WASHINGTON ?EUR??,,????'??? Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) announced its support on January 8, 2003 of the economic stimulus and growth plan proposed by President Bush a day prior. ABC applauded the proposal?EUR??,,????'???s plans to benefit the entire economy, including the U.S. construction industry. ?EUR??,,????'??The president?EUR??,,????'???s economic stimulus package will create immediate benefits for the U.S. economy, while setting the stage for long-term economic growth,?EUR??,,????'?? said Kirk Pickerel, ABC president and CEO. ?EUR??,,????'??There are specific elements of this plan that will have a direct impact on construction such as the changes in small business expensing limits that will impact firms?EUR??,,????'??? ability to invest in technology and new equipment to expand the business. This in turn has a positive effect on manufacturers, suppliers and others throughout the economy.?EUR??,,????'?? ?EUR??,,????'??Experts are predicting a mild slowdown in the U.S. construction economy during 2003,?EUR??,,????'?? said Pickerel. ?EUR??,,????'??The president?EUR??,,????'???s economic stimulus plan can help by encouraging individuals to spend and by enabling small businesses to invest in the future, stimulating job growth.?EUR??,,????'??