PENNSYLVANIA NEEDS TO MAKE CHANGES | July 2024
Recent reports on this blog highlight numerous instances of poor decision-making and regrettable actions by policymakers. Labor legislation across all government levels increasingly harms both the construction industry and taxpayers alike. Much of this legislation seems to create solutions for non-existent problems, driven by misconceptions from certain labor groups about our membership.
Doesn’t the State Legislature Have Anything Better to Work On? | July 2024
July is the month of celebration, and we all take time out of our busy schedules to celebrate July 4th. For many, this is just another Federal holiday in which we get time off work, have picnics, and enjoy entertainment in the form of concerts and fireworks. Do all American citizens and those wishing to become US citizens really know what July 4th represents?
ABC Keystone is Thriving in 2024! | July 2024
ABC Keystone is thriving in 2024, benefiting both our members and the industry at large. As we near the midpoint of the year, let’s reflect on our accomplishments:
Rallying for Reform: Pennsylvania’s Call for Better Governance | June 2024
Over the past year, numerous articles have been fixated on the disappointing performance of our elected officials, and it’s time for a change. Politics have overshadowed policy matters, to the detriment of workers and taxpayers across all levels of government. Instead of productive governance, we often witness bitter partisan squabbling that paralyzes progress, and unfortunately, Pennsylvania is particularly notorious for this.
Founding Member Spotlight | Wohlsen Construction Company | June 2024
When Herman Wohlsen founded Wohlsen Construction Company in 1890, he embarked on a mission to construct exceptional projects that built strong relationships in the local community. Wohlsen quickly earned a reputation for a first-rate work ethic and remarkable attention to quality, and his legacy
continues with us 134 years later.
Doesn’t the State Legislature Have Anything Better to Work On? | June 2024
ABC Keystone has been advocating to the legislature for prevailing wage reform for decades. The prevailing wage statute, established in the early 1960s, has remained unchanged since its inception. Despite the significant increase in construction costs over the years, the threshold triggering prevailing wage for government-funded projects has remained stagnant at $25,000. Consequently, even minor repair and maintenance work now incur prevailing wage rates for the state, school districts, and municipalities
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Demystified: Balancing Risks and Rewards | June 2024
Artificial Intelligence (AI) Demystified: Balancing Risks and Rewards | June 2024
As the Board Chair this year, one of my primary goals was to foster more dialogue and resources around technology within our organization. I decided to kick off this initiative by addressing the elephant in the room: Artificial Intelligence (AI).
The Path Ahead for PA | March 2024
Anyone following Pennsylvania politics or news in recent history has likely felt like the world is losing its grip. Heading into a major election in 2024 has only exacerbated the situation. We have witnessed a number of wild policies that seem more like problems seeking solutions (often creating crises in the process) or plain pandering to labor groups. Unfortunately, these policies have had a harmful effect on merit shops.
Biden Wants to Run Your Business… | May 2024
In the wake of President Biden’s tenure, concerns about the overreach of executive power and its implications for businesses have come to the forefront. Promises of unity and bipartisanship have seemingly given way to a series of executive orders and regulatory measures that could fundamentally alter the landscape of American enterprise. With the administration’s focus on bolstering unions and enacting stringent regulations, the future of free enterprise hangs in the balance.
THE BIG 3! | May 2024
APPRENTICESHIP GRADUATION
Congratulations to the 2024 graduating class which consists of 86 apprentices! With the current labor shortage, this annual event is more important than ever as it showcases the women and men who have chosen careers in the trades. Let’s come together to cheer them on!
OPEN LETTER TO GOVERNOR SHAPIRO | April 2024
Dear Governor Shapiro,
The Associated Builders & Contractors (ABC), Keystone Chapter, representing 30,000 Pennsylvanians in the labor workforce in 33 counties, must respond to your March 2024 announcement regarding Project Labor Agreements (PLAs).
TOGETHER, WE CAN WIN IN 2024 | April 2024
We have seen some incredible force majeure-type challenges in the last few years and we’re all trying to predict what the next threat will be. Though we don’t know for sure, there are a few creeping up to start thinking about that will keep us on our toes:
