Construction industry employment drops
The
number of construction workers declined in 31 states in the last year, and in
28 states in the past month, the Associated General Contractors of America
says.
Using Labor Department figures, the AGC said job losses were highest in Alaska, Mississippi, Arkansas, Illinois, Florida and Missouri.
Cuts in public construction funding are to blame, said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist.
“Public construction cuts in particular are taking their toll on construction employment in many parts of the country,” he said.
Stephen E. Sandherr, the AGC's chief executive officer, urged Congress to fund road building and other construction projects now.
"The longer Washington waits to act on vital tax and infrastructure measures, the more construction workers will lose their jobs,” Sandherr said. “The best way to boost employment and help the economy is to invest in basics like clean water and set predictable tax rates.”
Using Labor Department figures, the AGC said job losses were highest in Alaska, Mississippi, Arkansas, Illinois, Florida and Missouri.
Cuts in public construction funding are to blame, said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist.
“Public construction cuts in particular are taking their toll on construction employment in many parts of the country,” he said.
Stephen E. Sandherr, the AGC's chief executive officer, urged Congress to fund road building and other construction projects now.
"The longer Washington waits to act on vital tax and infrastructure measures, the more construction workers will lose their jobs,” Sandherr said. “The best way to boost employment and help the economy is to invest in basics like clean water and set predictable tax rates.”
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