Economists for the AIA and the AGCA predict improvement in the state of the construction sector of the economy as a result of the economic stimulus appropriations, but not until the third quarter, and perhaps not as much improvement as hoped for. Kermit Baker, chief economist for the American Institute of Architects told Reuters News Service in an interview that the appropriations "will put some people to work as soon as next month, but will not be a major factor until the third quarter. ... contractors will use existing workers before they bring back people who have been laid off, or start to hire new people."
Ken Simonson, chief economist for the Associated General Contractors of America, told his organization that the appropriations are "not going to be enough to bail out construction right away ... but it's a start."
Ken Simonson, chief economist for the Associated General Contractors of America, told his organization that the appropriations are "not going to be enough to bail out construction right away ... but it's a start."
