U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand announced the introduction of the Build Local, Hire Local Act (S. 2404) last week, pledging reformation of the way federally-funded infrastructure projects are handled.
This would culminate in a series of bill-sponsored reforms, including requirements for hiring locals first, gathering community input and promoting American-made products. In so doing, she hopes to raise wages and labor standards and open up economic opportunities throughout the United States.
“My bill would prioritize infrastructure projects in the communities that need them the most, including low-income communities and communities of color,” Gillibrand said. “These projects would help ensure higher quality job opportunities and help strengthen unions, wage protections, labor standards, and workers’ rights. I am committed to fighting for the people of the Capital Region each day in the Senate, and I urge my colleagues to pass the Build Local, Hire Local Act to help do just that.”
Beyond economic goals, the bill would create targeted hiring practices relying on registered apprenticeships and workforce development boards, provide opportunities to small and disadvantaged businesses, encourage best-value contracting and neutrality on union organizing, invest $25 billion in marginalized communities, provide performance measures and transportation accessibility data, create a $5 billion program to support training partnerships, enshrine wage protections and utilize workforce diversity programs, among other things.
“Throughout the country we see a tremendous need for a skilled workforce,” Joseph Azzopardi, Business Manager-Secretary Treasurer of the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, District Council 9, said. “The Build Local, Hire Local act will give us tremendous opportunity to do just that, DC9 is committed to providing the most skilled workforce in the finishing industry; while also providing career paths for communities in need for good jobs to support their families.”