Tax reform, tariffs and immigration policy: What you need to know

By Dani Sheehan.

While policy shifts can create uncertainty, proactive planning and advocacy can help you navigate an evolving business landscape.

In the rapidly shifting political landscape, the roofing industry continues to advocate for policies that support business growth, workforce development and fair regulations. In a recent episode of Contractor Outlook, Heidi J. Ellsworth sat down with Duane Musser and Deb Mazol from the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) to discuss the major legislative priorities shaping the industry. From tax reforms to tariffs and workforce policies, their insights highlighted both the opportunities and challenges ahead.

Navigating policy changes

1 – Tax reform

One of the most pressing issues on the legislative docket is tax reform. Many of the provisions that were passed in the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act are set to expire at the end of this year. According to Deb, “Tax reform is going to be key this year [for the roofing industry]. We have a lot of provisions that were passed in 2017 when Trump was last in office that expire at the end of this year, so that’s going to be part of any large package.” Contractors should stay aware of potential changes and plan accordingly to maximize tax benefits while they are still in place.

2 – Tariffs  

Tariffs on materials from Canada, Mexico and China could impact the cost and availability of roofing supplies. “It will probably go up and down and up and down, and it will be hard to follow or at least hard to predict,” Deb mentioned. Her advice to contractors? “Don’t panic. Just prepare... Diversify your supply chain, know your customers and know your suppliers.”

3 – Immigration and workforce

Immigration policy remains a critical issue for the roofing industry, particularly regarding labor shortages. Duane emphasized the need for clear pathways to legal employment, noting that while enforcement measures have been a major focus of the administration, the NRCA continues to advocate for visa programs that help meet workforce demands. “We would like to see, as we made a focus during Roofing Day, a provision – some type of visa for legal immigration to meet workforce needs,” Duane shared. The NRCA is also working to improve workforce training opportunities through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), which could provide valuable resources for contractors looking to build skilled teams.

The power of contractor involvement

With so many legislative and regulatory changes potentially on the horizon, staying engaged in advocacy efforts is more important than ever. Roofing Day in D.C. provides an opportunity for industry professionals to make their voices heard. “We were very close to getting a bipartisan, bicameral bill through Congress last year... and we’re going to build on that for this year,” Duane shared optimistically.

Read the transcript, Listen to the podcast or Watch the webinar for more insights on navigating uncertainty and positioning yourself for success in an evolving business environment.