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Monthly Update From Dawn Rogers, Executive Director Arizona Masonry Council As we move through a busy start to the year, I’m proud to share the continued momentum building across Arizona’s masonry community. Representing Arizona on the National Stage The Arizona Masonry Council was on the ground at the World of Concrete and MCAA meetings in Las Vegas — connecting with industry leaders, sharing ideas, and cheering on outstanding talent in the Skilled Trades Competition. We’re especially proud of our Arizona competitors: ●       Level 3 – 3rd Place  Robert Lopez, Sun Valley Masonry ●       Level 1 – 3rd Place  Isaac Jasso, Keystone Masonry Their performance reflects the strength of our contractors, instructors, and apprenticeship programs here in Arizona. AMC was also represented at the annual conference of the Concrete Masonry & Hardscapes Association in Kansas City, where conversations centered on innovation, standards, and advancing the industry nationwide. Excellence in Masonry – Jury Review Our Excellence in Masonry Awards jury met in Houston to carefully review and vote on this year’s submitted projects. The caliber of work continues to impress, highlighting the collaboration between architects, engineers, contractors, and owners who are pushing masonry design forward. We look forward to celebrating these projects and the teams behind them at the awards event on April 24th. If you are interested in supporting this event with sponsorship, click here for more details - EXCELLENCE SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES Engaging the Design Community I had the opportunity to present as the Designer Spotlight for the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA) ASU Student Chapter. The focus was clear: bridge design and construction. From material performance to constructability, masonry offers designers a system that is both technically sound and design-forward. Conversations like these ensure the next generation of architec ts understand not just how masonry looks — but how it performs. Thank you to NOMA ASU for creating space for meaningful dialogue that strengthens the future of the A/E/C community. Strengthening Workforce Development On February 7th, AMC proudly celebrated the graduation of our latest apprenticeship class. Graduation represents more than completing hours — it reflects discipline, craftsmanship, and commitment to the trade. To our graduates: congratulations. You are the future of masonry in Arizona. A sincere thank you to our instructors, contractors, families, and sponsors who continue to invest in workforce development. Your support makes these programs — and the strength of our industry — possible. Apprenticeship Programs Kick Off Strong We’re also excited to have launched both of our 2026 apprenticeship cohorts — and the momentum is undeniable. This year, the masonry program welcomed the largest first-year incoming class in more than six years — and likely the strongest in close to a decade.  That growth is a powerful reflection of contractor commitment, industry collaboration, and renewed interest in the skilled trades. January 10 – Southern Arizona Our Southern Arizona class launched with expanded training locations as the program continues to grow.• Lab: Oldcastle• Classroom: Sundt Construction With sincere thanks to Pima Community College for their support in helping elevate and expand the program. January 17 – Central Arizona The Central Arizona class kicked off at the East Valley Institute of Technology (EVIT) in Mesa, continuing hands-on training for the next generation of masonry professionals. To our partners, instructors, and apprentices — thank you. We are proud to keep building Arizona’s masonry workforce together. What’s Ahead The calendar continues to reflect AMC’s commitment to education, advocacy, and collaboration: ●       Speaking at the 2026 Construction Industry Forum hosted by the American Council for Construction Education (ACCE) in Dallas ●       ULI Trends Day – February 20 ●       Hosting NOMA for an education and competition day at Oldcastle’s Solutions Center, followed by a block tour ●       Sponsoring Northern Arizona University students at the Women in Construction Dinner ●       Supporting Women in Construction Week in Arizona (March 2–6) Each initiative reinforces AMC’s mission: to strengthen masonry through workforce development, education, advocacy, and collaboration across the A/E/C community. Thank you to our members, educators, municipalities, and industry partners for your continued engagement. Together, we are building more than structures — we are building a stronger industry for Arizona.   With appreciation, Dawn Rogers Executive Director Arizona Masonry Council

Monthly update from - Brian Tassinari, AMC's Legislative Representative. Just six weeks into session, we have seen a remarkable onslaught of bills being introduced. For the 25 years I have been a lobbyist, every House bills started with a ‘2’ as in HB2001 and every Senate bill started with a ‘1’ as in SB1001. But for the first time ever, the legislature has run out of ‘1’s’ and ‘2’s’ and had to move the ‘3’s’ and ‘4’s’.  This logjam of ideas, some good and many not so good, has resulted in long nights at the capitol as House and Senate committees grind through hearings.  But for the next week, committee hearings are on pause as the both the House and Senate work through this enormous logjam of bills coming out of committee.  They must be considered on the House and Senate floor by the entire body before they can cross over to the other chamber – when the whole process starts over again. The most consequential issue taken up each year by the legislature is the state budget.  And this year, the news is not good.  Typically the state aligns itself with federal tax law changes to simplify accounting for personal and business taxes.  This year, the legislature sent a bill to Governor Hobbs to conform out laws to federal changes in the ‘Big Beautiful Bill.’  The governor vetoed that bill. She prefers not to include the business tax breaks from the federal legislation, which would amount to $100 million in tax savings for Arizona businesses if they were to be implemented. In addition to tax conformity, another legislative priority for AMC is H1241 municipalities; counties; private permitting providers.  The proposed bill would update current statutes by allowing property owners or their contractors to utilize private permitting providers for building plan reviews and inspections for single-trade residential construction projects without requiring approval from municipalities or counties. This change is marked by the insertion of new provisions that mandate private permitting providers to issue private permits and certificates of completion, which must be submitted to the relevant municipality or county within 48 hours. Municipalities and counties would be required to accept and track these private documents in the same manner as their own, and they would be prohibited from imposing additional fees related to the review or processing of these private permits. Finally, our meet and greet with Gubernatorial candidate Andy Biggs, which was scheduled for February 26 has had to be rescheduled.  Once a new date is selected, we will send out invitations to attend.

As we move through a busy and productive season, I’m proud to share just how active — and energized — workforce development has been across Arizona. We’ve been on the road supporting SkillsUSA regional competitions  in Yuma, Prescott, Peoria, Mesa, and Holbrook. These competitions are more than events on a calendar — they are opportunities to introduce students to masonry as a skilled, respected profession with real career potential. This month continues that momentum. While I’ll be supporting another regional competition in Avondale, John S. from Sun Valley Masonry will be helping down in Tucson. That kind of contractor partnership is exactly what makes this program work. Workforce development is strongest when industry shows up. Beyond competitions, we’ve been visiting schools and colleges throughout the state, including: East Valley Institute of Technology (EVIT) Peoria High School Yavapai College Western Arizona College Holbrook High School Centennial High School These visits allow us to connect directly with students and educators — answering questions, sharing opportunities, and reinforcing that masonry is a professional pathway that offers stability, pride, and long-term growth. We also recently celebrated the graduation of our latest apprenticeship class. Watching these apprentices complete their program and step forward in their careers is always a proud moment. Their dedication reflects the strength of our contractors, instructors, and families who support them along the way. At the same time, our apprenticeship programs at both locations are running full throttle. Classes are active, hands-on training is underway, and the pipeline remains strong. In addition to technical training, we recently wrapped up our Leadership Development course. Developing leadership skills alongside trade skills is critical. Strong leaders strengthen crews, companies, and ultimately the entire industry. Finally, we’re excited to be sharing all of the details of our Tender Training Program with partners in Texas. Arizona’s model is getting attention, and we’re proud to contribute to strengthening masonry workforce development beyond our state lines. Workforce development doesn’t happen overnight — it’s built through consistent presence, strong partnerships, and industry commitment. I’m grateful to be part of a community that continues to show up and invest in the next generation of masons. The future of masonry in Arizona is active, engaged, and moving forward. Ryan Gray Workforce Development & Training Coordinator Arizona Masonry Council

In accordance with A.R.S. § 23-363(B), Arizona's minimum wage has increased from $14.35 to $14.70 effective January 1, 2025. The $0.35 increase in minimum wage is based on the increase in inflation between August 2023 and August 2024, as published in the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Consumer Price Index. Posters, which are to be displayed in a place accessible to employees, may be found on the  Industrial Commission's Labor page   (direct links provided below). The minimum wage posters include information on exemptions, tips and gratuities, retaliation, and more. 2025 English Minimum Wage Poster 2025 Spanish Minimum Wage Poster If you have any questions regarding the upcoming minimum wage increase, please contact the Labor Division within the ICA at (602) 542-4661 or refer to the FAQ page: Minimum Wage FAQs

HB2429 - Occupational licenses; convictions Sponsor: Rep. Justin Wilmeth (R) Summary: An agency is prohibited from denying a regular occupational license or a provisional occupational license to an otherwise qualified applicant who has been convicted of a felony offense other than a dangerous crime against children, or a serious or violent or aggravated felony. The Fingerprinting Division of the Arizona Department of Public Safety is required to issue a fingerprint clearance card to an applicant who is applying for a card for the purpose of obtaining a license under Title 32 (Professions and Occupations) if the person's criminal history record does not contain any of a specified list of offenses. Last Action 2023-03-30 S - DISC/HELD - Senate Judiciary - Senate Judiciary HB2727 - Contractor licensure; handyman exemption. Sponsor Rep. Lupe Diaz (R) Summary The maximum value of a sales contract that can qualify for the handyman exemption from contractor licensure is increased to $2,500, from $1,000, and the Registrar of Contractors is required, beginning January 1, 2024, to annually increase that dollar amount for inflation. Last Action 2023-02-09 H - Hearing Scheduled - 02/15/2023 - House RA, HHR 5 02/15/2023 - House RA, HHR 5 HB2807 - TPT; prime contracting; exemption; alterations Sponsor Rep. Michael Carbone (R) Summary The definitions of "modification" and "alteration" for the purpose of computing the tax base for the prime contracting classification of transaction privilege taxes are modified. Effective January 1, 2024 and applies to contracts, bids, or other binding obligations entered into beginning January 1, 2024. Last Action 2023-03-13 H - DP - House Committee of the Whole - House Committee of the Whole SB1272 - CTEs; in-demand programs; funding Sponsor Sen. Ken Bennett (R) Summary Deletes the requirement for a 9th grader enrolled in a Career Technical Education (CTE) program to reach the 40th day of 11th grade enrolled in the CTE program in order to receive funding, unless that student was enrolled in a program on the in-demand regional education list. Deletes the requirement for the Office of Economic Opportunity and the Arizona Department of Education to annually compile an in-demand regional education list. Repeals the Arizona Industry Credentials Incentive Program. Last Action 2023-02-28 H - Hearing Scheduled - 02/28/2023 - Second Reading, Floor 02/28/2023 - Second Reading, Floor SB1290 - Inmates; documentation; workforce reentry. Sponsor Sen. Steve Kaiser (R) Summary The Arizona Department of Corrections (ADC) is required to provide an inmate who is discharged from imprisonment for a felony offense and who intends to reside in Arizona with relevant documentation to assist the inmate in obtaining postrelease employment, including coordinating with the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) to provide the inmate with a nonoperating identification license or replace the inmate's driver license or nonoperating identification license, if applicable. ADOT is required to allow copies of birth certificates along with ADC record cards to serve as valid forms of photo identification to obtain a license. ADC is required to provide an inmate with a list of documentation, including a copy of the inmate's work record and a resume that includes any trade learned by the inmate. Effective January 1, 2024. AS SIGNED BY GOVERNOR Last Action 2023-04-18 G - Signed SB1563 - Workforce; study committee; report Sponsor Sen. Steve Kaiser (R) Summary Establishes a 14-member Joint Legislative New American Talent Study Committee to review best practices to maximize economic integration of new Americans into the workforce, evaluate state requirements and policies that pose unnecessary barriers to new American workforce participation, and identify solutions that improve access to new American talent in Arizona. The Committee is required to submit a report of its findings and recommendations to the Governor and the Legislature by December 31, 2023, and self-repeals July 1, 2024. AS SIGNED BY GOVERNOR Last Action 2023-04-18 G - Signed SB1715 - Contractor licensure; handyman exemption Sponsor Sen. David Gowan (R) Summary The maximum value of a sales contract that can qualify for the handyman exemption from contractor licensure is increased to $2,000, from $1,000, and the Registrar of Contractors is required, beginning January 1, 2024, to annually increase that dollar amount for inflation based on the GDP price deflator and rounded to the nearest $50. AS PASSED SENATE Last Action 2023-03-08 H - Hearing Scheduled - 03/08/2023 - Second Reading, Floor 03/08/2023 - Second Reading, Floor Legislature: The legislature will reconvene on Wednesday, May 3 without a majority. And even after a replacement is named, other legislators have announced vacation travel plans, which will make getting a majority difficult for the first three weeks of May. Interviews to fill the vacated seat of former Rep. Liz Harris are also on Wednesday. The board will likely make the pick on May 10 with Julie Willoughby, being seen as the frontrunner. Also, reports indicate that the budget negotiations are proceeding well. Of course, with Governor Hobbs on the ninth floor we should expect K-12 and universities to do better than they did during the Ducey Administration, although details remain scarce. Arizona Industry Credentials Incentive Program: Some of the schools that we work with are upset that funding is ending for the Arizona Industry Credentials Incentive Program. This was a temporary grant fund created by the Ducey Administration; because it was designed to just run for two years, the program has not received any general fund monies since 2021. The Arizona Department of Education supports ending the program because there is no support in the legislature or the governors’ office for funding this Ducey Administration priority. However, the Department and schools still have to process all the paperwork associated with the program even though no money is being dispensed. At the same time, there is some support for more broadly funding for CTED 9th graders and CTED students enrolled in the year after graduation. Currently this funding is limited just to CTE programs included in the annual in-demand regional education lists created by the Office of Economic Opportunity. Finally, there has also been talk of eliminating the criteria that an associates degree offered by a CTED may only be for CTED programs that are on the OEO's in-demand regional education list. Prevailing Wage: Phoenix - On April 19 the City of Phoenix repealed an ordinance to implement a prevailing wage for city projects. The city had just passed that ordinance the previous month. The stated reason for the repeal was a 1487 complaint. 1487 complaints are a legal challenge that if successful can result in substantial loss of state funds to the city. The council is forming a stakeholder group to discuss next steps while the legal issues are sorted out. Most construction attorneys I have spoken to believe that state law clearly prohibits the imposition of prevailing wages by cities. Prevailing Wage: Tempe - Next week the city of Tempe will hold the first to two council meetings to consider the imposition of a prevailing wage for city funded projects. In conjunction with other industry groups, we have a series of meetings set up with staff and council members to oppose this ordinance

The bad news for the state budget continues. The size of the projected deficit has ballooned to $1.7 billion, which is even more dramatic when one considers that the state had a $1 billion surplus just last year. Nevertheless, the difficult negotiations between the Governor and the Republican controlled legislature are just beginning.   Legislatively, HB 2209 has popped up in the middle of session as an important bill for our industry.    As you may know, OSHA rules are regulated in Arizona by ADOSH (The Arizona Division of Occupational Safety and Health) -- which is part of the industrial commission. This delegation of federal authority is similar to the role that ADEQ plays in administering EPA rules. The benefit or this arrangement is the flexibility to amend rules to suit local concerns as well as access to regulators to discuss how those rules are implemented. Under our agreement with the federal government, Arizona can adopt different rules but they must be at least as effective as the federal rules they replace. Also, the state is permitted to make clarifications to federal law.   OSHA has proposed changes to its inspection procedures (under 29 CFR 1903.8) that could have many negative consequences for employers. Under current law- when a worksite inspection is required by ADOSH, the Walk Around Representative accompanying ADOSH must either be an employee of the company; or if the employees are unionized, by a union representative.    Proposed new OSHA rules would allow the Walk Around Representative to be someone who is neither an employee of the company nor a representative of the workers. It would also allow additional persons who claim to represent workers to be present for the inspection as well.   This raises the following questions:  Who is liable if one of these outsiders is injured on a jobsite; How would the worker compensation system work in this scenario. How many outsiders can join an ADOSH inspection. How can a company ensure that proprietary information is protected in the same manner as currently provided in Arizona law if third parties are permitted under the new proposed rules. How can a company ensure that everyone participating in inspection is trained in proper safety practices and use the appropriate personal protective equipment. Who pays if one of these outsiders is injured during the inspection? HB2209 addresses all these problems.  Click Here to view a summary of the bill .

Primary Election’s Over Looking ahead, the winners are off to the General Election ballot in November. As of the night of the primary election, a total of $2,693,812.05 was reported in independent expenditures to sway the election. We expect much more to be spent for the general election. The only race that came extremely close prompting an automatic recount was in Congressional District 03 with Democrats Yassamin Ansari leading the more progressive Raquel Terán by 42 votes- Ansari ultimately won. The biggest surprise was in LD8 where long time legislator Juan Mendez (D) lost his reelection with 32.18% of the votes. His running mate Brian Garcia won the majority of the votes at 34.33% and Janeen Connolly won second place at 33.48%.     Primary Election is Shaping the House & Senate Leadership Races Speaker Ben Toma lost his race for Congress to Abe Hamadeh coming in third at 21%. The House candidates running to be the next Speaker, are Leo Biasiucci and Steve Montenegro and Joe Chaplik. The Senate candidates running to be the next President are current President Warren Petersen and David Gowan. Former senator Vince Leach just regained his seat from Justine Wadsack so that’s a guaranteed presidential vote in favor of Gowan. Wadsack was a presumed guaranteed vote for Petersen. In both the House and Senate Republicans have a one vote majority, putting control of both chambers up from grabs in November. With Democratic Governor Katie Hobbs working hard and publicly campaigning to help all Democratic campaigns, Democrats are hopeful they’ll win full control of either the House, the Senate or both. To view a full report by Tassinari Terrazas LLC, click on the file link below: For a detailed report on results of Primary Election Districts Overview - Arizona State and Federal Races, click to download file:

Arizona voters will find thirteen measures on the ballot this November, covering topics ranging from  lifetime appointments  for judges to tax refunds for property owners. The state legislature referred 11 measures to the 2024 ballot, the most lawmakers have put before voters since 1984. Two citizen initiatives also qualified to be on the ballot this year: the  Arizona for Abortion Access Act  and the  Make Elections Fair Act . Download a PDF document containing description of all of the statewide initiatives on the ballot by clicking the link below. You can also find discussion on four of the major initiatives by visiting the Common Sense Institute's 2024 Guide . In addition to the statewide initiatives, there are many county-specific measures on the ballot, including Proposition 479 in Maricopa County, which is heavily supported by the Arizona Chapter of The Associated General Contractors. Prop 479 is a measure continuing the current transportation excise (sales) tax to address the regional transportation system by building new freeways, expanding existing freeways with additional access and capacity, constructing streets and intersections, expanding transit by increasing the frequency of bus service, providing additional bus, dial-a-ride and vanpool services and providing for capital rehabilitation of light rail. See a list of all county-specific measures on the ballot by visiting the Arizona Clean Elections Web Site .

Calling all architects! Save the date - April 24-26, 2025 Discover innovations in masonry while connecting with other architects and earning CEU's. This multi-day conference at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque will include...  Architectural Education Sessions Hands -on Masonry Project Tour of UNM Architectural School Click here for more information.

The U.S. Department of Commerce has established an industry-funded checkoff program devoted to the research, education, and promotion of concrete masonry products. The Concrete Checkoff Program is the first-ever Checkoff Program at the Department of Commerce. The program, passed by industry referendum, passed with support from 62% of Concrete Masonry Units (CMU) Manufacturers and 53% of CMU Cavities, and makes effective the Concrete Masonry Products Research, Education, and Promotion Order . The effective date of the order is December 18, 2021. You can view the order at Federal Register Concrete Masonry Products FINAL NOTICE . The Order empowers a Concrete Masonry Products Board, comprised of industry members appointed by U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina M. Raimondo, to fund and establish research, education, and promotion programs in support of the Concrete Masonry Product industry, subject to the review and approval of the Secretary. You can read more about the program at the Commerce Department's web site in the news post: Referendum Passes: Commerce Department to Establish First-Ever Concrete Masonry Checkoff Program Beginning December 18 | U.S. Department of Commerce . This is a nationwide program that will be overseen by the U.S. Department of Commerce in accordance with the Order and applicable laws. The Secretary of Commerce has final authority with regards to this program. As this program gets established and takes hold, the Arizona Masonry Council will remain active to ensure that our region benefits from this program and keeps our members informed. For more information on the National Checkoff Program, visit our FAQ page . Note that this Federal program does not replace Arizona's existing check-off program which is operated by AMC and continues to fund programs such as high school outreach, apprenticeship, and training programs.

Both events will be held on October 28, 2023 in Chandler, AZ! FASTEST TROWEL ON THE BLOCK COMPETITION Fastest Trowel on the Block competition will showcase the best of Arizona’s journeymen masons alongside their favorite tender. Each contestant’s goal is to build the largest block wall, using 8” x 8” x 16” CMU with only the mortar provided – in 20 minutes! Contestants must excel in both speed and craftsmanship. MASONRY SKILLS CHALLENGE The Mason Contractors Association of America (MCAA) Region G Masonry Skills Challenge showcases the training of first, second and third-year masonry apprentices and high school construction education students. In this competition, contestants are given a project drawing appropriate to their skill level and must lay out and construct the project in three hours. The winners of the masonry apprentice’s competition are then entered to compete in the MCAA National Skills Challenge at the World of Concrete/World of Masonry in Las Vegas, NV (January 2024). Jump to our information pages to read more, register for the event (including registration for high school students) and to find sponsorship opportunities!

With the heat of summer approaching, contractors need to be aware of the dangers of exposing workers to the heat. To address the hazards, ADOSH and Federal OSHA have both published Heat Emphasis Programs which enhance inspections and compliance activities on construction sites during the summer months. The program means that all ADOSH and OSHA inspections will now include an inquiry about the measures that have been put in place to mitigate heat hazards. One of the things that compliance officers will be asking about is whether or not you have a written heat safety plan. While a written plan is not specifically required in any current regulation, a written plan may be needed to show that you have evaluated the hazards and taken appropriate steps to keep workers safe. ADOSH intends to review plans created by an employer to reduce the risk for heat related illnesses and injuries. Written plans should address water, rest, shade, acclimatization, and training to recognize signs and symptoms of heat stress. The ADOSH announcement of the Heat Emphasis Program can be viewed at https://www.azica.gov/sites/default/files/2023-08/ADOSH%20Announces%20State%20Emphasis%20Program%20to%20Combat%20Heat%20Illness%20and%20Injury%20in%20the%20Workplace%20Release.pdf   The City of Phoenix has also been working to draft legislation that pertains to all contractors, sub-contractors, and leasing companies that would apply to any company working on a City of Phoenix Contractor, or doing work on City of Phoenix owned property (including city streets and other facilities). The currently proposed language is fairly straightforward with the main requirement being the all employers must have a written plan. The proposed legislation does not currently set any limitations or restrictions, but simply states that all employers must have a written plan to address the same things outlined in the ADOSH Heat Emphasis Program.  The current proposed City of Phoenix legislation can be viewed by downloading the file below. The City has held several public meetings about the proposed legislation (which is being opposed by AGC of Arizona) and expects to put this before City Council before May 2024. This draft was sent to stakeholders on March 12, 2024 and includes feedback from the March 7th stakeholders meeting.