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On Jan. 31, 91����Ƶ, along with 91����Ƶ of Western Kentucky and Ray Black & Son, led U.S. Representative James Comer of Kentucky on a tour of the $26.2 million construction of the Paducah Innovation Hub. The facility will house several traditional technical center classes including carpentry, welding, and electricity as well as classes in computer-aided design, engineering, and robotics. During the tour, the group spoke about the workforce shortages facing the construction industry and how facilities like the Paducah Innovation Hub will help address these concerns. Specifically, the group noted a 2019 91����Ƶ of America survey that found 85 percent of contractors in Kentucky are having “a hard time filling some or all positions.” During the visit 91����Ƶ urged Rep. Comer to utilize his role on the House Education and Labor Committee to advocate for increased career and technical education funding. The visit was covered by both the Paducah Sun and West Kentucky Star.

91����Ƶ is preparing comments on a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposed update to the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) that would clarify when damage to protected birds would result in criminal charges. The Feb. 3 proposal would codify the Trump administration’s Solicitor’s Opinion M-37050 that determined “incidental take” resulting from otherwise lawful action does not violate the Act---and instead would prohibit actions specifically directed at migratory birds, their nests, or their eggs. Currently, construction contractors actively avoid and minimize impacts on migratory birds and implement protective measures outlined by the Service. However, that does not eliminate the risk of severe penalties. For further information on this proposal, click “learn more”

Homebuilding Strengthens but Infrastructure and Other Nonresidential Spending Fades in Recent Months, Reversing Pattern in Early 2019; Industry Survey Shows Strong 2020 Demand for Projects and Workers

On Jan. 29, the House Committee on Ways and Means, which has jurisdiction over federal financing tools and revenue raising measures, held a hearing on infrastructure financing options. The hearing ran in conjunction with the House Democrats releasing their framework for a broad infrastructure bill. The committee heard from a broad swath of witnesses who reiterated the need for a long-term federally supported surface transportation bill and stated that demand for bond financing in the private sector and amongst investors far outstripped the supply of available bonds. 91����Ƶ expects the committee, in the coming months, to produce legislation or guidance on how to build on existing and/or expired infrastructure financing tools, such as Private Activity Bonds (PABs) and Build America Bonds, as well as explore revenue options for the highway and transit trust funds. 91����Ƶ will continue to work with the committee on funding options.

91����Ƶ recently submitted comments to a proposed rulemaking that would establish new transparency requirements on group health plans and health insurers in the individual and group markets. 91����Ƶ is in favor of increasing transparency for employers and their employees to empower them as health care consumers; however, as markets differ, the approach to transparency for different types of employer-sponsored plans must also differ.

Save the Date for July 14-16, 2020, in Louisville, KY

On December 18, 2019, the Master Builders’ Association Young Constructors (MBAYC) presented the Mario Lemieux Foundation with their annual donation. The MBAYC also delivered toys to the Austin’s Playroom at AHN West Penn Hospital’s NICU.

In 2011, Joe Tiernan was 22 and starting his career as a producer with Holmes Murphy, an independent risk management and insurance brokerage firm, at their headquarters in Des Moines, Iowa. He and his wife Victoria were newly engaged, and the thought of enhancing the presence of one of their satellite offices within the construction community appealed to his adventurous side. He took a leap of faith and moved to their growing office in Kansas City.

The General Building Contractors Association (GBCA) Construction Leadership Council (CLC) made a huge effort to give back to Philadelphians in need during the 2019 holiday season. On Tuesday, December 3, 2019, the CLC Steering Committee and the Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters (EAS Carpenters) visited the Campout for Hunger, a local radio station’s week-long event that collects food for Philabundance, a hunger relief charity serving the Philadelphia Region. Philabundance serves over 90,000 low-income Philadelphians.

The Leadership Development Council wrapped up 2019 with a donation of $1,200 and several toys (pictured below) to the Violence Prevention Center Southwestern Illinois. The Violence Prevention Center’s mission is empowering over 1,600 individuals each year to recover from the trauma of domestic abuse and find their way to a life free of violence. Their programs offer the promise of safety and anonymity and they pledge to protect and support all those seeking refuge from abuse the highest quality services.