AFL-CIO State Issues Updates

Get the latest from the AFL-CIO State Issues Update here. Let us know what's going on in your state and if there are issues you would like more information on in the next State Issues Update. Please send any updates or questions to Christine Silvia-DeGennaro at csilvia@aflcio.org.

March 18, 2010

Jobs

On March 3rd, SB 491 and SB 493, two of the New Hampshire AFL-CIOs priority bills for 2010, both passed the Senate unanimously, 24-0. SB 491 would establish a preference for a company with a principal place of business in New Hampshire when there is a tie bid situation among companies bidding on state vendor contracts. It would also allow the state to debar contractors who violate any of the provisions outlined in the bill. SB 493, a Best Value Contracting bill crafted by the state fed would establish a commission that would produce definitions and parameters for best value procurement in New Hampshire. The legislation would create a pilot project for evaluating the success of best value procurement, and create enabling language for departments to be allowed to use best value contracting as an alternative to lowest bid procurement. SB 491 and SB 493 are both scheduled for hearings in the House Executive Departments and Administration Committee on March 23.

In Washington, the Governor signed into law a bill (SB 6130) that will temporarily suspend the 2/3rd vote requirement for tax increases. This super majority requirement was originally enacted through a narrowly passed ballot initiative in 2007. The state must close a $2.8 billion budget shortfall during its special session, which began on March 15.

And in Minnesota, Governor Pawlenty vetoed critical portions of a $1 billion jobs bill, eliminating 52 construction projects totaling $314 million for higher education and transit. In response to the vetoes, Minnesota AFL-CIO President Shar Knutson stated, Each veto means thousands of new, family-sustaining jobs wont be created.