McClure Signs Responsible Contracting Ordinance

It's official. Northampton County Council Executive Lamont McClure has signed into law an ordinance that will require contractors performing county work valued at $250,000 or more to have the right stuff and the right people. Contractors who wish to do business with the county will be required to furnish a Responsibility Certificate to show that their employees have all the necessary licenses and registrations to complete the work and that the business is properly bonded. They must also use craft employees who have participated in a Class A Apprenticeship Program for a minimum of three years. The apprenticeship program must be registered with and approved by the U.S. Department of Labor or a state apprenticeship agency. Training received in military service is also acceptable.

“This isn’t just a matter of using taxpayer dollars responsibly,” said McClure. “Regulations for construction are important for the health, safety and welfare of our citizens.” Congressman Matt Cartwright prefers to call them "protections."

The ordinance goes into effect on June 20, 2018.

This ordinance was criticized by some conservatives as a gimmick to force contractors to use union labor. They should be reminded that Donald Trump himself signed an executive order last year to expand apprenticeships as is the case in Germany and Switzerland where classrooms are integrated with on-the-job training.