Coughlin, Houghtaling & Reynolds-Jackson Bill to Simplify Process of Choosing Laborers for Public Works Projects Signed into Law

(TRENTON) – With the goal of generating savings for municipalities on public works projects, legislation sponsored by Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin, Assemblyman Eric Houghtaling and Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson was signed into law by Governor Phil Murphy today.

“Labor organizations play an important role in our country’s work force and for the quality of life for working families,” said Speaker Coughlin (D-Middlesex). “This bill will provide localities with a more streamlined process to secure workers for public projects which will help to boost our state’s economy and improve workers’ economic status and working conditions.  Another goal of this bill is to generate savings for municipalities which will help ease the burden on New Jersey taxpayers.”

The new law (A-4314) requires the Commissioner of the Department of Labor and Workforce Development to create and maintain a list of labor organizations representing employees who participate in public works projects. The list – which will be available online – will include hourly rates, required fringe benefit rates and applicable regions.

“The process of finding workers to complete construction projects can be tedious and time-consuming,” said Houghtaling (D-Monmouth). “The list created through this law will serve as a one-stop shop for localities looking for workers in their area, and will help ensure they get the best price for the job. When municipalities save money, taxpayers are the winners.”

“When a town has a project to get done, they want to do so in the most cost-effective way possible,” said Reynolds-Jackson (D-Mercer, Hunterdon). “With this law, it will be incredibly easy for municipalities to search for laborers who will deliver quality work for a fair price. By giving towns a way to minimize costs, we will ultimately save property taxpayers money.”

The law will take effect in three months.