On Nov. 19, the House passed حوإ¼½م½م-backed legislation to reauthorize the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act (TRIA) for seven years. With private insurers pulling out of the marketplace after the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks, the inability of insurance policyholders to secure terrorism risk insurance contributed to a paralysis in the economy, especially in the construction and real estate finance sectors. Since its initial enactment in 2002, TRIA has served as a vital public-private risk sharing mechanism, ensuring that private terrorism risk insurance coverage remains available at virtually no cost to the taxpayer. The Senate will next consider the legislation, where حوإ¼½م½م will continue to press for its passage.
This week, حوإ¼½م½م joined a group of 59 trade groups to call on Congressional leaders to pass legislation extending a number of tax provisions that have either recently expired or are set to expire at the end of the year (commonly called the “tax extendersâ€). The letter calls for extending these provisions through at least 2020.
Associated General Contractors of America Selected the Kentucky Senator for His Work Overseeing Comprehensive Tax Reform, Eliminating Regulatory Barriers, Approving Pro-Employment Judges and Supporting Key Projects
Construction spending was unchanged from March to April, with mixed results by project type for the month and for the year to date, according to an analysis today by the Associated General Contractors of America of new federal spending data. Association officials warned that tariffs and countermeasures by U.S. trading partners are adding costs and uncertainty to construction projects and are potentially reducing demand for numerous types of projects.
Construction spending hit a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $1.329 trillion and grew 5.5 percent for nine months of 2018 combined, with continued year-to-date gains for major public and private categories, according to an analysis of new government data by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials said that while demand for construction should remain strong for the next several months, the construction sector could be impacted by new trade tariffs, continues workforce shortages and higher interest rates.
Construction employment increased in 278 out of 358 metro areas between September 2017 and September 2018, declined in 42 and was unchanged in 38, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released today by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials noted that construction employment is growing in most parts of the country as firms expand to keep pace with growing demand for construction.
Prices for goods and services used in construction climbed 6.2 percent over the past year, intensifying a cost squeeze on contractors coping with widespread labor shortages, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of new Labor Department data. Association officials noted that the cost increases come as many construction firms are already grappling with the impacts of labor shortages and the prospect of further tariffs on key materials.
Construction costs accelerated again in June
Construction costs accelerated again in June, with steep increases for a wide range of building and road construction materials as tariffs against foreign goods come into effect, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of new Labor Department data. Association officials say that contractors will have to assume much of the costs as tariffs increase the costs of many key construction materials.
Construction employment increased by 13,000 jobs in June and by 282,000 jobs over the past year, reaching a 10-year high, according to an analysis of new government data by the Associated General Contractors of America. Association officials said many construction firms appear to be more willing to hire amid lower tax rates and a more favorable business environment, but caution that trade fights and labor shortages pose risks to future growth.