What does 2011 bring for the Construction Industry?

We have heard the information from Economic Forecaster Dr. Raheev Dhawan about the economy in 2011. It looks bleak. Most utility contractors say we will be flat which means it will not go down but it certainly will not go up. Most think we will not see a recovery until the Summer 2011.

What do you think? What have you seen on the horizon? Do you think it is all tied to the banks that have all the bad loans? Do you think the economy is tied to other factors? We would like to have your input. Tell us what you see out there in the construction industry!

Help Support Full Repeal of New 1099 Reporting

As a nonprofit organization we strongly oppose the new 1099 reporting requirements contained in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (P.L. 111-148).

According to the American Society of Association Executives the new requirement, which was included in the healthcare bill without a public hearing or submission of public comments, would pose a major paperwork burden on all small businesses, many of whom have few employees. By requiring an employer to issue a 1099 for every $600 payment, or for any series of payments that cumulates to $600 or more during the tax year will drastically increase the amount of time staff spends on paperwork and compliance.

The provision was included as a way to raise revenue for the health care legislation, but there is no guarantee that it will do so. A July report issued by The Office of the Taxpayer Advocate reiterates that “the new reporting burden, particularly as it falls on small businesses, may turn out to be disproportionate as compared with any resulting improvement in tax compliance.” While the provision may increase correct tax filings, it will certainly increase business costs.

Write your Georgia Senators (Johnny Isakson and Saxby Chambliss) today. There are two repeal amendments that will be considered Monday, November 29 on the food safety bill: SA 4702 and SA 4713

• The Johanns Amendment (S.Amdt 4702) which is a full repeal with an offset from unused stimulus funds
• The Baucus Amendment (S.Amdt 4713) which is a full repeal with no offset

Davis-Bacon Wage Survey Needs Your Attention

It is important that all Georgia contractors respond to the Davis-Bacon Wage Survey that is being sent out.  While most construction companies in Georgia have always paid well above the prevailing wage, there are some parts of the State that this would not be the case. During a time when there was plenty of construction work and laborers were far and few many companies were paying premium salaries just to keep employees from leaving. This is not the case today. There are plenty of laborers, if they want to work, and prices for construction projects are low and so are salaries. It would be a shame to be put in a box by the Federal Government to pay a high prevailing wage when the area or need did not justify it.

The form is easy to fill out and can be found by visiting:

http://www.dol.gov/whd/programs/dbra/wd-10.htm

So, let you voice be heard in Washington DC. This is your chance to keep construction salaries in check. Believe me, the unions are being agressive about these surveys. It is time the open shop states stand up and be counted also!