Masonry Magazine June 2010 Page. 16
MCAA
LEGISLATIVE
CONFERENCE
2010
Members of the MCAA converged on Washington, D.C., in mid-May to get front and center with the politicians who make the decisions that most affect our industry. We were early to rise, pounding the pavement of D.C. and knocking on the doors of Congressman on both sides of the aisle. Following are the bills we lobbied for (or against), along with our official position on those bills.
Mine Safety and Health Act (MSHA) Enforcement
Position: Our industry continues to maintain its commitment to worker and workplace safety as evidenced by the continuing reduction in instances of injury in our operations. Fair and consistent enforcement of mine safety regulations by MSHA will complement the industry's efforts and lead to a safer and healthier workplace. Anything less than reasonable interpretation and consistent enforcement of the standards will be counter-productive and serve only to divert mine operators attention from valid safety issues that will make a real difference in the safety of our workers.
Military Construction (MilCon)
Position: The masonry industry urges Congress to direct the Armed Services to incorporate life cycle cost and other durability considerations heavily into design and construction protocols. The present policy, particularly that of the Army Corps, grossly undervalues life cycle cost and durability as criteria for awarding construction contracts. This policy is costing the government billions of dollars long-term.
Comprehensive Immigration Reform
Position: The Masonry Industry supports a comprehensive approach that includes provisions to secure our nation's borders and creates a temporary guest worker program that meets the demand for labor and a process for addressing the undocumented currently employed in the U.S. We urge Congress to act quickly and decisively to address the ever growing problem and to pass a Comprehensive Reform package rather than piecemeal legislation which only addresses very few narrow components of the overall problem.
14 MASONRY
June 2010 www.masoncontractors.org
Shown are Senator Richard Bur (R-NC) and Calvin Brodie Owner of Brodie Contracto
Sen. Burris on the Senate Committee on Armed Services Senate Committee on Energy & Natural Resources Senate Committee on Health Education, Labor, & Pensions and Senate Committee on Veterans Affairs
The Voice of the Masonry Industry