4th annual PURE party.  This fun and fabulous event was held on February 3rd at Bossa Nova to the smooth sounds of a live jazz band.  325 party goers enjoyed catching up with friends, sampling delicious hors d'oeuvres, and a 20's themed costume contest, all while raising over $24,000 for the Interior Design Legislative Coalition of PA!  Congratulations to Phil Hudley, AIA, DRS Principal and Sandra Hundley, RA, FCSI, CCS, who won this year's themed costume contest and a $100 cash prize.

This year's silent auction was fantastic and bigger than ever before.  Items include a Fallingwater gift basket and private tour, a Penguins package, several area rugs, a spa package, and many other hotly-contested items.

In keeping with this year's Roaring Twenties theme, cigarette girls sold strands of pearls, fedora hats, candy cigar, and other themed party supplies to guests who needed that extra something.

Many, many thanks to our generous sponsors and fun-loving guests who brave the elements every year to make the PURE Party one for the most anticipated and memorable events of the industry!  Special recognition goes to ASID event co-chair Natalie Buches and IIDA event co-chair Jennifer Bosack for their leadership.  IDLCPA is grateful to the many interior designers, architects, engineers, and industry members who proudly support interior design licensing.

HEARING UPDATE

At this time we are now waiting to be rescheduled and time is ticking away. We need our members to all contact their legislators requesting a vote on our bill. It is possible we will never be rescheduled for a hearing if we are not consistently asking them to put us back on the schedule. We need numbers of people to get our message across and are requesting your help. Once you have contacted your legislator, please follow up with an IDLCPA board member, call, write or send us e-mail! We can be reached via our website www.idlcpa.org. You can also find other helpful links and resources on our site.

NCIDQ- NEW EXAM FORMAT Taken from ncidq.org

Section 1: Codes, Building Systems and Construction Standards consists of 150 multiple-choice questions designed to assess knowledge of codes, building systems, construction standards and contract administration

Section 2: Design Application, Project Coordination and Professional Practice consists of 150 multiple-choice questions designed to assess knowledge of design application, project coordination and professional practice.

Section 3: Interior Design Practicum is a full-day examination, consisting of seven unique exercises that will focus on the following areas: space planning, lighting design, egress, life safety, restroom (washroom) design, systems integration and millwork.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE By Andy Goodman

Remaining Session Days
March has been an action packed month in Harrisburg. Our office expects April, May and June to be energized too. The House Democrats have begun the process of moving the 2010 budget to the Senate. It is our educated opinion that the legislature will try its best to finish the budget on time. Because of elections, a late budget will most likely be avoided. Between now and June 1st, the legislature is scheduled to be in session 15 days. Those 15 session days are crucial.
Whether we are being proactive or defensive on legislation, the remaining days will give us clear results and direction we’ll follow into the summer and fall.

The House and Senate will not return for “lame duck” (the period after the general election). It is probable that they will only be in fall session for approximately 15 more days. Knowing the legislative schedule will help you with issue management, grassroots and political action committee development. The fall session schedule will be released in the near future.

Sales Tax Expansion and Rate Decrease
Back in February, Governor Rendell announced his plan to expand the number of goods and services that would have to pay the Commonwealth’s sales tax and lower the rate from 6% to 4%. Although that plan sounds, “sort of ok,” when you look at the planned expansion – it’s scary. In today’s difficult financial times, charging sales tax on nearly every item or service would exacerbate the expenses incurred by businesses and consumers. Moreover, a 4% tax on some of the
“big ticket” items listed would carry a large price tag. The legislation that would enact the plan has not yet been introduced; however a preliminary list has been released. The list is attached. After you read it, you will understand why expanding the sales tax would hard-hit everyone’s bottom line. A Harrisburg based coalition continues to organize to fight the Governor’s plan. Staying involved on issues like this is very important. The groups that don’t are the first to get
taxed! Our office is continually developing strategy on the issue and will be involved on behalf of our clients.

Retirements and Elections
Members of the House and Senate have announced their intentions for 2011. Below is a list of known members who will not be here for the 2011-12 legislative session.

74 Sales Tax Exemptions to be Repealed - Governor's 2010-11 Budget