According to the American Institute of Architects (AIA), President Obama’s proposal to spur job creation in the United States is a step in the right direction, but more can be done. They released this official statement today:
“The president’s proposal to spur job creation and stimulate the economy through tax breaks for small businesses, investment in infrastructure projects, and incentives for home owners to make energy efficient improvements are all ideas that we have advocated for or testified before Congress in support of,” says AIA Executive Vice President and CEO Christine McEntee. “But with unemployment rates in the construction industry, which accounts for roughly 10 percent of GDP, rising past 19 percent in November, there are additional measures that can have a wider impact and accelerate economic recovery. We urge Congress to expand the energy efficient commercial tax deduction, dedicate additional investments for the construction of green schools, and, most importantly, redirect TARP monies toward lending for commercial and institutional design and construction projects to get America building again.”