A Message to Members from the AIA

With Washington in the midst of debate over jobs and the economy, the AIA has been relentless in reminding lawmakers that our profession is still struggling, yet has solutions that will put our profession back on a solid economic footing.

Yesterday, for example, AIA President George Miller, FAIA, had the opportunity to address more than 3,000 policy makers, elected officials, labor leaders, environmentalists, business leaders and the media at the 2010 Good Jobs, Green Jobs conference. He discussed the need to pass legislation that will get our profession and country back on our feet - legislation that will provide tax relief to struggling businesses, help make affordable housing more sustainable and more available and encourage investment in energy efficient green buildings to get architects working again.

Today, Chris Green, AIA, will testify before the House Small Business Committee. A small firm owner from Colorado, Chris will tell the Committee how his business is down significantly from last year because of the lack of access to credit, and how passing legislation to spark the economy will make a huge difference to him and thousands of our colleagues.

Congress and the White House are beginning to listen to our message. But we need your help getting common-sense legislation passed, bills like:

- * The Expanding Building Efficiency Incentives Act to make financing for building projects more available
- * The BuildingSTAR retrofit rebate program
- * The GREEN Act for green affordable housing

Please send a message to your representative in support of legislation to help our profession rebuild and renew our nation.

Thank you.
Christine McEntee
Executive Vice President & CEO

American Institute of Architects