Despite the ongoing recovery from the pandemic, the construction industry is expected to experience low unemployment with little expectation that the current domestic workforce can alone meet future employment demand. Compounding the workforce challenges in the industry, currently the nation’s system provides the high-tech sector, agricultural businesses, and seasonal employers with options for legal, work authorized immigrants however it does not for the construction Industry. On June 30, the AGC-backed Workforce for an Expanding Economy Act was recently introduced in the House and would allow contractors to hire year-round construction guest workers, who otherwise have no legal immigration avenue; provide industries, like construction, access to new temporary workers while protecting American jobs; and, alleviate incentives for individuals to illegally enter the country.
On July 1, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 3684, the INVEST in America Act, a $715 billion federal investment in America’s roads, bridges, transit, passenger rail, and drinking and wastewater infrastructure. AGC lobbied against several of the policies included in the bill. However, its passage in the House is a first step towards enacting record levels of federal investment in infrastructure. It continues to remain unclear how this legislation will intersect with larger infrastructure package negotiations between the White House and a bipartisan group of senators. The AGC summary of the INVEST in America Act can be viewed here. AGC will continue to push for policy improvements to the bill.
Construction Officials Urge Federal Officials to Allow Unemployment Supplements to Expire, Take Steps to address Supply-Chain Backups and Remove Tariffs on Key Materials so Firms can Perform More Work
We're all eager to get back to in-person conferences, but you won't want to miss the exceptional lineup of environmental sessions we've assembled for 2021's Construction Safety, Health & Environmental Virtual Conference on July 20-22. That's why we've slashed the price for this year's virtual conference and made it free to all AGC members. Participate at your own pace and learn about climate, community, corporate transparency, species, and water issues.
Houston-The Woodlands-Sugar Land and Odessa, Texas Have Worst 15-Month Construction Job Losses; Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, Minn.-Wis. and Fargo, N.D.-Minn. Top Lists of Metros with Job Gains
Filings Now Due on August 23, 2021
With COVID-19 restrictions lifting in the City of Philadelphia, GBCA’s Construction Leadership Council has come back together in-person! On June 10, 2021, the CLC hosted an in-person workshop and networking event at a local brewery.
After 15 months of virtual meetings, virtual workshops, and virtual “meet-ups,” the CLC wanted an opportunity to rethink networking, and get a refresher on making business and industry connections. Matt Blank, Director of Business Development of Friedman LLP, spoke about building business through networking and relationships, as opposed to a hard sell. This approach to business development and relationship-building starts with a strong conversation.
On June 22, AGC of America’s Federal & Heavy Construction division met with the Pre-Command Course for incoming District Commanders of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. AGC and the Army Corps discussed solutions to the challenges facing our nation’s infrastructure and how the Army Corps can better partner with the construction industry. AGC emphasized the strain contractors are facing with construction materials at record high prices and the continued availability challenges. AGC urged District Commanders to partner with AGC Chapters and member contractors back in their district offices, and also providing government guidance encouraging such meetings. AGC looks forward to continuing its decades long partnership with the Army Corps to ensure the delivery of high-quality facilities and infrastructure and will help ensure a brighter future for the construction industry, the Army Corps, and our nation.
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) recently requested public input on company disclosure of information associated with Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) and climate change risks, impacts, and opportunities. In response, AGC’s June 11 letter to agency offered key principles for the SEC to consider: 1) support of voluntary and flexible, market-based disclosures; 2) adherence to the Supreme Court’s “materiality” standard and existing rules; 3) base disclosures on sound data and a workable framework for companies of different sizes and industries; and 4) set boundaries on the scope of reporting and limits on legal liability.