Memphis Standard

U.S. Senators Marsha Blackburn and Jacky Rosen have introduced a bipartisan bill aimed at addressing the shortage of skilled construction workers in an effort to increase housing supply and reduce costs. The proposed legislation, known as the Creating Opportunities for New Skills Training at Rural or Underserved Colleges and Trade Schools (CONSTRUCTS) Act, would establish a grant program under the Department of Labor to fund training programs in residential housing construction at community colleges and technical schools.

Senator Blackburn emphasized the importance of this initiative by stating, "We are currently facing a shortage of highly skilled construction workers, which drives up the price of construction." She believes that expanding training opportunities will help students enter and excel in the industry.

Senator Rosen highlighted Nevada's housing affordability crisis, noting that "the shortage of skilled construction workers is limiting supply and driving up costs." She is committed to using this legislation to help alleviate these issues by increasing housing stock and reducing expenses.

The National Association of Home Builders has expressed support for the CONSTRUCTS Act. Carl Harris, Chairman of the association, noted that their industry often faces a worker shortage ranging from 200,000 to 400,000 each month. He stated that supporting educational programs through this act would ensure there are enough workers to meet national housing needs.

Matt Josephs from the Local Initiatives Support Corporation also supports the reintroduction of this bill. He believes it will address housing shortages in rural and underserved areas while creating well-paying jobs in residential construction.