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| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
| State Rep. John Galloway
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Galloway’s E-Verify bill approved by committee
"This legislation answers a simple question: How can we expect citizens to play by the rules, when as a government, we don’t expect it of ourselves."
HARRISBURG, June 21 – The House Labor and Industry Committee unanimously approved H.B. 380, introduced by state Rep. John Galloway, D-Bucks, which would require E-Verification of employees on all public construction projects over $25,000.
In Wednesday’s committee meeting, before the final vote, an amendment was unanimously approved which established the minimum cost level.
E-Verify is a free 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 a very fast online proof of employability.
Galloway has been fighting for an E-Verify law for several years. A similar bill passed the House with 188 votes in 2010 but died in the Senate when the legislative session ended.
"For me this issue has always been about jobs. H.B. 380 ensures that not one dime, not one penny of taxpayer dollars, go to people who cheat, who use and abuse illegal workers for profit," Galloway said.
"This bill would affect every public works project in the state and includes county, municipal and school projects as well. It is one of the most well-vetted bills we could ever vote on," Galloway said.
"This legislation answers a simple question: how can we expect citizens to play by the rules, when as a government, we don’t expect it of ourselves."
Galloway also has a companion bill, H.B. 379, which is currently in the House State Government Committee.
H.B. 380 has been re-committed to the House Rules Committee for review before a full vote in the House.
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