Contact: Colleen Flaherty, 608.266.5504

MADISON – The following is a statement from Assembly Democratic Leader Peter Barca on the GOP’s action against workers in Wisconsin:

“Wisconsin has one of the most diminished middle classes in the country, and our economy is trailing behind our neighbors. Therefore it is startling that one of the first priorities for Assembly Republicans this session is to repeal Project Labor Agreements, an attack on Wisconsin workers, Wisconsin businesses and local control. Today they passed this bill to make it easier for less qualified, out-of-state workers to undercut workers in our own state on projects funded by taxpayer dollars.

“Assembly Democrats offered several amendments to soften the blow of this legislation, including state hiring preferences for veterans, ensuring safety standards and preferences for minority and woman owned businesses. Of course, not one of our amendments got a single vote from a Republican member.

“From Right-to-Work to repealing prevailing wage, the PLA bill is just another in a long line of GOP policies that adversely affect Wisconsin workers and Wisconsin businesses from the GOP. What we need is to focus on legislation that will actually create jobs, increase wages and restore economic opportunity for Wisconsin workers. It’s time for all of us throughout the Badger state to come together around a one idea—let Wisconsin work.”

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