ОСТ-30-2000 11=43
P.02/02
Martin G. Madden
Senate Minoritv Leader
13‘h Legislative District
. ,oward and I’rincc George's Counties
Budget and Taxation Committee
Co-Chairman
Joint Committee on
Welfare Reform
October 26, 2000
The Senate of (JMaryland
Annapolis, Maryland 21401-1991
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Annapolis Office
407 Janies Senate Office Building
Annapolis, Maryland 11401-1991
410-841-3571 • 301-858-3571
1-800-491-7111
£«.
3571
fax 410-841-3455 - 301-858-345;
11514 Crows Nest Road
Clarksville, Maryland 11029
301-596-9788
Contact: Senator Martin G. Madden,
410-841-35Б1,
or
Delegate Robert Kittleman, 410-841-3401
Republican Legislators Chide MD Chamber for Indifference on PLA Issue
ANNAPOLIS-Taking issue with the Maryland Chamber of Commerce, Maryland's Republican
legislative leadership scolded the business group for not taking a position on the potential use of
a costly project labor agreement (PLA) for the renovation and expansion of the Woodrow Wilson
Memorial Bridge.
Speaking on a transportation panel conducted at the Chamber's Annual Business Policy
Conference at Turf Valley Resort in Ellicott City last Friday, Senate Republican Leader Martin G.
Madden (District 13, Howard & Prince George's Counties) and House Republican Leader
Robert H. Kittleman (District 14, Howard & Montgomery Counties) voiced their frustration and
disappointment.
In addressing the Chamber, Sen. Madden stated: "This is the most important transportation
project in Maryland in decades. Take a position for a PLA or against a PLA, but please, don't sit
this one out."
Sen. Madden continued: "If the governor issues a PLA for the Wilson Bridge project, eighty-five
percent of the state’s contractors, including most minority contractors, will be shut out from
bidding."
"Your silence is deafening," Del. Kittleman told the assembly of business leaders.
Later, Del. Kittleman added: "It appears that the governor, no friend of the business community,
has captured the Maryland Chamber of Commerce."
"From collective bargaining to prevailing wage for public school construction projects, the
governor doles out favors to labor unions. Yet, the largest business advocacy organization in
this state sits idly by. Legislators who fight for the business community are in disbelief right
now," stated Del. Kittleman.
In contrast, other business organizations, including the Associated Builders and Contractors and
the Prince George's County Contractors and Business Association, have expressed their
opposition to a project labor agreement.
-End-
