For Immediate Release:
February 23, 2012
Contact: Elise Marsh
804-698-1034
Richmond, VA - Today in the State Senate, House Bill 33, the "Fair and Open Competition in Government Contracting Act," was passed 21-20. Senate Bill 242, an identical bill introduced by Senator Mark Obenshain (R-26th) was also passed in the House earlier this week with a strong bipartisan vote of 71-29. Delegate Barbara Comstock (R-34th) and Majority Caucus Chairman, Delegate Tim Hugo (R-40th) introduced HB 33 in December. HB 33 promotes competitive bidding on a level playing field for all Virginia workers.
Delegate Barbara Comstock released the following statement:
"I am pleased that House Bill 33 has now passed in both the House of Delegates and the State Senate. This commonsense legislation is consistent with Virginia's right to work tradition and will help us stretch our tax dollars on infrastructure projects and will guarantee that free enterprise and full and open competition will will be the law in Virginia. HB 33 ensures that all of Virginia's qualified contractors and their skilled workforces, regardless of labor affiliation, can compete on a level playing field for projects using Virginia state dollars. This bill will help create Virginia jobs and save Virginia tax dollars."
HB 33 received strong bipartisan support from the Governor; the Lieutenant Governor; the Attorney General; Virginia Secretary of Transportation, Sean Connaughton; the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors; the Virginia Chamber of Commerce; the Fairfax Chamber of Commerce; the Dulles Regional Chamber of Commerce; the Purcellville Business and Professional Association; a coalition of 13 of Northern Virginia's leading business groups and associations; the Virginia Chapter of the Associated Builders and Contractors; Women Construction Owners and Executives; and many of our local and state officials.
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