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| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
| State Rep. John Galloway |
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Galloway’s E-Verify plan ready for governor
HARRISBURG, June 30 – After a six-year quest, state Rep. John Galloway, D-Bucks, has successfully steered his E-Verify plan to the governor’s desk for it to be signed into law.
Galloway’s original bill was amended into S.B. 637. The new bill would impact all contractors bidding on any job which requires prevailing wages. All contractors and subcontractors on every public works project, including any state, county, municipal or school project, would be required to verify employability through the federal government’s online E-Verify system.
"This is definitely a jobs bill," Galloway said. "It keeps contractors competing on equal ground and it prevents illegal workers from taking good, family-supporting jobs from local workers. Illegal workers in the jobs market can lower salaries and benefits for all workers.
"For me this issue has always been about jobs. That’s why I refused to give up. This bill would ensure that not one dime, not one penny of taxpayer dollars, will go to people who cheat and use and abuse illegal workers for profit," Galloway said. "How can we expect citizens to play by the rules, when as a government, we don’t require it of ourselves?"
Galloway said that E-Verify is a fast, free, highly accurate online system by which employers can quickly determine if potential employees are eligible to work in the United States. The E-Verify system is based on Social Security numbers and can provide online proof of employability within minutes.
Once the governor signs the bill, the law will take effect Jan. 1.