From a governmental affairs perspective, the AGC of Tennessee works through its own staff lobbyist, and when appropriate hired lobbyists, to support legislation that is in the best interest of the the construction industry and consumers.

The importance of the legislative affairs effort to the industry cannot be underestimated. Each year legislation that is potentially injurious to the construction industry makes its way into the legislative process. Through our lobbying efforts and the marshalling of "grassroots" responses when needed, we work together to ensure a healthy legislative and regulatory environment in Tennessee.

If you know of an issue that needs the attention of your association, we encourage you to contact us at your earliest convenience.

Tennessee's new Immigration Law went into effect January 3, 2008 which would suspend or revoke a contractor's license if that employer "knowingly" hires an illegal alien. As with all legislation which impacts the construction industry, AGC will monitor the effect of this legislation. You can get a copy of the entire statute by clicking on the following link:

http://tennessee.gov/sos/acts/105/pub/pc0529.pdf

Background:

• Both the U.S. House and Senate are expected to consider the conference report for H.R. 3074, the "Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Act, for FY 2008," this week.
• H.R. 3074 provide much needed investment in the nation's surface transportation and aviation system and the investment is financed by user fees and will not impact the deficit.

AGC Message:

• H.R. 3074 provides $40.2 billion for the federal highway program, the exact amount required by the 2005 highway and transit reauthorization law, SAFETEA-LU.
• H.R. 3074 provides $9.65 billion for the federal transit program, which is a $640 million increase above the FY 2007 level, but slightly less than the amount guaranteed by SAFETEA-LU.
• H.R. 3074 provides $1 billion to repair deficient bridges in response to the August 1 Minneapolis bridge collapse.
• H.R. 3074 provides $3.5 billion for airport capital improvements - the same amount as FY 2007.
• The Senate approved H.R. 3074 by a vote of 88-7; while the House also approved the bill, it was not by a veto-proof margin, 268-153. President Bush has indicated that he will veto this critical bill as it exceeds his budget request for FY 2008.

Take Action:

• AGC strongly encourages you to contact your members of Congress and urge them to support the conference report for H.R. 3074 because a vote against H.R. 3074, is a vote against its transportation investment levels - no matter what else is in the bill!
• The House and Senate are expected to consider the conference report for H.R. 3074 this week. Both the House and the Senate need to pass the conference report by a veto proof margin.

• State of Tennessee
• Governor of Tennessee
• Tennessee General Assembly
• The United States House of Representatives
• The United States Senate
• White House
• Elected Representatives
• Tennessee State Legislative Bill Search
• Lexis/Nexis