Assemblymember Harry B. Bronson (D-Rochester/Chili/Henrietta) announced Assembly passage of a bill he authored to prohibit contractors who violate wage and labor laws from securing state public works contracts (A.1845).

“Dishonest contractors shouldn’t be awarded public projects that are paid for with taxpayer money,” Bronson said. “It’s time we put this practice to an end because it sends the wrong message. We must hold all employers accountable for their actions – if they refuse to pay their employees, then New Yorkers most certainly shouldn’t pay them.”

A loophole in New York State law has allowed unethical contractors to bid for and obtain public works contracts, even if the federal Department of Labor has imposed debarment on the contractor for violating the rights of their employees under the Davis-Bacon Act. Bronson’s bill would hold these unscrupulous contractors accountable and ensure they’re unable to participate in public works projects.