Issue Description  

A skilled and reliable workforce is essential to maintaining a competitive building materials industry and supporting continued economic growth in the United States. Manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers, and retailers across the building materials supply chain face ongoing challenges related to workforce shortages, employee recruitment, retention, and the development of skilled labor. At the same time, businesses face significant federal, state, and local tax burdens that can limit their ability to expand operations, invest in equipment, increase wages, and create new employment opportunities. Policymakers should prioritize workforce development initiatives that strengthen career and technical education, expand apprenticeship and skills-training opportunities, and encourage partnerships between employers, educational institutions, and workforce development organizations. Additionally, targeted tax relief and business-friendly tax policies can help reduce operating costs, incentivize capital investment, and support the growth of American businesses. ABMA supports policies that strengthen workforce pipelines, promote career opportunities within the building materials industry, and provide meaningful tax relief to businesses that contribute to local economies and job creation.  

Impact on the Building Materials Industry and ABMA Members  

Building materials businesses rely on a diverse workforce that includes sales professionals, warehouse employees, delivery personnel, equipment operators, manufacturing workers, and skilled tradespeople. Workforce shortages can create operational challenges, increase labor costs, delay deliveries, and limit business growth. Expanding access to workforce training and career development programs would help ABMA members recruit and retain qualified employees while strengthening the industry’s long-term labor pipeline. Similarly, targeted tax relief would allow businesses to reinvest additional resources into employee compensation, facility improvements, equipment, inventory, and expansion opportunities. These measures would improve business competitiveness, support job creation, and strengthen the building materials supply chain.