ACCA’s post-election webinar offered crucial insights into what President-elect Donald Trump’s historic second-term victory means for HVACR contractors. With expert analysis from Jim Ellis of BIPAC, who brings 35 years of political experience, the session highlighted how this election may shift policy landscapes and impact the industry.
Jim Ellis painted a vivid picture of the political terrain. Trump claimed victory in every red state, while blue states went to Kamala Harris. A major point of discussion was Trump’s recapturing of the “blue wall” states that he lost to President Joe Biden in 2020, a pivotal moment in this election. Contrary to expectations of a tight race, Trump achieved a clear victory, thanks in part to unexpected gains among Black, Hispanic, non-college-educated, and lower-income voters. This shift demonstrated broader support and has implications for upcoming policy changes.
The election outcome handed Republicans control of the Senate. Key wins included flipping states like West Virginia and Montana, defeating long-term Democratic incumbents like Sherrod Brown in Ohio, and securing a win in Pennsylvania with David McCormick’s victory over Senator Casey. With the GOP maintaining its House majority, the party now holds a complete trifecta in government, setting the stage for significant policy shifts.
Economic policies and tax cuts for contractors
The panel addressed critical questions about the future of Trump’s 2017 tax cuts, originally set to expire in 2025. Contractors could see these cuts extended, potentially reducing corporate tax rates. While this may benefit larger businesses, the impact on small contractors is less straightforward. ACCA is pushing for a balanced approach that supports businesses of all sizes and their customers.
There is potential for a new tax package focused on eliminating taxes on tips and overtime pay. Such changes could reduce financial strain on contractors and their teams, signaling a push for business-friendly reforms.
Regulatory rollbacks and potential appointments
The conversation shifted to potential regulatory rollbacks under the Trump administration. Ellis noted that Trump’s appointments, including the nomination of Lee Zeldin as EPA Director, could lead to faster deregulation. Zeldin’s conservative, pro-business approach may bring relief to contractors burdened by stringent regulations, such as those concerning refillable cylinders and complex tracking requirements.
ACCA President and CEO Barton James emphasized that the organization remains committed to supporting small businesses through bipartisan advocacy. ACCA aims to ensure that contractors have the resources they need without excessive regulatory hurdles, such as bans and restrictions from certain technologies.
Funding, spending, and government efficiency
Another key point was the distribution of funds from state rebate programs and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). The panel speculated on how states might burn through funds quickly before the January 20 deadline, making future reallocations challenging. The possibility of new initiatives, such as a potential Department of Government Efficiency led by Elon Musk, was discussed to streamline government spending and cut red tape.
Tariffs and trade policies
Tariffs are a continuing concern for contractors. Trump’s potential plans to introduce new tariffs sparked debate on their possible impact. ACCA and the panelists hope any trade changes will avoid further cost increases and supply chain delays that have already hurt the industry.
ACCA advocacy efforts
ACCA highlighted its advocacy work on Capitol Hill. The organization continues to support contractors through initiatives like helping the Washington Air Conditioning Contractors Association (WACCA) fight natural gas bans in Washington state.
ACCA’s goal is to keep the industry competitive, ensuring members can serve their customers without unnecessary regulatory barriers.
While the live webinar was exclusive for ACCA Gold and Silver members, all ACCA members can watch it on-demand here.
For more insights into contractor priorities along with guidance on when and how you and your team can make your voices heard, check out ACCA’s Voting Center, plan to join us at ACCA 2025 for the contractor town hall, and get the inside scoop with ACCA-PAC.
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