State and Local Issue: Workforce Development
NAHB’s State and Local Fund (SLIF) supports HBAs fighting against regulatory burdens for businesses such as independent contractor legislation. In addition, NAHB supports state and local efforts to ensure funding for programs related to technical education and skilled trades training.
Launching an Immigration Policy Educational Campaign
Florida Home Builders Association(FHBA)
There is a great deal of misinformation about an immigration bill passed during the 2023 state legislative session and subsequent reports of crews leaving the state. FHBA held a webinar educating their members on the legislation and wants to get that information out to work crews. SLIF funding will support an information campaign that will include workplace posters, handouts in multiple languages, and social media advertising to counter misinformation and share the facts about the new law.
Estimated project cost: $30,000
Fund request: $15,000
South Dakota Trade School Amendment
South Dakota Home Builders
Industry leaders organized a council to draft an amendment to ensure that technical institutes in South Dakota had a clearly defined status in the state constitution. The updated status would provide funding for the institutes during the state appropriations process. A “yes” vote on proposed Amendment R would solidify the status. SLIF funds would support a public education campaign about the amendment.
Estimated project cost: $750,000
Funding request: $20,000
Results: Approved; 50.61% of the voters approved the ballot measure
Call to Action: Independent Contractor Regulations
Vermont Builders & Remodelers Association
Home builders and remodelers in Vermont were fighting against independent contractor legislation. A proposed regulation would jeopardize worker classifications and force builders to place the contractors on their payroll with a W2. So the HBA sought out SLIF to hire a firm to help advocate against independent contractor regulations through media outreach and grassroots efforts.
Project cost: $32,000
Funding request: $20,000
Vermont Workforce Development Initiative
Vermont Builders & Remodelers Association
Labor shortages in the local housing industry result in higher construction costs, increased home prices and lower economic growth. To entice workers, the HBA connected with local credit unions to develop a mortgage down payment loan guarantee program for all individuals who have completed the National Trades Training program Home Builders Institute offers. SLIF funding would support these efforts.
Project cost: $22,000
Funding requested: $20,000
