March 2, 2010

The New York Times reports that the Obama administration is planning to dramatically use its economic power from government contracting to push private companies "to improve wages and benefits for millions of private sector workers."

This Administration is focused on making sure taxpayer funds aren’t subsidizing employers that cut legal corners and violate the law. This important announcement illustrates that taxpayer funds should only go to responsible contractors that treat their employees fairly and follow the law.

"By altering how it awards $500 billion in contracts each year, the government would disqualify more companies with labor, environmental or other violations and give an edge to companies that offer better levels of pay, health coverage, pensions and other benefits."

Read more: "Obama Aims To Use Federal Contracts as a Wage Lever" (New York Times)