For Immediate Release                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Contact:  Rep. Paul Tittl

March 9, 2017                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 (608) 266-0315

Rep. Tittl supports bold reform
to save taxpayer dollars

Madison: State Representative Paul Tittl (R-Manitowoc) voted against government interference in the marketplace through his support for a bill that reforms the bidding process on public construction projects. Assembly Bill 24 removes the requirement of a project labor agreement in the selection of a construction firm.

“This isn’t about controlling local governments; it’s about ensuring that state dollars aren’t going to pay for projects that aren’t contracted based on a fair, free-market system,” said Tittl. “The bill doesn’t ban project labor agreements; it establishes neutrality in the bidding process.”

Tittl said the bill aims to create fair competition in which municipalities may not place unfair and often costly project labor agreement (PLA) requirements on potential bidders. A PLA requirement can disincentivize a business from bidding on a construction job for a municipality. “We want more businesses to compete for the job, not fewer,” Tittl said. “This bill helps realize potential savings to local governments on future projects.”

Since 2009, similar reforms were made in 20 states. Studies have shown that government mandated project labor agreements drive up the costs of construction projects by as much as 18 percent because of the elimination of fairness in the bidding process.

“We need to do all that we can to be good stewards of taxpayer dollars,” said Tittl.
“This legislation will promote efficiency and competition when selecting a firm for a public construction project. Essentially, we’re leveling the playing field for businesses.”

The legislation received final legislative approval in the state Assembly and is now headed to Governor Walker for his signature.

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