AGC Testifies Before House Committees on Stimulus

Dr. Stephen S. Fuller of George Mason University testified on behalf of AGC before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure on Thursday.  The hearing was held to examine how infrastructure investment contributes to job creation and economic recovery.   In his testimony, Dr. Fuller 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 these jobs would include over 620,000 construction jobs, 300,000 jobs in supplying industries and 930,000 jobs throughout the broader economy. To view the testimony, click here.  This is the third time in recent weeks that AGC has been asked to present testimony to Congressional committees concerning the status of the construction market and the impact of stimulus funding on the construction economy.  AGC past-president Steve Massie (Jack L. Massie Contractor, Inc., Williamsburg, Va.) also testified before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Small Business on January 14.  The hearing was held to address the state of the small business economy and identify policies to promote economic recovery.  In his testimony, Massie said that within 30 to 60 days of projects being awarded, firms like his would be able to begin work, hiring, buying materials and working to improve infrastructure.  Massie's testimony was highlighted in The Washington Post.  Watch Massie's testimony here.   AGC also submitted testimony to the U.S. House of Representatives Republican Economic Stimulus Working Group as part of a hearing they held January 15 on Economic Recovery Solutions.  AGC's comments detailed the benefits of infrastructure investments and urged tax incentives to stimulate the economy, improve energy and create job opportunities.