Common Sense Politics

Okay, I know that sounds like an oxymoron, but believe it or not there is a hearing today on Capitol Hill on a subject both parties can support.

A special House Financial Services Committee is hearing testimony today from design and construction professionals, among others, concerning the credit crisis which has resulted in the protracted delay of numerous construction projects and in the unprecedented employment decline of architects, engineers, and construction workers. In spite of the fact that our industry accounts for more than 11% of the country’s GDP, more than 25% of those working in our industry are currently unemployed.

The AIA recommends adoption of two bills that are targeted at reducing and resolving credit risk: The Capital Access for Main Street Act of 2010 {H.R. 5249}, and The Covered Bond Act of 2010 {H.R. 4884}. I sent letters today to Senators John Kerry and Scott Brown, as well as to my Representative, Stephen Lynch, urging their support of both legislative initiatives.

Thomas Paine would approve.