|
Chapter Corner: Chapters Build Legislation
from the Ground Up
 |
| A special section of the June 16,
2006 Pacific Business News highlighted the GCA Safety
Award winners. |
AGC chapters across the country continue to play instrumental
roles in passing local legislation that protects industry
interests, improves the economy and enhances the lives of
Americans.
The chapters use different techniques to pass local legislation,
but the overall principles are the same. To gain the respect
of politicians and influence local opinion, chapters must
develop solid relationships with legislators, AGC members,
the media and other construction groups.
New Mexico
The Associated Contractors of New Mexico successfully helped
the passage of $1.8 billion in recent highway funding. The
chapter also supported separate legislation to streamline
environmental requirements by reducing the overlap in federal
and state regulations, increasing their effectiveness and
saving contractors time and money. As part of their campaign,
AGC members briefed the governor's chief of staff and met
with key state legislators in the House and Senate.
"A lot of our efforts focused on working with the governor
and the Legislature to educate them on our issues," says
Mike Gibson, executive director, Associated Contractors of
New Mexico. "We helped them understand that certain actions
could be detrimental to our industry and the economy."
Members also sent letters and talked with legislators about
their businesses, particularly about how the legislation would
improve the state's business environment.
Hawaii
The General Contractors Association of Hawaii improved its
industry image and that of member firms by working with Pacific
Business News to highlight chapter safety award winners. The
positive media coverage supported the work of the legislative
committee and lobbyist.
The meetings with local legislators cemented their reputation
as leaders in the Hawaiian construction industry and ensured
that legislators are listening, a strategy that has worked
well.
This year the chapter helped pass legislation on one call,
right to repair, subcontractor prompt payment and retention
issues. "GCA will be here for the long haul, forming
partnerships," said Johnny Y. Higa, executive vice president.
"Working with other organizations will be the key to
success in resolving our issues."
Texas
 |
|
Tom Johnson, Executive Vice President,
AGC of Texas, was quoted in the Dallas Morning News
on August 15, 2006.
|
Another chapter that has helped to shape both state and federal
legislation for the next 50 years is the AGC of Texas Highways,
Heavy, Utilities and Industrial Branch. The chapter wants
to ensure that local leaders understand the importance of
infrastructure investment and the connection between infrastructure
and a growing economy.
The chapter also plays a leading role in the Texas Good Roads
and Transportation Association, which promotes the industry's
statewide interests through media campaigns and work with
the Texas Department of Transportation. AGC of Texas members
also testified before the state Legislature about the impact
of pending bills on their businesses and increased statewide
awareness about the need for more transportation funding.
Two years ago, members helped to pass legislation that created
one of the most comprehensive state highway funding programs
in the nation. It will fund $3 billion to $8 billion in highway
projects over the next six years.
Montana
The Montana Contractors Association, Inc. has become a leader
in the state's political arena, partly because of AGC's national
reputation and the well-developed relationships between the
chapter, local media and legislators.
"We've become the go-to organization for elected officials
and media who want input on various issues," says Cary
Hegreberg, executive director, Montana Contractors Association,
Inc.
The chapter developed a consistent image as the local voice
of the construction industry. Member e-mails to legislators
and chapter-placed editorials contributed to the passage of
legislation banning open bottles of alcohol in motor vehicles.
"I don't think it would have passed if we wouldn't have
cultivated those relationships," said Hegreberg. The
legislation created a safer working environment for members
and kept the state from losing $5 million in federal highway
funding.
|
