The American Institute of Architects (AIA) today announced
its “punch list” for Congress that, if completed, will ignite the construction
economy by spurring much needed improvements in energy efficiency,
infrastructure and resiliency and create jobs for small business
“America needs to create more jobs, to strengthen
communities, and find help for millions of young people to succeed in the new
economy,” said Robert Ivy, CEO of the American Institute of Architects,
"so we've created a punch list—a term that enumerates unfinished items in
a construction contract."
“The AIA’s Congressional punch list will help Congress satisfy
its implicit contract with the American people to spur growth and create jobs,”
Ivy said. “Our legislative agenda reflects the interests of our members, which
not so coincidentally reflects the priorities of the American people.”
“America needs to create more jobs, to strengthen
communities, and find help for millions of young people to succeed in the new
economy,” said Robert Ivy, CEO of the American Institute of Architects. A punch list is a list of actions that need
to be taken to satisfy the terms of a contract.
“The AIA’s Congressional punch list will help Congress
satisfy its implicit contract with the American people to spur growth and
create jobs,” Ivy said. “Our legislative agenda reflects the interests of our
members, which not so coincidentally reflects the priorities of the American
people.”
The AIA’s Punch List for Congress:
1. Re-enact Expired Energy Efficiency Tax Incentives
Congress left town in December without extending several
important tax incentives that expired on New Year’s Day. Of most significance
to the design and construction industry is the expiration of a tax break
enacted in 2005 for energy efficient commercial buildings. The 179D deduction
allowed building owners to claim a tax deduction of $1.80 per sq. ft. of building
area to install systems that reduce the total energy and power costs by 50
percent or more when compared with a reference building. As Congress continues
to debate long-term tax reform, it can boost the economy and create jobs today
by reinstating this deduction.
2. Help Businesses by
Reforming Government Procurement Rules
More than 97 percent of architecture firms employ 50 or
fewer people; every project they design leads to job opportunities for millions
of construction workers. But too many laws and regulations block innovative
solutions that maximize the government’s return on its investment. Congress
must reform procurement rules so that architects and designers can deliver
projects that are safe, productive and sustainable. In 2014, the AIA is aggressively pushing for
passage of The Design-Build Efficiency and Jobs Act of 2013 (H.R. 2750),
introduced by Rep. Sam Graves (R-MO) in July, which would reform of the
design-build contracting process so that more design and architectural firms
can bid on federal contracts without fear of losing money in the process.
3. Invest in the Next
Generation of Design Leaders
Millions of young people aspire to help their communities
build a better future – but a lack of opportunity and the crushing cost of
education hold them back. As a result, the design and construction industry
faces a severe shortage of talent, at exactly the moment we need to start
rebuilding for the future. The AIA urges Congress to pass the proposed National
Design Services Act (NDSA), which will give architecture students the relief
from crushing student loan debt as that granted young lawyers, doctors and
others – in return for pro bono community service.
4. Invest in
Infrastructure
Just as the Capitol dome, the symbol of American democracy
is undergoing a multi-year renovation, so too must our nation’s infrastructure.
Congress should pass a multi-year transportation reauthorization, which would
allow for long-term planning that not only repairs roads and bridges but helps
communities prosper; and enact a National Infrastructure Bank to finance the
design, construction and repair of buildings and other vital infrastructure.
Such moves would help free up capital for private sector building projects, and
new ways to invest in public sector buildings, providing jobs in the short term
and a more competitive economy in the long run.
5. Pass a
Common-Sense Energy Efficiency Bill
Last session, the Senate Energy and Natural Resources
Committee approved a bipartisan bill, the Energy Savings and Industrial
Competitiveness Act of 2013 that would encourage families, businesses and the
government to save energy. The Senate
should take up the legislation, sponsored by Ohio Republican Rob Portman and
New Hampshire Democrat Jeanne Shaheen, in 2014, and oppose efforts by the
fossil fuel industry to repeal existing policies that save energy.
6. Help Communities
Weather Natural Disasters
Each year, natural disasters kill tens of thousands of
people worldwide and inflict billions of dollars in damage. Many parts of the
United States are still recovering from tornadoes and hurricanes like
Superstorm Sandy. Congress can help communities fortify themselves from such
disasters by passing the Safe Building Code Incentive Act, introduced by New
Jersey Democratic Senator Robert Menendez and Florida Republican Congressmen
Mario Diaz-Balart, which encourages states to voluntarily adopt and enforce
nationally recognized model building codes.
About The American Institute of Architects
Founded in 1857, members of the American Institute of
Architects consistently work to create more valuable, healthy, secure, and
sustainable buildings, neighborhoods, and communities. Through nearly 300 state
and local chapters, the AIA advocates for public policies that promote economic
vitality and public well being. Members adhere to a code of ethics and conduct
to ensure the highest professional standards. The AIA provides members with
tools and resources to assist them in their careers and business as well as
engaging civic and government leaders, and the public to find solutions to
pressing issues facing our communities, institutions, nation and world. Visit
www.aia.org.
Source: BDCNetwork.com
No comments:
Post a Comment