These bills will hurt local construction workers, taxpayers, parents, and students. More than 80% of the construction workers on Long Island are non-union, and are the people who keep our communities running. A PLA mandate would shut nonunion construction workers out of working on school projects in their own towns, forcing many to travel far off the Island just to find jobs. 

PLAs also limit competition. When fewer contractors can bid, costs go up, with studies showing PLAs can raise project costs by 20% or more. That means school districts will have less money for classrooms, teachers, and students. It also means taxpayers will end up paying more, likely through higher property taxes. With costs already so high on Long Island, residents simply can’t afford that. 

These bills will also make it harder for apprentices and younger workers to get their start in the trades. Without open competition, many of them won’t be allowed to work on school projects at all, cutting off opportunities they depend on to build a career. 

No one wins with a PLA mandate. Projects will get delayed. Students will deal with disruptions. Local workers will get pushed aside. And taxpayers will be stuck with the bill. Contact your elected officials today and let them know you want school projects done on time, on budget, and with the people who actually live on Long Island doing the work, and urge them to oppose these bills.