State of the Union: AIA Commends President Obama for Focusing on Innovation and Investments that Create Jobs

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Jan 26, 2011, 02:05 ET

AIA Renews Call for Freeing Up Access to Credit, Energy Conservation Measures

WASHINGTON, Jan. 26, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The American Institute of Architects today praised President Obama's State of the Union address last night for focusing on investments in aging infrastructure that create jobs. The AIA renewed its call on the President and Congress to enact measures that would free up financing for new projects as well as encourage energy conservation in commercial and government buildings.

"We are heartened by so much of what the President had to say last night," said AIA 2011 President Clark Manus, FAIA. "We applaud his emphasis on innovation – an attribute that is so much a part of the architectural profession's culture."

"We support his focus on the role America's transportation infrastructure investment plays in renewing America's competitiveness and in creating jobs," Manus said. "And we commend the President's call to repeal the expensive and unneeded new Form 1099 paperwork requirement slipped into the health care reform bill, which is a burden to so many AIA members who run small businesses."

"We look forward to working with the President and with Congress to pass legislation that would free up the nation's credit markets and encourage energy conservation measures in buildings, which account for much of the energy consumed in the country," Manus said. "Both issues are front and center with voters."

Indeed, a recent survey by the AIA found that almost two-thirds of Americans want President Obama and Congress to require banks and financial institutions to make it easier for businesses to get loans to finance expansion, invest in equipment and create jobs. Three-quarters of Americans surveyed by the AIA say new tax breaks should be given to encourage the design, construction and renovation of buildings that significantly reduce pollution and energy consumption.

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. Members adhere to a code of ethics and professional conduct to ensure the highest standards in professional practice. Embracing their responsibility to serve society, AIA members engage civic and government leaders and the public in helping find needed solutions to pressing issues facing our communities, institutions, nation and world. Visit www.aia.org.

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