The Iowa Senate has voted to make special labor agreements for “Vision Iowa” projects illegal. The state’s “Vision Iowa” program is handing out millions for large-scale community attractions like the Iowa Events Center in Des Moines. Polk County officials signed a “project labor agreement” with contractors working on the Events Center, promising to pay higher union wages if the unions promise not to strike. Republican Senator Mary Lou Freeman of Alta says that rankles republicans. Freeman says bill supporters believe the agreements circumvent Iowa’s competitive bidding law.Democrat Senator Jack Holveck of Des Moines said if the bill becomes law, the state should pay for any extra costs Polk County incurs from delays and renegotiated contracts for the Events Center. He says the legislation will have “serious financial consequences for Polk County, for the taxpayers of Polk County and my constituents.”
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