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From Coast to Coast ABC is Watching Out for Members on Important Issues |
 The Oregon Legislature opened its biennial session on Monday in Salem. With some of the highest unemployment numbers in the country, a lot of eyes will be watching to see if legislators can deliver on their promises to strengthen the state's economy. Because Oregon's construction industry is forecasted to lose several thousand more jobs in 2009 before beginning to add jobs again in 2010, ABC will keep a close eye on developments in Salem and keep you updated on issues that affect your business. Please watch for periodic emails that ask you to contact your legislators. One of the most effective ways to influence legislation is for Senators and Representatives to hear from local constituents. When the time comes we hope we can count on you to call or email your legislator. The ABC Government Affairs and Political Action Committee will be meeting biweekly throughout the legislative session to review legislation and guide our advocacy efforts in Salem. Most of these meetings will take place via conference call and email. If you would like to received information and participate please email rick@abcpnw.org.
Please also be aware of an important workshop that will be happening on February 12th, when we will be providing members information on the so-called Employee Free Choice Act. This legislation is a major issue for ABC at the federal level and one that members need to thoroughly understand.This workshop will explain what it will mean for you and what you can do about it.
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E-Verify Federal Contractor Rule Suspended Until at Least February 20th |
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has agreed to suspend implementation of a new rule mandating that federal contractors use the Employment Eligibility Verification (E-Verify) system for verification of all new and many existing employees. DOJ's decision came as a result of a legal challenge that was brought by Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the Society for Human Resource Management and several other employer associations. The rule had been scheduled to go into effect Jan. 15, 2009, but has now been pushed back to Feb. 20, 2009. It is possible that the Feb. 20 deadline may be extended.
In December, ABC and its coalition partners challenged the authority of the government to promulgate this regulation and sought an injunction from a federal court. The legal challenge echoed ABC's position in previous comments on the rule, arguing that to require broader use of E-Verify would be illegal and expose contractors to needless liabilities.
 For more information on the E-Verify rule, please visit www.abc.org/e-verify. In addition, ABC encourages members to consult with counsel on what steps, if any, your organization needs to take with regard to this regulation. |
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