CEO’S MESSAGE

Building A Stronger Industry As you will read throughout this edition,

AGC of California continues to be the “voice of the construction industry” as shown through our advocacy in our legislative and regulatory efforts. This year we have seen the introduc- tion of just under 2,500 bills (similar to past years). Of that number, our advocates identi- fied nearly 300 bills which have relevance to the construction industry. AGC’s Legislative Committee and members

Tom Holsman CEO, AGC of California

While there are

times when the sheer number of bills is both daunting and exhausting, our goal and focus is to do the very best we can for our members by protecting their rights and making the construction industry a better place to do business.

recently reviewed and took positions on over 150 bills. While there are times when the sheer number of bills is both daunting and exhaust- ing, our goal and focus is to do the very best we can for our members by protecting their rights and making the construction industry a better place to do business. Much of the work undertaken by our advo-

cates and supported by the Legislative Com- mittee puts AGC in a “defensive mode” to beat back efforts which would jeopardize the business climate in California, and in particu- lar, adversely affect those who make a living in the construction industry. However, AGC was proactive in introducing two key bills this year. The first bill, AB 1315 (Alejo), clarifies that

public works project owners are responsible for preparing required stormwater pollution pre- vention and must provide contractors, subcon- tractors, and small businesses (who are not the holders of the stormwater permit), a construc- tion plan as part of the bid documents. The second bill, AB 326 (Frazier), amends

the Labor Code to allow the use of a surety bond to meet the contractor’s obligation to deposit the required amounts with the De- partment of Industrial Relations in the event of a prevailing wage claim. Additionally, in the spirit of working together for the good of the industry, AGC is supporting and/or co-spon-

soring several proposals in cooperation with other construction associations. One of the most significant efforts being

undertaken at the state and national level is in- frastructure funding. National AGC is work- ing with a coalition to ensure the future of highway funding. This national effort has been met with much inertia from certain elected of- ficials who believe highway funding should be a state’s obligation. In California, AGC has worked closely with

Senator Beall in developing SB 16 (Transpor- tation Finance), which proposes to raise $3 billion or more annually over its five years to allow time for the State to work out a long- term transportation funding solution. On a regulatory front, AGC continues to engage with the Department of

Industrial

Relations (DIR) on the implementation of sick leave and contractor registration fees; the Water Resource Board on the impact of the drought; the California Air Resource Board on proposed new air quality regulations; as well as various other state agencies which impact the industry. While our plate appears to be full, it is

through the support of AGC of California members and their direct engagement that we have been able succeed in combating and com- promising, when and where needed, on legis- lative and regulative issues which impact the construction industry.

Tom Holsman

4 July/August 2015

California Constructor