Masonry Position Papers
Workforce for An Expanding Economy (H.R. 1740)
Issue
For the past 5 years, the masonry industry has been working as the American economy has recovered from the recession to highlight the need for a qualified workforce in the construction and masonry industries.
Position
The MCAA supports an approach that creates a temporary guest worker program that meets the demand for labor.
Misclassification of Employees as Independent Contractors
Issue
Some contractors in the construction industry are deliberately misclassifying workers as independent contractors rather than employees to avoid payroll taxes, insurance premiums and other employment expenses in order to boost company profits.
Position
Congress should pass legislation allowing the Department of Labor to levy massive fines and penalties to once and for all curb the practice of misclassification of employees.
OSHA Regulations
Issue
The MCAA and our member companies continue to be concerned with new regulations being pushed for by outside groups and pursued by OSHA
Position
The MCAA would ask Congress to play close attention to OSHA and the regulations that they are putting forth and conduct proper oversight to such rules.
School Infrastructure
Issue
Mason contractors throughout the country have been watching over the past year as Congress and the President continue to discuss the need and desire to pass a broad based infrastructure investment package.
Position
The MCAA fully supports adding language to any broad based infrastructure investment package that would include funds to repair and renovate our nation’s public school buildings.
Workforce Development
Issue
The masonry industry aims to to engage students and parents to reduce the stigma associated with career and technical education.
Position
The masonry industry urges Congress moves to reauthorize the Perkins Act and include incentives for high schools that participate in vocational programs.
Estate Tax
Issue
Businesses, both large corporations and small family owned businesses, which employ the majority of the American workers, deserve a realistic and reasonable chance of continuing in business after the estates of deceased owners are settled.
Position
The masonry industry supports permanent repeal of the federal estate tax, and urges the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate to pass a permanent repeal of the estate tax.
Estate Tax Rule Change
Issue
The proposed regulations eliminate or greatly reduce the discounts for lack of control and lack of marketability for “family related entities” and will discourage families from continuing to operate and build their family businesses.
Position
The masonry industry opposes the rule as the proposed regulations will harm the American economy.
Pension Reform
Issue
Multi-Employer Defined Benefit Pension Plans have become a crushing burden on those industries that are involved.
Position
The masonry industry supports reform that will allow for transition away from the Defined Benefit Plans, ultimately de-risking these plans by paying down the unfunded liabilities while transitioning to alternative type plans.
Rebounding the Highly Skilled Workforce
Issue
A spike in mason retirements in the next decade which will create a labor shortage. Insufficient numbers of new masons will not offset retirements, much less keep pace with demands for new houses, industrial facilities, schools, hospitals and offices.
Position
The masonry industry strongly encourages support of full budget allocations and appropriations for Perkins Act vocational and technical training programs, with special emphasis on investment in trades in greatest need for new workers.
Bid Shopping
Issue
Bid shopping is a questionable practice that takes place when a general contractor attempts to pad his profit margin for shopping for lower-priced subcontractors than those listed in the original bid.
Position
The masonry industry believes it is time to end deceptive practices that cheat the taxpayer and supports legislation requiring general contractors bidding on federal projects to list the subcontractors and their bids, and justify any subsequent changes.
Archived Positions
- 3% Government Withholding Tax
- Alternative Minimum Tax
- America’s Affordable Health Choices Act
- BRICK Act (H.R. 1917)
- Comprehensive Immigration Reform
- Concrete Masonry Checkoff (H.R. 1046/S. 374)
- Crystalline Silica
- Military Construction (MilCon)
- National Energy Policy
- Small Business Administration’s Office of Advocacy
- Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act
- Timber Innovation Act (H.R. 1380/S. 538)
