Mike Raikes: Government subsidies should support local construction workers

Raikes If local tax dollars subsidize development, shouldn't that development require a local workforce? The City of Bloomington, Town of Normal, County of McLean, and Heartland Community College have all completed Project Labor Agreements (PLAs). That means when these local governments spend construction dollars, contractors must participate in a certified apprenticeship program, ensure that 25 percent of the workforce is female or minority, or employ a minority- or female-owned company that employs at least 25 percent of the workforce. These PLA requirements open doors for diverse young people to apply for apprenticeships, complete training, and embark on a decent career. Tax dollars spent by local government support local workers, who pay property taxes, buy homes, and shop in local stores. Putting local people to work is sound policy, particularly ensuring apprenticeship opportunities. Now is the time for the next step. It's great that government projects are covered by a PLA. How about requiring that any project receiving government subsidies hire locally? Developers frequently approach local government for a subsidy. Sometimes it's a direct subsidy, but frequently it is a tax break through Tax Increment Financing (TIF), which gives the developer a long-term property tax break.If a business is getting a tax break, shouldn't they also be required to hire locally? Local ordinances and TIF districts need to include the same PLA requirements that government pledges for its own projects. A recent study by the Illinois Economic Policy Institute (IEPI) verified how opening apprenticeships is creating opportunities. Too many young people graduate high school without a path forward. Higher education is not for everyone, and many families lack the resources to send their children to college. Illinois is investing tax dollars in pre-apprenticeship programs, ensuring potential applicants are work-ready, develop a strong work ethic, and understand construction career opportunities. The state-funded Highway Construction Careers Training Program, the Climate and Equitable Jobs Training Program, and the Illinois Works Pre-Apprenticeship Program are a second chance for many. According to the IEPI report, graduates accounted for '35 percent of all new Black construction apprentices and 21 percent of all new female construction apprentices in Illinois. The number of new construction apprentices in Illinois increased by 52 percent, with new Black apprentices doubling (+95 percent) and new female apprentices tripling (+202 percent).' The IEPA report adds that: 'Participants who enroll in joint labor (union)-management registered apprenticeship programs earn $37,000 in their first year of training and $81,000 upon graduating to union journey workers.' On behalf of our local trades, who are eager to open our doors to all. I thank our local governments, who realize that tax dollars are maximized when we provide opportunities for all. Now is the time to widen that net and ensure that every tax dollar appropriated to a developer also requires local hiring. Please join us at the Labor Day Parade at 10 a.m. on Monday. And as you scan our proud local union members marching together, please note our diversity. A union construction career is a foundation for a strong family and a thriving community, and we salute our government partners who support us and hope to partner with them to widen that opportunity net. Mike Raikes is the business manager for International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 197 and the Livingston & McLean Counties Building & Construction Trades president. Get opinion pieces, letters and editorials sent directly to your inbox weekly!