|
contents | events | |||||||||
| AIA Advocacy Week outlines agenda for the built environment In order to strengthen relationships between Members of Congress and the architectural profession, the American Institute of Architects (AIA) is conducting its inaugural Advocacy Week during March 24 – 29, 2008. This is an organized, in-district congressional visit program designed to connect AIA members with their congressional representatives during district work periods. "The intention of this program is for local AIA members to meet with their respective representative in their home district rather than contend with numerous distractions when Congress is in session, " said Paul Mendelsohn, AIA vice president, government and community relations. "This approach can allow a more detailed discussion on the issues and the value of architects in the community, as well as outline the benefits of AIA policies in the real world." The three key AIA 2008 legislative "asks": • Enact incentives for energy-efficient buildings: Ask members of Congress to vote to extend tax incentives to promote energy efficiency and cosponsor legislation, soon to be introduced by Rep. Ed Perlmutter (D-Colo.) that will provide incentives for homebuilders and homeowners to design, construct, and renovate energy-efficient homes and neighborhoods. • Promote healthy and safe communities through transportation funding: Oppose proposals to raid the Mass Transit Trust Fund to shore up the Highway Trust Fund and support provisions in next year's highway bill that provide incentives for projects that build safe and prosperous communities. • Eliminate retainage rules on architects and engineers: Urge members of Congress to pass legislation to eliminate the 10 percent retainage of fees on architects and engineers who contract with the federal government. write your comments about the article :: © 2008 Construction News :: home page |