Rhode Island Votes Forum

Introduced in the Senate on January 31, 2008, to prevent non-union contractors or subcontractors who do not maintain a state approved apprenticeship program, and those who utlize certain independent contracotrs in place of permanent employees from bidding on public works projects. This bill makes no provision for offest of increased public spending and taxes arising from these mandates nor the negative impact on minority contractors and other small business owners

The vote was 33 in favor, 4 opposed and 1 not voting

(Senate Roll Call 0 at Senate Journal 0)

Click here to view bill details.

This bill, 2008-S-2173, forces businesses to use union laborers on public works projects by prohibiting the use of workers defined as independent contractors. It also forces bidders on public works contracts to have an apprenticeship program. This condition eliminates most small businesses. A bill like this increases the cost of public works projects, and because it discriminates against certain types of businesses may even be unconstitutional. RI does not need laws like this!