House Passes Perkins Legislation; AGC's CEO Issues Statement

Words: Dan KamysSeptember 14, 2016 — On Tuesday evening, September 13, 2016, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Perkins Act legislation, a.k.a. the Strengthening Career and Technical Education for the 21st Century Act. This legislation brings measures to address construction workforce shortages one step closer to enactment, making it easier for school districts to teach construction skills and improving certification options. The CEO of the Associated General Contractors of America, Stephen E. Sandherr, issued the following statement in response to the Act's passage in the House: "The fact an overwhelming and bipartisan majority of the House approved this new career and technical education legislation is a clear sign that members of Congress understand the need to provide more students with the skills they need to enter high-paying careers like construction. Significantly, this new legislation includes reforms we have long advocated to allow school officials to offer programs that local employers need. In addition, the measure opens the way for greater acceptance of industry-recognized credentials within school programs, something we also have long championed. "Moving forward, the Associated General Contractors of America will be working aggressively to encourage the Senate to quickly pass this measure and send it to the president for his signature. The last thing our economy can afford is to continue preparing students for jobs that don't exist while employers search in vain for workers with skills that aren't taught."
Stepped White Brick Facade Shows How Masonry Can Shape A Modern School In France
March 2026

A school project in France is drawing attention for a stepped white brick facade that wraps a group of campus buildings. The design, featured by Designboom, is a reminder that brick is not just a material choice, it can be the architectural “language” tha

The Daily Digest
Read More
Zigzagging Brick Facade Showcases Masonry Craft At Somerset Shoemaking Museum
March 2026

A new shoemaking museum in Somerset is getting attention for a zigzagging brick facade, a detail that turns a simple exterior into a piece of craftsmanship. For the masonry industry, it is another reminder that brick can do more than “finish” a building,

The Daily Digest
Read More
Beijing Tightens Great Wall Protections, Raising The Bar For Masonry Preservation Work
March 2026

Beijing has enacted new regulations aimed at strengthening protection of the Great Wall, according to Global Times. For anyone who works on historic brick and stone structures, it is a reminder that masonry preservation depends on clear rules, careful pla

The Daily Digest
Read More
Heritage Stone Restoration And DOFF Cleaning Spotlight Specialized Masonry Care
March 2026

A London Daily News item points readers to Shire Stone Care’s focus on heritage stone restoration and a cleaning approach known as DOFF. For mason contractors, it is a timely reminder that historic stone and mortar demand cleaning and repair methods that

The Daily Digest
Read More