Connect with legislators concerning CPA pathways licensure bills
February 27, 2024 | Geno Fragnito
The MNCPA listened to members and introduced
House File 1749 and
Senate File 1660, bipartisan bills waiting for action at the Minnesota Legislature.
Our goal is to
broaden the pathways to the CPA licensure to help address the pipeline challenge facing the profession, including offering an option to licensure with a bachelor’s degree and two years of work experience.
Now is the time to have your voice heard on this critical issue.
Reaching legislators
It’s easy to find who represents you.
A thoughtful email, phone call or meeting with your legislator are all good options that can pay dividends.
Can one voice have an influence? Yes! When you share how an issue affects you, your business or your clients, it elevates an issue for legislators. Equally important, legislators track the number of contacts they receive on an issue.
Your voice counts!
Crafting your message
Use the following talking points to communicate the importance of broadening the pathways to CPA licensure. When possible, include firsthand experiences to amplify the message:
- CPAs build strong financial foundations for economically sound communities.
- The No. 1 issue impacting the accounting profession is the declining number of accounting graduates and a continued demand for CPAs to meet the needs of clients, businesses and governmental entities.
- Minor changes to the requirements to become a CPA will reduce the barriers to entry and encourage more students to pursue accounting careers.
- Multiple studies have found the current 150-college credit requirement, which is 30 credits more than a standard bachelor’s degree and a lost year of wages due to a fifth year in college, is a significant barrier to entry, especially for minority students.
- As a CPA, I support broadening the pathway to CPA licensure and believe it is a positive change for the profession and for the clients and communities the profession supports.
- Broadening the pathways to licensure is one piece of a larger solution to ensure the pipeline of future CPAs is available to complete the work required by governments, financial institutions, businesses and individuals.
Following the progress
Legislative change happens because constituents reach out to communicate with their legislators. We encourage you to take 10 minutes to reach out to your legislators regarding efforts to
broaden the pathways to CPA licensure.
Thank you in advance and please reach out to
govrelations@mncpa.org if you have questions or comments.
Topics: Legislative & Government Affairs, Regulation, Staffing, Professional Certification, Succession, Government, Education, MNCPA Programs & Activities
Geno Fragnito
Geno Fragnito is the MNCPA government relations director, advocating on behalf of the CPA profession. His days consist of last-minute meeting changes, building relationships with lawmakers, helping CPAs navigate state government, and putting in more than 15,000 steps per day walking the halls of the Capitol. Geno unwinds with a little golf and traveling with his family. If he weren’t a lobbyist, Geno would perfect his cast and be a professional fisherman. Geno can be reached at 952-885-5550 or gfragnito@mncpa.org.
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