Pictured, from left, are IBA Treasurer Brett Harter, Lieutenant Governor Suzanne Crouch, Director Larry Coplen, and State Parliamentarian Frank Rhoades.

WARSAW — Members of the Builders Association of Kosciusko-Fulton Counties met with Indiana Lieutenant Governor Suzanne Crouch on Monday to discuss challenges the building industry is facing.

Affordable housing is the cornerstone of the home builders’ association — but proposed mandatory legislation, skilled labor shortages, and lumber import tariffs coupled with domestic lumber supply shortages continue to threaten the cost of new housing starts in the face of affordable housing shortages. Discussions with state and national policymakers are crucial to keeping affordable housing at the forefront of policymaking.

The Indiana Builders Association plans events for members to meet with lawmakers and elected officials in order to strengthen the voice of the building industry. The IBA and local association members will meet with Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb in August.