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Tell Congress to Fund Infrastructure in Tax Reform
Contact your Representatives and Senators
There is still time before the end of the August congressional recess for you to reach out to your representative and senators and tell them to fix the Highway Trust Fund as part of tax reform and invest in transportation infrastructure. Congress does not return to Washington until next Tuesday and we encourage all our members to use this time to meet with and email your members of Congress and tell them to include a permanent Highway Trust Fund fix as part of any tax reform or new infrastructure initiative.
The Hardhats for Highways site has additional information including a TCC background document and talking points for your visits.
Department of Transportation to Withdraw Local Hire Rule
According to its August Significant Rulemaking Report, the Department of Transportation (DOT) intends to terminate its proposed rule to allow states to impose local hire requirements on contractors working on Federal-aid highway projects. While DOT never finalized this rule, the Obama Administration established a one year pilot program allowing states to use local hire requirements on an experimental basis. In a last-minute action before the end of its term, the Obama administration extended the pilot program for an additional five years. Last week’s notice expresses DOT's intent to terminate the permanent rule but does not address the pilot program. However, DOT is expected to eliminate the pilot program as well.
AGC has opposed this rule from its inception in comments on the proposal. AGC also discussed our opposition in a meeting with Transportation Secretary Chao early in her term and in letters to DOT on its efforts to reduce regulatory burdens. AGC was also successful in getting language in the DOT appropriations legislation requiring states, in order to receive permission to use a local hire preference, to certify that there is a ready pool of unemployed individuals who reside in the jurisdiction who have the necessary construction skills for the project, that the contractor would not be forced to lay off any current employees to meet the mandate and that the cost of the construction would not increase. FHWA is requiring states using a local hire requirement to meet these certification requirements.
Hall of Fame Nominations and Distinguished Service Award Nominations
In recognition of outstanding service within the heavy/highway industry and our association, nominations are being accepted for the following professionals:
• Hall of Fame (contractor members)
• Distinguished Service Award (associate members)
Requests for nominations are solicited through chapter meetings and newsletters. Nominated candidates must meet the following requirements before being listed for election:
a) Must have 20 years of service to the construction industry.
b) Active with OCA at least 15 years, serving at least 15 years on OCA’s statewide committees.
c) Candidates should have contributed significantly toward the stated goals and purposes of the Ohio Contractors Association.
Candidates must be nominated by an OCA member. No more than two may be elected to the Hall of Fame and one elected for the Distinguished Service Award each year. A secret ballot will be used to select nominees. Awards will be presented at the OCA Winter Conference. Deadline for nomination is September 22, 2017.
Please submit your nomination to Rachel Sirca at [email protected].
Past Presidents Service Award Nominations
The Past Presidents of OCA have established an annual award, “The Past Presidents’ Service Award,” that stands for recognition of outstanding service for or on behalf of OCA. Its purpose is to encourage OCA members to contribute more service for the association throughout the year and reward them for doing so. This award will be presented at the OCA Winter Conference.
The award includes $500 to be shared equally by those elected, as well as a plaque, supplied by the Past Presidents. Any candidate must be affiliated with an OCA member in good standing. He or she must have contributed some extraordinary service for the association during the year. Any, and every, OCA member is eligible. OCA staff members are not eligible. Any OCA member may submit a name to be considered.
All persons to be considered will be rated by all Past Chairpersons on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the highest rating. The person receiving the most points will receive the award. OCA will be responsible for distributing the names and resumes to the Past Chairpersons and collecting and tabulating the ratings of the nominees. Deadline for nominations is September 22, 2017.
Please submit your nomination to Rachel Sirca at [email protected].
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