As a concerned citizen of Delaware, I urge you to consider the implications of Senate Bill 241, which threatens our local workforce and economy. If passed, this bill will mandate that all state jobs with an aggregated cost of $5 million or more include a Project Labor Agreement (PLA). The introduction of PLAs could have devastating effects on our state, replacing local workers with out-of-state labor, increasing construction costs for our taxpayers, and limiting valuable opportunities for our tradespeople and apprentices.

Consider the potential impact on Delaware's economy. By mandating PLAs, we risk driving up construction costs unnecessarily. Survey by New Jersey Department of Labor showed PLA school projects had 30.5% higher construction costs vs. non-PLA projects. These increased expenses would ultimately fall on taxpayers, straining budgets and possibly leading to higher taxes or reduced services. This bill also threatens to disrupt the delicate balance of our trade-based cooperative programs, which have been instrumental in providing state apprenticeship opportunities for our youth and transitioning tradespeople.

Moreover, the introduction of PLAs might systematically deprive recent graduates and apprentices of securing gainful employment in the trades. These agreements often require hiring preferences that benefit out-of-state workers, thus undermining the job prospects of Delawareans who have trained and worked tirelessly to build their careers right here in our state.

The potential negative impacts are clear, yet they are not receiving the attention they deserve. It's crucial that we stand together to raise our voices and demand that our lawmakers reconsider this bill. By prioritizing the needs of our own workforce and economy, we can ensure that Delaware continues to thrive without compromising the opportunities available to our hardworking residents.

I urge you to join me in opposing Senate Bill 241. We must protect our jobs, support our local workers, and uphold the future of our youth in Delaware's trades. Sign this petition to make a difference, ensuring our voices are heard loud and clear in the halls of our state government.