The Associated General Contractors of America’s chief executive officer, Jeffrey D. Shoaf, issued the following statement urging Congress to pass the Essential Workers for Economic Advancement that was introduced today by Pennsylvania Congressman Lloyd Smucker. The measure establishes the first-ever visa program to provide a lawful pathway for people to enter the construction industry.
“In a survey our association and NCCER released last month, contractors listed workforce shortages as the number one cause of delayed construction projects. In fact, 92 percent of construction firms report they are having a hard time finding enough qualified workers to hire. Congressman Smucker’s legislation will provide a much needed, lawful, responsible and temporary way for firms to find workers.
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