MCILHINNEY SUPPORTS LEGISLATION TO PROTECT PENNSYLVANIA CONSTRUCTION JOBS. - States News Service

HARRISBURG, PA -- The following information was released by the Pennsylvania State Senate, Republican Caucus:

Sen. Chuck McIlhinney (R-Bucks and Montgomery) voiced his support for legislation to protect Pennsylvania construction jobs at a Capitol press conference today.

House Bills 1502 and 1503 and Senate Bills 1172 and 1173 would require all contractors and subcontractors who do business in Pennsylvania to verify the employment eligibility of new employees using the federal E-Verify Program managed by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Existing employees would also require verification through the federal Social Security Number Verification Service.

Under the legislation, contractors who employ illegal workers could be subject to forfeiture of state licenses and certifications and be banned from performing state projects.

The House of Representatives passed House Bills 1502 and 1503, introduced by Representative John Galloway (D-140), with broad bipartisan support on June 8.

"The construction industry has been hit hard by the recession, and we must do more to help hardworking construction workers get back into the workforce," McIlhinney said. "Protecting construction jobs is not a partisan issue, and I am hopeful that my colleagues in the Senate will join our colleagues in the House in standing up for Pennsylvania workers."

"This legislation requires that contractors performing public work will be using a labor force that is in this country legally," said Senator Kim Ward (R-39), who introduced the legislation in the Senate. "It will result in better workplace safety, ensure a qualified workforce, and guarantee that the contractors and employees are paying their proper taxes."

Video, audio and photos from the press conference are available online at senatormcilhinney.com.