GOVERNOR CULVER FIGHTS FOR WORKING FAMILIES, SIGNS EXECUTIVE ORDER 22

     Executive Order 22 requires all state departments and agencies to consider using project labor agreements (PLA) on large-scale construction projects.  Culver described it as a "bold step in support of good wages" that will change the way state government looks at construction projects, and will presume that the state uses project labor agreements whenever possible.

     "We're going as far as we can in terms of my executive authority," Culver said.  "This has not been done before.  This is a big step. We're sending a clear message about how much we value these hardworking families and I'm using the power of the executive branch to go as far as I possibly can on this."  Culver described the PLA order as important because right now there is "so much dirt flying" with the state working on hundreds of infrastructure projects related to flood recovery and I-JOBS.

For more information:

The Iowa Policy Project's 2004 report by Ralph Scharnau and Michael F. Sheehan remains the standard for serious analysis on this subject in Iowa.

Read the FAQs, Executive Summary and Full Report, “Project Labor Agreements in Iowa: An Important Tool for Managing Complex Public Construction Projects,” December 2004, available at the links in this message or on our website, http://www.iowapolicyproject.org/Iowa-PLAs.html.

The Iowa Politcy Project was created in 2000 to be a reliable, scientific source of information and data for Iowa policymakers.  Their goal is to be the state's premier think tank anticipating and responding to the needs and questions of Iowa policymakers.  They focus specifically in the areas of environment and economics.