During CEDIA on the Hill Day, CEDIA lobbied in support of the “Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act,” which aimed to expand the use of 529 savings plans beyond traditional post-secondary college education. With the recently passed federal tax legislation (H.R. 1), 529 savings plans may now be used for expenses related to trade education and skills training programs.
“After two years of Congressional advocacy by CEDIA members, I’m happy to report that the CEDIA-backed “Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act” was signed into law as part of the major tax package, H.R. 1,” said Daryl Friedman, CEDIA global president and CEO, in an exclusive letter to CEDIA members. “I want to thank the hundreds of members who visited Washington, D.C. during the past two years as part of our CEDIA on the Hill advocacy day and who contacted their Congressional leaders to show support. Our voices were heard.”
During the inaugural CEDIA Smart Home Day on Capitol Hill in 2024, board members, executives, and industry leaders engaged in pivotal discussions with U.S. political leaders to introduce CEDIA and advocate for critical issues facing the industry. Photo by Aileen Taylor.
Expanding 529 savings plans to include trade education removes some of the financial barriers for those pursuing careers in the smart home industry. It broadens the talent pipeline for integrators and makes these careers more attractive to young people. Families can now invest education savings in high-demand, well-paying roles that may also better fit their children’s interests.
CEDIA on the Hill Day took place on March 27, 2025, where the “Freedom to Invest in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act” was a major topic of discussion. Four months following CEDIA’s lobbying efforts, H.R. 1, which includes this provision, was signed into law.
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