Senate Tax Reform Measure Has Improved Substantially But Lack of Infrastructure Investments, Temporary Nature of Many Tax Cuts Remain Problematic, Official Says

The chief executive officer of the Associated General Contractors of America, Stephen E. Sandherr, issued the following statement today in connection with the proposed Senate tax reform measure:

"The association has long advocated for comprehensive tax reform, especially considering that construction employers pay the highest effective rate of any industry at 30.3 percent.  The Senate tax reform bill has been substantially improved over the course of the past few days and we support its passage.

Construction Employment Increases in 243 Metro Areas Between October 2016 & 2017 as Officials Urge Changes to Tax Reform Bill to Sustain Growth

Construction employment increased in 243 out of 358 metro areas between October 2016 and October 2017, declined in 59 and stagnated in 56, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released today by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials said the best way to ensure metro areas continue to add construction jobs is to treat small and medium-sized employers more fairly and include new infrastructure funding as part of federal tax reform.

Construction Employment Rises in 41 States Between October 2016 and October 2017; Jobs Increase in 26 States Between September and October

Forty-one states added construction jobs between October 2016 and October 2017, while 26 states added construction jobs between September and October, continuing a pattern of widespread but uneven growth in industry employment, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of Labor Department data released today.  The association’s chief economist suggested that recent job gains would have been more widespread if enough qualified workers were available.

Construction Jobs Increase in 35 States and D.C. Between September 2016 and September 2017; 26 States Added Jobs Between August and September

Thirty-five states and the District of Columbia added construction jobs between September 2016 and September 2017, while 26 states added construction jobs between August and September as some state employment levels were impacted by recent hurricanes, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of Labor Department data released today. Association officials noted that construction employment in many parts of the country would have been higher if more qualified workers were available.

Construction Industry Adds 8,000 Jobs in September and 184,000 Over the Year; Hourly Earnings Rise 3 Percent as Sector Struggles to Fill Key Positions

Construction employment increased by 8,000 jobs in September to the highest level since October 2008, amid a tight labor market that may be keeping contractors from hiring as many workers as they need, according to an analysis of new government data by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials said construction employment gains would have been higher if more high school students were exposed to construction as a possible career option.

Construction Spending Increases in Most Categories from July to August But Year-Over-Year Changes Are Mixed, with Big Drops in Infrastructure

Most major construction spending categories increased from July to August but activity was mixed compared to spending levels a year earlier, according to an analysis of new government data by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials noted that big drops in public investments mean infrastructure will continue to deteriorate and impede economic growth.

Construction Employment Increases in 274 out of 358 Metro Areas Between August 2016 and 2017 as Firms Work to Cope with Growing Labor Shortages

Construction employment increased in 274 out of 358 metro areas between August 2016 and August 2017, declined in 52 and stagnated in 32, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released today by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials noted that the construction job gains come even as 70 percent of responding firms reported having a hard time finding qualified craft workers to hire.

Construction Industry Adds 28,000 Jobs in August After Spending Drop in July, But Contractors Cite Widespread Difficulty Finding Experienced Workers

Construction employment increased by 28,000 jobs in August, following a dip in hiring and spending in July, but contractors face a lack of experienced workers, according to an analysis of new government data and a new workforce survey by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials said construction job growth would have been even higher but a majority of firms report having a hard time finding qualified workers.

Thirty-Six States and D.C. Add Construction Jobs Between July 2016 & 2017 But Only Half of the States Added Jobs Between June and July

Thirty-six states and the District of Columbia added construction jobs between July 2016 and July 2017, yet only half the states added construction jobs between June and July amid declining public-sector investments in infrastructure and other construction projects, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of Labor Department data released today. Association officials said firms in parts of the country that build infrastructure projects are seeing less demand for their services amid overall declines in public-sector spending.

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