Carolinas AGC Advocates on Capitol Hill for Workforce Solutions in Construction

Recently, leaders from the Carolinas AGC Board of Directors, accompanied by staff members from the organization, made a significant visit to Washington, D.C. Their primary purpose was to participate in the AGC of America’s National Chapter Leadership Conference (NCLC) and to engage in discussions with representatives from North Carolina and South Carolina regarding critical issues facing the construction industry. The delegation aimed to shed light on the urgent need for workforce shortage relief, which has been identified as the foremost challenge within the sector.

Addressing Workforce Challenges

The workforce shortage has plagued the construction sector for some time now, creating significant challenges for contractors and firms operating in the Carolinas. Ty Edmondson, chair of the CAGC Board of Directors, mentioned the importance of utilizing their time on Capitol Hill effectively, highlighting that they were able to meet and discuss firsthand with six of the seven members of Congress from their home states.

This engagement provided a platform to discuss various proposals aimed at alleviating the workforce crisis, including advocating for immigration reform. A suggestion was put forth to create a guest worker program that could help meet the demand for skilled laborers in construction, ultimately providing the support necessary for growth within the industry.

Protecting Contractors from Liabilities

Along with discussing workforce solutions, the agenda also covered the need for protecting contractors from unfair risk liabilities, especially concerning the so-called “forever chemicals.” These substances, linked to environmental concerns, pose significant legal and financial risks. Hence, many industry leaders have voiced the need for comprehensive legislation that would shield construction professionals from unwarranted penalties or liabilities.

Funding for Education

Furthermore, the delegation emphasized the necessity of increasing funding for Career Technical Education programs specifically tailored for construction trades. By fostering educational opportunities and workforce training, CAGC aims to cultivate a more skilled labor pool ready to meet the ever-growing demands of the industry.

A Collaborative Effort

The trip culminated with impactful meetings with important congressional figures. Among the attendees were U.S. Rep. Virginia Foxx and Senators Tedd Budd and Thom Tillis from North Carolina, along with Rep. Jim Clyburn from South Carolina. These discussions reinforced CAGC’s influence and the critical nature of the topics raised.

During the NCLC, an impressive turnout was observed with nearly 300 participants from AGC's 87 chapters nationwide, showcasing the collective effort towards improving the construction business landscape across the country. Edmondson expressed his satisfaction with the representation from CAGC and highlighted the importance of conveying complex issues in straightforward construction terms to ensure that legislators understand the immediate needs of the industry.

Conclusion

As discussions on Capitol Hill concluded, the Carolinas AGC Board demonstrated remarkable commitment towards securing improvements for the region's construction climate. The engagement not only brought representatives together for crucial discussions but also emphasized the urgent necessity for legislative action on pressing workforce issues. Moving forward, CAGC will continue to advocate for these key initiatives, striving to enhance the construction industry’s environment for all its stakeholders.