Contact: Rep. Rob Brooks, (608) 267-2369

Madison, WI—Today, State Representative Rob Brooks (R-Saukville) proudly stood up to government interference in the marketplace by supporting legislation that reforms the bidding process on public construction projects.  Assembly Bill 24 eliminates the requirement of a project labor agreement when selecting a construction firm.

“Assembly Bill 24 is a straightforward, common-sense proposal that establishes neutrality in the government bidding process.  The bill stipulates that government can neither require nor prohibit the use of Project Labor Agreements as a condition to win a bid for public construction projects,” said Representative Rob Brooks.

Since 2009, twenty states have made analogous reforms designed to promote government neutrality.  By adding Wisconsin to this list, Wisconsin will continue to reduce barriers that prevent businesses from participating in the economy.  Studies have shown that Project Labor Agreements drive up the cost of construction projects by as much as eighteen percent.

“With this legislation, we are providing local units of government with another tool to save taxpayer dollars.  It is imperative to denote that Assembly Bill 24 does not ban project labor agreements; it establishes neutrality in the bidding process because we want more businesses to compete for the job, not less,” opined Representative Rob Brooks.

The intent of this legislation is facile: to promote government neutrality in the bidding process by allowing the market to have a more profound impact on determining which firm is ideal for the job.

“I contend that removing outmoded impediments and encouraging greater participation is a win-win for the construction industry, Wisconsin’s economy, and taxpayers,” Representative Rob Brook stated.

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