Construction employment fell in 288 of the nation’s largest 311 metro areas from April 2008 to April 2009, according to a new analysis of government data conducted by the Associated General Contractors of America’s chief economist Ken Simonson. The data highlights the critical need for the federal government to move quickly to invest stimulus funds without needless requirements that could hamper recovery efforts, he noted. “Job loss figures like these are exactly what prompted Congress and the Administration to craft a stimulus package designed to get Americans back to work as quickly as possible,” said Simonson. “Putting these funds to … Read more

WASHINGTON, D.C. — While the nation pauses this Memorial Day to remember its fallen soldiers, at least one group remains on active duty to help our veterans find work during these tough economic times. High unemployment rates have made it harder for recently discharged servicemen and women to transition into civilian careers. And with homebuilding down, the construction industry would seem to offer slim opportunities for our returning heroes. Yet despite these challenges, Helmets to Hardhats has been able to launch nearly 2,000 veterans into careers in the building and construction trades last year alone. Helmets to Hardhats is a … Read more

New proposed infrastructure and public building investments will create or support almost two million jobs throughout the entire economy in part because of the economic slowdown and massive construction layoffs that have occurred, George Mason University economist Stephen Fuller testified today. Professor Fuller, who made the arguments during Congressional testimony today on behalf of the Associated General Contractors of America, noted that the current stimulus plan’s proposed infrastructure investments would create or support more than 1.85 million new jobs between now and the end of 2010. He said that would include over 620,000 construction jobs, 300,000 jobs in supplying industries … Read more