TRENTON – Legislation sponsored by Senator Fred Madden, Senator Joseph Lagana, Senator Dawn Addiego and Senator Joseph F. Vitale, which would require contractors subject to “The Public Works Contractor Registration Act” to certify that it participates in a federally registered apprenticeship program, passed the Senate today.
“Contractors bidding for public work should be required to employ workers that have completed a federally registered apprenticeship program to safely execute the contracted work,” said Senator Madden (D-Camden/Gloucester). “This will ensure public works are completed with the highest standards for safety and quality, which will boost public confidence and ensure tax dollars are being well spent on high-caliber work.”
The bill, S-3071, would require contractors seeking to perform public work pursuant to the “Public Works Contractor Registration Act” to certify that it participates in a federal apprenticeship program for every type of craft in which it employs workers.
“To guarantee full confidence in a contractor’s ability to perform safe and efficient work on a public works project, a standard must be set,” Said Senator Lagana (D-Bergen/Passaic). “All contractors bidding on jobs involving tax dollars should be of the highest standard and this legislation accomplishes that goal.”
“We need to make sure contracts in this state are done on time and in a safe manner,” said Senator Addiego (R-Atlantic/Burlington/Camden). “This bill will ensure that our contractors are extremely well trained, and that is exactly what our taxpayers deserve.”
“When accepting bids on community projects, it is our responsibility to make sure the bidders meet a minimum standard to ensure quality and safety,” said Senator Joseph F. Vitale (D-Middlesex). “It is imperative to ensure any project paid for by tax dollars should meet this requirement.”
The bill passed the Senate with a vote of 34-3.