Prince George's County Council Poised to Lead Area in Progressive Economic Development Laws

(Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO)Two bills are up for a vote tomorrow by the Prince George’s County Council that will connect economic development to jobs for County residents. One bill, authored by Council Member Mel Franklin and co-sponsored by Council Member Andrea Harrison, would allow Community Benefits Agreements that involve local communities, and protect County investments of $1 million or more in development projects by requiring “Labor Peace Agreements” with unions. The County Council will also vote on a “Project Labor Agreement” bill – introduced by Council member Karen Toles -- on all county construction of $1 million dollars or more, which is intended to help get building trades union members back to work. “These bills will transform the way the County approaches economic development,” says Metro Council President Jos Williams, “setting a new standard for the County and region.” - Rick Powell