Members of ACT | The App Association are innovative small businesses changing the way we live, work, and play through apps and connected technology. Our members are leading the next generation of trailblazers working to solve problems and fill gaps across industries—from healthcare and education to public safety and agriculture—and they’re harnessing the power of the app economy to get the job done.
But to continue improving the lives of their customers and clients through safe, secure products —in addition to creating sought-after jobs in their communities and beyond—our members rely on federal policies that enable them to innovate and grow. As Members of Congress returned home for August recess to hear constituent concerns, our members came together to outline their top priorities for the remainder of the 117th Congress and what they hope to see in the 118th. Below, we’ve highlighted some of their priorities, points of view, and how Congress can work together to empower the app economy’s brightest, most agile developers: our members.
POV: Developers and Privacy
2022 has been the year of privacy both on and off the Hill with more than 200 consumer privacy bills in circulation in state houses across the country. This privacy patchwork is slowly spanning from coast to coast and puts our small business members at a huge disadvantage when it comes to cost and compliance. Unfortunately, the time and resources that are required to comply with 50 individual state privacy laws could run most, if not all, of our members into the ground.
Member Ask: We urge Congress to move the bipartisan American Data Privacy and Protection Act (ADPPA, H.R. 8152) forward and ensure that any measure passed by both chambers sets a high bar on privacy while substantially preempting state laws.
POV: Technologists and Broadband
Our members rely on a stable broadband connection to create the connected devices and the software that brings those devices to life. Sadly, the current digital divide prevents many Americans from having access to broadband services, including our members and the talent they’re hoping to hire across the United States. While we were excited to see the historic investment in broadband deployment earlier in the 117th Congress, there is so much more to be done to ensure the United States gets “online” and continues to be a global leader.
Member Ask: We urge Congress to ensure that investment incentives for deployment, spectrum purchases, and access remain strong while ensuring high-speed broadband is available on an equitable basis to Americans across the nation.
POV: Techies on Telehealth and Digital Health Coverage
Early in the COVID-19 pandemic, Congress temporarily waived provisions within federal law prohibiting Medicare from covering telehealth visits between caregivers and their patients almost entirely. This allowed for a record number of patients to access care during a crucial time. However, those waived restrictions will be going back into effect unless Congress acts to preserve telehealth options for America’s patients.
Member Ask: We urge the Senate to pass the House’s additional two-year extension. We also encourage both chambers to continue to move the Medicare system to value-based care arrangements that enable patients and caregivers to leverage covered digital health services.
POV: Technology Creators on Cryptocurrency
Web3 is a hot button topic for consumers, policymakers, and many companies, but our members have been at the forefront of technology innovation in this space for years. As the public learns more about Web3 and its potential for innovation, our members hope to continue seeing policymakers ahead of the curve in understanding how Web3 will be utilized and what sort of issues will become the battleground of future technology policy discussions.
Member Ask: We support Congress’ recent attention to crypto asset markets and believe the Responsible Financial Innovation Act (S. 4356) should move forward. As Congress debates the various pieces of this bill in the coming months and into the 118th Congress, we seek to be a resource for and supporters of the relevant committees’ work.
POV: Small Business Owners on Tax Policy
As workers went mobile over the course of the pandemic, our members’ employees sought to telework, and in general, are every bit as effective from home as they are in the office. This eliminated commute times for millions of workers, put less strain on our infrastructure, reduced costs for employers and employees, and led to an overall improvement in work-life balance. Rewarding best practices through tax benefits empower small companies to offer competitive benefits and leads to technological solutions.
Member Ask: Congress should consider providing federal tax benefits for teleworkers, especially those who work for small businesses. We also urge Congress to undo the change that went into effect in 2021 and reinstate the ability for companies to deduct the entire cost of research and development in the year in which it is incurred.
POV: App Makers on Workforce Development and Education
Our members want to continue driving change and innovation in the app economy but are fully dependent on the next generation of the workforce to make that happen. With nearly half a million open jobs at tech-driven companies, small and large companies alike are struggling to find a skilled workforce to fill these positions.
Member Ask: We urge Congress to enhance resources at all levels of workforce development, including the Computer Science Education for All Act (H.R. 3602) and prioritizing computer and coding skills in Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) programs.
POV: Innovators on Intellectual Property
From ensuring that patent and copyright protections are accessible to our small business members, to protecting innovation on top of technical standards that include patented technologies, our members have a range of interests in Congress’ intellectual property work.
Member Ask: We urge Congress to oppose measures that would diminish the strength of copyright protections for software and content creators and advance policies to discourage anticompetitive conduct involving standard-essential patents.
To see the letter signed by App Association members and sent to Congress, click here.