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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Robert E. Belfanti, Jr. |
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Committee OKs Belfanti bill to preserve jobs, pay for Pa. construction workers
HARRISBURG, Feb. 5 – The House Labor Relations Committee today voted to send to the full House a bill that would ensure local contractors and construction workers benefit from economic revitalization projects that are aided in part by state tax breaks.
The bill's sponsor, Labor Relations Committee Chairman Robert E. Belfanti Jr., said the legislation would protect fair compensation and benefits for construction workers on these projects, and also guarantee that local contractors, both union and non-union, are able to bid on the projects.
The bill (H.B. 2054) pertains to repair and construction work done on deteriorating properties in areas that have been designated Keystone Opportunity Zones, Keystone Opportunity Expansion Zones and Keystone Opportunity Improvement Zones.
"Businesses that expand and improve their operations in these specially designated areas receive significant tax breaks and other benefits from the state for doing so," Belfanti said. "I want to make sure that when these businesses reap the benefits of these tax breaks, and when the community reaps the benefits of the economic development and growth that result, local contractors and construction workers also benefit."
Belfanti said most construction projects financed by Pennsylvania tax dollars are covered by the state’s Prevailing Wage and Separation acts. These laws ensure that contractors pay their workers fair wages and that local contractors have a reasonable opportunity to bid on state-funded projects. House Bill 2054 would apply those laws to repair and construction work done on projects in Keystone Opportunity Zones and similarly designated areas.
"Without measures like this one, large out-of-state contractors that hire unskilled, illegal workers often have an unfair advantage over legitimate contractors and local construction workers," he said. "This legislation ensures that doesn't happen on projects that are being funded by state taxpayers."
The legislation was approved by the Labor Relations Committee 21-8. It is one of several measures Belfanti announced earlier this legislative session that he would introduce to protect legitimate Pennsylvania contractors and their employees.
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CONTACT: Michael J. Herzing Fax: 717-783-6839
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