Jobs Bill Update

The endgame for the Senate "jobs bill" is still uncertain.  AGC has learned that the Senate is considering breaking up a jobs package into two or more separate bills.  The first piece likely to be considered will extend SAFETEA-LU through December 31, 2010 and provide a $20 billion infusion for the Highway Trust Fund to maintain its solvency through that extension.  Other provisions being considered include extension of Build America Bonds, new jobs tax credits, and various small business incentives. The second piece of legislation will address other infrastructure investment programs.  AGC continues to communicate with the Senate the urgent need to provide a significant investment in infrastructure in order to meet the early spring construction season. The authors of the infrastructure portion of the Jobs bill, Senators Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) and Byron Dorgan (D-N.D.), have signaled that additional funding for highways, transit, airport improvements, high speed rail and school construction will be included in the final package.  However, the level at which those programs will be funded is yet to be determined. AGC and other industry partners have strongly urged the Senate to provide at least the level of funding that was provided in the House passed "Jobs for Main Street Act" ($27.5 billion for highways, $8.4 for transit). In terms of funding for water infrastructure, AGC is working with Senators Ben Cardin (D-Md.) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) in circulating a letter to Senate leadership that seeks inclusion of $3 billion for Clean Water State Revolving Funds and $3 billion for Drinking Water State Revolving Funds in the infrastructure piece of the jobs package. For more information, contact Sean O'Neill at (202) 547-8892 or oneills@agc.org.