Looking for ways to make state funding of private projects a more transparent process, the Legislature is moving legislation that wouldrequire companies receiving taxpayer-funded subsidies to:

• provide greater detail about their plans to pay prevailing wages,
• consult with regional labor organizations,
• and whenever possible hire local workers.

The bill also includes language making the State Labor Department the designated source of information to help companies receiving subsidies connect with skilled workers in proximity to the project.

New York state that lost an estimated 25,400 construction jobs -- a significant drop for a state with 250,000 unionized construction workers.

The Senate Finance Committee approved S.5464 on Wednesday, May 27.