Senate Introduces NAHB-Supported Workforce Development Bill

Bipartisan legislation championed by NAHB that is tailored specifically to ease the severe residential construction labor shortage was yesterday.

Sens. Jackie Rosen (D-Nev.) and Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) introduced the Creating Opportunities for New Skills Training at Rural or Underserved Colleges and Trade Schools (CONSTRUCTS) Act, legislation that will support the construction workforce, help improve the housing supply and bend the rising housing cost curve across the nation. Both senators championed this bill in the previous Congress as well.

The CONSTRUCTS Act directly addresses the lack of workers in the housing sector by expanding opportunities for residential construction training programs at community colleges, technical education schools and other training programs.

In any given month, there is a shortage of 200,000 to 400,000 construction workers, and home builders will need to add 2.2 million new workers over the next three years just to keep up with demand. By supporting funding for building and construction trades education, this legislation would bolster the housing workforce and directly address the shortage of skilled construction workers.

Companion legislation is expected to be introduced in the House in the near term.