FIND A CONTRACTOR BUYER'S GUIDE
BECOME AN INDUSTRY PARTNER
MCAA Logo
MEMBER LOGIN JOIN
NEWS
The 2026 MCAA Annual Online Auction is Now Open ↗

The cost of government regulation

Words: Walter AlexanderAll too often, the federal government implements overreaching regulations that hinder economic growth for the average American business. Whether it be excessive taxes or burdensome rules, these impediments to success are unacceptable from a government that is in place to serve its people. In many cases, new regulations that have no foundation in fact or science are issued even when adequate standards are already in place.

The Occupational Health and Safety Administration’s (OSHA) continued focus on workplace crystalline silica regulation is one such example of unnecessary government regulation in the masonry industry. Despite the fact that personal exposure limits already have been instituted to prevent workers from developing chronic silicosis, OSHA has announced that it intends to “modernize” exposure limits for construction and shipyard workers and institute new, comprehensive regulations to lower these limits.

The issue of worker health is a serious one, but piling on unnecessary regulations is not an appropriate course of action. The enormous expense of implementing the new rules proposed by OSHA would have a significant effect on the masonry industry, potentially costing tens of thousands of jobs. These regulations cross the line between ensuring that workers are operating in healthy conditions and imposing restrictions that prevent businesses from reaching their full potential.

In these tough economic times, the last thing we need is an onslaught of regulations that stifle business growth. The last thing we need is an onslaught of regulations that stifle business growth.Rather, we need to ensure that the current policies are being enforced appropriately, and that any new standards are based on tried-and-true scientific evidence. If alternative options are available to enhance worker safety, these should be considered before job-killing regulations are imposed. The independent business owners have successfully supported sound policies for workplace safety in the past. Now, OSHA is creating an environment of unsound rules and regulations.

We, in the House of Representatives, have an important role to play in the prevention of costly, overreaching government regulations. I believe it is crucial for Congress to take active steps to ensure that agencies under our oversight do not impose rules that stifle economic growth. During my time representing the Third District of North Carolina, I have continually advocated for a regulatory environment that encourages businesses to grow and prosper.

The importance of workplace safety for employees in the masonry industry cannot be overstated. However, when private businesses already have implemented safety policies, superfluous measures that will hinder the American economy are not needed. It is time for Washington to get out of the way of business growth, and I believe that the first step is to end costly, unnecessary government regulations.
About: Legislative
 0
Is Contact with Wet Mortar or Grout Dangerous?
April 2026

In the world of masonry, few materials are as common as mortar and grout. Whether you are laying brick, concrete masonry units (CMU), or pouring grout into masonry walls, wet cement and mortar are constant companions. However, beneath their utility lies a

Zach Everett
Technical Talks
Read More
The Importance of Instructor Support
April 2026

Whether you are a new or veteran masonry instructor, we all need support throughout our careers. We can never stop learning, and keeping up with ever-changing technology, materials, and installation techniques can be overwhelming alongside the everyday pr

Curtis Hoover
Resources
Read More
Vibing Masonry #11: Innovative Concrete Masonry Technologies in Healthcare Design
April 2026

In the high-stakes environment of healthcare design, every material choice is a clinical decision. Architects, engineers, and facility administrators are tasked with creating spaces that are not only resilient and code-compliant but also conducive to heal

Steve Blye
Technical Talks
Read More
Why Termination Bars Still Matter: A Practical Look at Long‑Term Flashing Performance
April 2026

In recent discussions across the masonry industry, I have heard termination bars described as “old school.” The implication is that with modern materials, primerless peel-and-stick flashings, advanced sealants, and structural insulated sheathing, mechanic

Linda Potter
Technical Talks
Read More