WASHINGTON, D.C. ¤ Representative Randy "Duke" Cunningham (R - Escondido) today introduced the "School and Library Construction Affordability Act" to make high-quality construction and repairs less costly for our nation¡s communities, schools and citizens.

This measure would exempt public schools and libraries from the inflationary and costly effects of the federal Davis-Bacon prevailing wage laws. Cunningham offered this legislation specifically to address several issues.

First, twenty-two States have chosen not to impose state Davis-Bacon laws or have specifically exempted schools from coverage, so it is wise for Congress to make the federal laws to be more harmonious with state laws in this area.

Second, it is well-known that the AFL-CIO wants to use the President's school construction bond initiative as a vehicle to expand federal Davis-Bacon laws over a much larger number of local public schools than must abide by it today. Rather than to add to the immense federal regulatory burden on our schools, Congress needs to work to reduce that burden so that the schools can focus their scarce resources on educating their children.

Third, Davis-Bacon increases construction costs 5 - 38 percent. Each year, the General Accounting Office makes note that eliminating the federal Davis-Bacon Act would save federal taxpayers billions of dollars. The federal Davis-Bacon Act is also well-known to be prone to extensive waste and abuse. With this legislation Congress will help ensure that each citizens' school bond dollar buys a dollar's worth of building and repairs.

"The School and Library Construction Affordability Act allows schools and libraries to get more school buildings, and more school repairs, for their scarce taxpayer dollar. It respects the right of states and localities to establish their own labor practices, without imposing unnecessary regulations from Washington, D.C," Cunningham said.

"It is neither pro-union nor anti-union, for under this measure everyone will be able to compete fairly and equitably for school and library construction and repair work. It may not be construed to diminish the high quality of construction and repairs that the purchasers of these services -- our communities and our local taxpayers -- always and rightfully insist upon. This bill is simply in the best interests of America¡s children," Cunningham said.

This legislation is supported by the Associated Builders and Contractors, and the National School Boards Association.

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