The Issue

Albany is considering new legislation, S.1672-B (Martinez) and A.756-B (Solages), that would mandate Project Labor Agreements (PLAs) on all Long Island school construction projects over $1 million. These mandates would force most local construction workers and businesses out of the bidding process, making school building and repairs more expensive for every taxpayer.

Here’s what that really means:

  • 8 out of 10 Long Island construction workers would be banned from working on school projects in their communities.
  • Only union contractors could bid, locking out most local companies.
  • Costs rise 20% or more because less competition always means higher prices.
  • You pay the difference through higher property taxes or rent.

A $10 million school renovation would cost $12 million, an extra $2 million taken from Long Island families with no added benefit for our kids.

Why This Matters to Long Island Families

  • Higher Property Taxes & Rents: Long Island already has the highest property taxes in the country. These bills would make them even higher, and renters won’t escape—landlords will pass the costs along.
  • Fewer School Improvements: Higher costs mean fewer classrooms, delayed repairs, and outdated facilities for our children.
  • Local Workers & MWBEs Shut Out: Most Long Island workers are not union members. These bills would block them, as well as many MWBE (Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises) and apprentices, from competing for work in their own communities.
  • Tax Dollars Leave Long Island: With fewer local contractors eligible, more money will go to outside companies instead of being reinvested in our local economy.

What’s Really at Stake

  • A $10 million school renovation would cost $12 million, an extra $2 million taken from Long Island families with no added benefit for our kids.
  • Apprenticeships and opportunities for the next generation of skilled workers would disappear.
  • If Albany passes this mandate here, it could spread statewide, driving up costs for families across New York.

Why Open Competition Works Better

  • Lower Costs: More bidders mean better prices for taxpayers.
  • Local Investment: Local workers live here, pay taxes here, and spend their paychecks in Long Island businesses.
  • Fair Opportunity: All qualified contractors—union or non-union—compete based on safety, quality, experience, and fair pricing.
  • Better Value for Schools: Districts get more improvements for their budgets, or residents pay less in taxes.

Studies consistently show PLAs increase costs by 20% with no improvement in quality or safety.

What We’re Asking For

We urge Albany to:

❌ Reject or amend S.1672-B and A.756-B
✅ Allow all qualified contractors to compete fairly—union or not
✅ Set local hiring and MWBE goals so Long Island workers and businesses benefit first
✅ Support certified apprenticeship programs to train and protect the next generation of workers

Long Island Families Deserve Better

We want:

  • The best schools for our kids
  • Fair opportunities for local workers
  • Responsible use of our tax dollars

Take Action Now
Sign this petition and tell Albany:

“I oppose S.1672-B and A.756-B. These bills would exclude 8 out of 10 Long Island construction workers from school projects and raise my taxes by 20% for the same construction. Vote NO and support fair competition instead.”

Share this with your family, neighbors, and friends—every Long Island resident who pays property taxes or rent deserves to know what’s at stake.

Together, let’s protect Long Island’s schools, families, and future.

👉 Don’t raise our taxes.

👉 Don’t shut out our workers.

👉 Don’t help special interests at the expense of Long Island families.

The Data