Washington, Feb. 7—Associated Builders and Contractors President and CEO Michael Bellaman released the following statement responding to President Joe Biden’s 2023 State of the Union address.
“President Biden enters the second half of his term facing a divided Congress and a choice. He can either continue with his anti-competitive executive orders and anti-growth regulatory actions that burden small businesses and hinder our economic potential or work with Republicans in Congress to find a better path forward through bipartisan solutions. These solutions must eliminate artificial barriers to competition and allow all workers to freely choose whether to affiliate with unions. A record 88.3% of construction workers have already freely chosen not to join a union. Worker choice allows everyone who has different desires to pursue their career dreams in their unique way. This choice is the bedrock of what America is all about and creates immense value for the taxpayer. Yet the Biden administration’s policies promoting government-mandated project labor agreements on taxpayer-funded infrastructure projects and support of the PRO Act undermine these principles.
“Last Congress, we saw significant investments in infrastructure and energy that are clouded by policies and directives from the White House that will discriminate against small businesses, limit the construction workforce available to modernize our critical infrastructure and increase costs for hardworking taxpayers. Voters in November sent a message that one-party rule has not produced the change needed to get America on the right track. It’s time for both sides to work together for the betterment of our great nation.
“What does better our great nation is addressing worker mental health, not only in the construction industry but in society at large. ABC is addressing this important issue through partnerships with American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and the Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention and prioritizing total human health, which is physical, mental, emotional, social, mental, intellectual, financial, occupational and spiritual wellness. Employers can build a resilient workforce by providing access to the appropriate resources. ABC is grateful that mental health was addressed during President Biden’s speech and stands ready to work with this administration to prioritize total human health.”
About ABC
Associated Builders and Contractors is a national construction industry trade association established in 1950 that represents more than 22,000 members. Founded on the merit shop philosophy, ABC and its 68 chapters help members develop people, win work and deliver that work safely, ethically and profitably for the betterment of the communities in which ABC and its members work. Visit us at abc.org.
