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Contact: Scott Frank
202-626-7467
sfrank@aia.org

For immediate release:
Washington, D.C. – March 18, 2010 – “We commend the extension of the Build America Bonds program and surface transportation programs in the jobs bill just passed by Congress, and strongly urge Congress to show the same bipartisan support for jump starting the struggling design and construction industry," said Christine McEntee, EVP / Chief Executive Officer of the American Institute of Architects (AIA). "The entire construction sector has such a far reaching impact on the overall economy and continues to suffer through layoffs and firm closings at epic rates. In order to truly stimulate the economy there needs to be a strong financial commitment to small business relief, broad tax incentives for energy-efficient buildings and retrofits, and passage of the HomeSTAR and BuildingSTAR programs for energy retrofits. We call on Congress to ensure that those areas are addressed in the next jobs packages.

About The American Institute of Architects
For over 150 years, members of the American Institute of Architects have worked with each other and their communities to create more valuable, healthy, secure, and sustainable buildings and cityscapes. By using sustainable design practices, materials, and techniques, AIA architects are uniquely poised to provide the leadership and guidance needed to provide solutions to address climate change. AIA architects walk the walk on sustainable design. Visit www.aia.org