School Security, False Alarms Lead February Measures

School Security, False Alarms Lead February Measures

February 2018 was another unprecedented month for legislation driven by a tragic ‘focusing event’. But, other legislation that demands attention also warrants some discussion. The mass shooting in Parkland, Florida spurred Legislatures to file bills that take numerous approaches to school...
Federal Issues Update: Senate’s “STOP School Violence Act” is a Positive Step

Federal Issues Update: Senate’s “STOP School Violence Act” is a Positive Step

After years of providing funds to study and research the cause of mass shooter attacks and theoretical approaches to preventing them in schools, Congress now appears ready to authorize meaningful funding to detect, deter and when possible, prevent future attacks....
Tax Reform – Reflections on the Impact to Electronic Security and Life Safety Businesses

Tax Reform – Reflections on the Impact to Electronic Security and Life Safety Businesses

On December 22, 2017, President Trump signed the “Tax Cuts and Jobs Act” into law. While media pundits speculated from liberal and conservative perspectives the impact the most significant tax reform in over 30 years would have on the economy,...
Bill to Allow Businesses to Expense Fire Alarm and Security Systems

Bill to Allow Businesses to Expense Fire Alarm and Security Systems

The most significant tax bill in over 30 years was passed by Congress and signed into law on December 22, 2017 by President Trump. Over 23 million comments were filed in response to an FCC plan to reverse a two-year...
What Really Matters With “Net Neutrality”

What Really Matters With “Net Neutrality”

Many virtual barrels of ink have spilled on the topic of “net neutrality” over the last two years and no issue has generated more intense scrutiny and public interest with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) since it published its proposed...
Will the “Save Local Business Act” Save Businesses Including Yours?

Will the “Save Local Business Act” Save Businesses Including Yours?

In the midst of the media and Congress focusing on tax reform and President Trump’s trip through Asia, a relatively harmless looking, one-page bill passed the House on November 7 that  could really live up to its name, the “Save...
Paid Family Leave – Long Overdue or Just Another Burden on Business?

Paid Family Leave – Long Overdue or Just Another Burden on Business?

Paid Family Leave (PFL) is a concept that may be foreign to many members, but those in states like California, Rhode Island and New Jersey it is a current reality. And, it is coming to New York, Washington state and...
“Restoring Board Immunity” Bills Filed to Address Occupational Licensing Concerns

“Restoring Board Immunity” Bills Filed to Address Occupational Licensing Concerns

The electronic security and life safety industry is a heavily regulated industry for obvious reasons. Consumers want to know their personal protection is assured by objective licensing procedures that preclude felons from accessing their home or having security codes that...
Is There Another Way to Fix the Healthcare Dilemma for Small Businesses?

Is There Another Way to Fix the Healthcare Dilemma for Small Businesses?

‘Repeal and replace’ was a campaign promise from many (including the sitting President) for the looming failure of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), aka “Obamacare”, but as is usually the case, congressional leaders have not come up with a way...
What is FirstNet and Why It Matters

What is FirstNet and Why It Matters

When hi-jacked airliners flew into the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and a field in Pennsylvania, rather than the nations’ Capitol, on September 11, 2001, a glaring defect in public safety communication was exposed among many infrastructure issues. Hurricanes Katrina, Rita...