Ohio bill would control hiring workers on tax-funded projects

Staff report

WARREN

Many local jobs hinge on tax dollars spent on publicly funded projects in the Valley.

Some lawmakers in Columbus are pushing to ban local governments from controlling how many area workers are hired on tax-funded projects, reports Vindicator broadcast partner 21 WFMJ-TV.

A state bill aims at lowering costs for Ohio’s cities by opening the door to contractors who may work at a lower rate.

The measure’s garnered support from a state House panel, but several Valley lawmakers at this point told the television station they’re against it.

Trumbull County commissioners echoed their thoughts and stressed that local jobs drive the local economy.

“If our people are unemployed, it makes it difficult for us to operate the county; that’s where our tax money comes from,” Commissioner Frank Fuda said.

Paving, road-and-bridge repairs and school-construction projects are among the many public-works contracts that often require a percentage of workers to be hired from local trade unions.