Wilhelms testifies before Energy and Commerce Committee

Check off legislative authorization is needed

By Pam Holway

Mark Wilhelms, Vice President of Architectural Sales for Midwest Block and Brick, testified on behalf of the National Concrete Masonry Association before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Energy and Commerce in Washington D.C.

The June 4, 2013 hearing was entitled, "Our Nation of Builders: Home Economics" and was meant to educate House members that the housing market is fundamental to the health of the national economy and impacts such industries as manufacturing, construction, contracting and home services.

Wilhelms explained that check off legislative authorization is needed for the residential market to help itself.

The "Concrete Masonry Products Research, Education and Promotion Act of 2013" (HR-1563), would give the concrete masonry industry the required federal permission to assess itself to research, educate and promote concrete masonry technologies for the good of the American public. The commodity nature of the concrete masonry industry makes this commodity check off approach the most effective means of achieving objectives.

This program would require no financial investment from the federal government and would be funded by and managed by nominated and appointed representatives from the industry with minimal government involvement; oversight only by a reimbursed Department of Commerce.

The proposed legislation does not create the program; rather, provides the opportunity for the industry to implement (and if necessary subsequently terminate) through referendum.

If you would like to view the hearing or read more about Wilhelms' testimony, click here.