New York Builders Urge Congress for Government Funding

As the government shutdown stretches into its 37th day, the New York State Builders Association (NYSBA) is urging Congress to approve a clean continuing resolution (CR) to fund the government.

In a press release shared with Breitbart News, the NYSBA emphasized the need for a clean CR to “prevent further harm to New York’s economy, small businesses, and construction workers.”

The resolution passed by the House is a straightforward CR that would fund the government at the 2024 levels established under former President Joe Biden, extending into fiscal year 2025. This CR has gained almost unanimous backing from Senate Republicans, although three senators—John Fetterman (D-PA), Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV), and Angus King (IM-ME)—who align with Democrats have consistently opposed it.

The NYSBA referenced an analysis from the White House Council of Economic Advisers (CEA), which highlights the negative economic effects of a prolonged government shutdown in New York.

• Economic impact: CEA forecasts a decline in New York’s Gross National Product by $1.2 billion weekly, potentially totaling $5.3 billion monthly.
• Jobs at risk: The analysis indicates that 2,600 jobs could be lost every month if shutdowns persist in New York.
• Federal employees: Approximately 115,000 federal employees in New York, representing 1.2% of the state’s workforce, will be furloughed or required to work without pay.

The press release also mentioned that a month-long shutdown might delay $140 million in Small Business Administration loans and result in a decrease of $468 million in federal contract spending. Additionally, the NYSBA pointed out potential setbacks in construction and housing projects, asserting that “federal employees responsible for inspections, permits, flood insurance approvals, and project funding have been furloughed.”

“A government shutdown isn’t just a political gesture; it has tangible repercussions for New Yorkers,” said NYSBA Executive Vice President Mike Fazio in a statement.

“Every week of delay translates to lost wages, stalled projects, and fewer opportunities for workers and small businesses. Congress must take immediate action to pass a clean continuing resolution that keeps the government operating and allows critical housing and infrastructure initiatives to proceed.”