Water Well Journal
Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/715953
jobs, and employment was unchanged in Illinois and Vermont. Pennsylvania added the most jobs (3400) and Delaware added the highest percentage of construction jobs during that month (3.4%, adding 700 jobs). Texas shed more construction jobs in June than any other state (–2800 jobs), followed by California (–2100 jobs). Maine lost the highest percentage of construction jobs between May and June (–4.7%, losing 1200 jobs), fol- lowed by North Dakota (–4.4%, losing 1200 jobs). Association officials said the fact nearly half of the states that added con- struction jobs over the past 12 months had static or falling employment be- tween May and June shows the wide- spread need to draw more workers into the industry and provide them the skills to succeed. They note 70% of firms report they are experiencing difficulty finding qualified workers. "Shortages of qualified workers appear to be causing construction em- ployment to stall in many parts of the country, and that lack threatens to affect broader economic conditions," says Stephen E. Sandherr, the association's chief executive officer. "Public officials need to act without delay to step up investments in the types of skills-based education programs that enable students to succeed in school and land high- paying jobs in fields like construction." View the state employment map at www.agc.org/file/state-construction- employment-june-2016. Bill Advances to Fund Science Research T he American Innovation and Competitiveness Act, S. 3084, was overwhelmingly approved during a mark-up of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. The measure brought forward by Senators Cory Gardner (R-Colorado) and Gary Peters (D-Michigan) reautho- rizes research priorities and funding for the National Science Foundation. The Senate bill authorizes $7.5 billion in funding for FY2017 with a projected 4% increase in subsequent years. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Nebraska) was the only dissenting committee vote on the bill. Although Fischer applauded the measures called for in the bill, she had concerns over funding increases without appropriate budget offsets. The Senate legislation takes a much less politicized approach than the House version, which cut funds for the geo- science directorate at NSF and increased the congressional oversight of NSF research. Timing for full Senate consideration of S. 3084 is unknown at this time. NGWA sent a letter in support of the legislation, through its participation in the Coalition for National Science Funding. Advancing Senate legislation repre- sents an important step in ensuring continued support for research by the National Science Foundation. NSF research plays an important role in training the next generation of geo- scientists by providing grant funding to universities. NGWA Provides Direct Access for Industry Professionals to Reach Congress NGWA has launched a Legislative Action Center at www.cqrcengage.com/ ngwa to provide new opportunities for NEWS from page 10 waterwelljournal.com 12 September 2016 WWJ