Policy Priorities

The cleaning industry is a major contributor to the economy, public health, and tax revenues, but still it faces many legislative and regulatory challenges at the federal, state, and local levels. How issues are addressed, such as how the U.S. might deal with labor shortages, how cleaning chemicals should be regulated, and how goods and services should be taxed, can all impact the industry. Decisions made in Washington D.C. and in the 50 state capitals by lawmakers and regulators can have a huge impact on how the cleaning industry does business.

ISSA’s advocacy efforts are currently focused on the following policy priorities on behalf of its members: 

• Coronavirus/COVID-19
  The novel coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted the full spectrum of the cleaning industry–from the manufacturers of cleaning products, which have experienced a surge in demand, to building service contractors and residential cleaners, many of whom have experienced shorter-term declines in business because of the emergency stay-at-home orders put in place throughout the country.
• End Period Poverty
  Together with the ISSA Hygieia Network, ISSA is working to help solve the issue of period poverty by advocating for public policies to help increase access to menstrual care products, dispensers, and disposal solutions in away from home venues. We are also educating and engaging the cleaning industry community by providing proper training related to removing potentially harmful bacteria and blood-borne pathogens in bathroom facilities.
• Healthy & Safe Workplace Tax Credit
  Businesses and nonprofits already struggling financially should not have to decide between safety and going out of business. A healthy and safe workplace tax credit is needed to help businesses uphold cleanliness levels, protect employees, and give the public confidence when visiting facilities. 
• Ingredient Communications
  Amidst growing public concerns, states across the country have been increasingly looking to require the disclosure of ingredients on consumer products.
• Chemical Regulations
  Restricting the use of chemicals in cleaning products can impact human and environmental health, as well as product efficacy and ultimately public health and hygiene.
• Labor
  Many policies effect the cost and supply of labor including minimum wage laws, overtime rules, worker’s compensation, and ex-offender reentry.
• Immigration
  America needs a strong and robust immigration system that protects the safety of America and those wanting to immigrate here, as well as enabling employers fill their labor needs.
• Taxes & Tariffs
  Taxes and tariffs are government policies implemented to raise government revenue but can also increase costs to businesses and consumers of the cleaning industry.
• Green Cleaning
  Stated simply, green cleaning is truly a marketplace phenomenon, as research about environmental impacts proliferates, consumers, as well as industry, continue to shift their demand in favor of more environmentally conscious products and services.
• Workplace Harassment Prevention
  In effort to prevent harassment in the workplace, states are beginning to require that cleaning service providers register with the state and provide sexual harassment and assault training.