The Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) and the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) called on Congress to support policies that promote small-business lending and job creation.

In a joint letter from ABC and ICBA dated Jan. 20, 2011, the organizations note that “access to capital continues to be a major concern for American’s small-business entrepreneurs.”

The groups also say they believe that “tax policy uncertainty and a more oppressive regulatory environment have made it even more difficult to fund private sector projects.”

With the construction industry unemployment rate at 20.7 percent and a loss of about 1.9 million construction jobs since December 2007, ABC and ICBA say that “policies that foster job creation and economic growth must remain a top priority.”

For a downloadable PDF of the letter from the Associated Builders and Contractors and Independent Community Bankers of America to Congress, click here.