Congressional Tax Reform Proposal Aims to Lower Tax Rates for Construction Employers

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The CEO of the Associated General Contractors of America, Stephen E. Sandherr, released the following statement in reaction to the release today of a Congressional proposal to reform the federal tax code: “The tax proposal released today provides a much-needed framework that will provoke important debate about the best way to improve the tax environment for employers and workers. As Congress and the Trump administration work to further refine today’s proposal, we will continue our vigorous advocacy work to ensure the measure benefits construction employers of all types and sizes. In particular, we will work to ensure that pass-through businesses, … Read more

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Construction Employment Increases in 250 out of 358 Metro Areas between August 2016, 2017

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Construction employment increased in 250 out of 358 metro areas between September 2016 and September 2017, declined in 56 and stagnated in 52, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials noted that continued strong demand for construction is placing new strains on an already tight construction labor market. “Construction firms in many parts of the country continue to expand to keep up with demand for their services,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “Yet construction growth would likely have been even more robust if contractors could find … Read more

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Construction Jobs Increase in 35 States, D.C. between September 2016 Year-Over-Year

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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 recently. Association officials noted that construction employment in many parts of the country would have been higher if more qualified workers were available. “Contractors in most states still report they are busy and expect to stay that way for the foreseeable future,” said Ken Simonson, chief economist for … Read more

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Construction Industry Adds 8K Jobs in September, 184K Throughout Year

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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 firms added employees over the past year at a much higher rate than the public and private sectors as a whole, and contractors have been boosting pay … Read more

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Construction Spending Increases in Most Categories from July to August, Mixed Year-Over-Year Changes

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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. “It is encouraging that spending rebounded in August for many types of residential, private nonresidential and public projects,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “However, the August numbers also show that public and private nonresidential construction is continuing to slow or fall below last … Read more

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