The Associated General Contractors of America is not thrilled with President George W. Bush’s 2009 budget.

The $3.1 trillion proposal includes a 2.9 percent cut to infrastructure spending, just when the United States needs it most, association officials said.

"At a time when we're looking for ways to stimulate the economy, cutting infrastructure spending is short-sighted," said Stephen E. Sandherr, AGC chief executive officer. "This budget does not help to promote job growth and protection in a declining economy."

Association officials point out that there as been a 2.1 percent decline in non-residential construction during the last year, which means more than 21,000 jobs have been lost in the industry.

Sandherr also criticized the budget’s suggested cuts to highway, transit and civil works funding.