Ugly truth: Public Project Labor Agreements can freeze out small business

By Wendy N Powell, guest contributor

Gov. Chris Christie at a townhall in Branchburg, N.J. (Photo: N.J. Governor's Office)While we voice concerns about debt and spending, we also need to be mindful of the state of employers, particularly small business and their struggles to remain competitive and viable. Statistically small business—employers of at least 50 percent of our workforce—are struggling, and eager to get your business. They are begging to serve you while balancing unclear taxes, health insurance obligations, uncertain ability to make payroll.

Public project labor agreements (PLAs) provide another hurdle, unless their employees choose to pay union dues.

Here is the ugly truth for small business employers without union workers.

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After hiring registered sex offender, senator faces allegations about sex with minors

Sen. Bob Menendez faces allegations he had sex with minors. (Photo: U.S. Senate pages)Bob Menendez initially came to the U.S. Senate via an appointment by former New Jersey governor Jon Corzine. Corzine is certainly no stranger to scandal, and now Menendez is entangled in controversy as well.

Sex with underage girls and hiring an intern with a criminal record are part of the allegations leveled at Menendez who won reelection after his appointment.

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ObamaCare states' rights issues ignored as Christie vetoes health exchanges

Updated on Friday, May 11, 2012 at 6:48PM by Kay B. Day, Editor

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R) has vetoed state legislation to establish health care exchanges mandated by ObamaCare, formally the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act but better termed the “Health Tax Act.”

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Wisconsin one of 45 states facing money crunch in 2012

Gov. Scott Walker (R-Wisc.) wasn’t a household name across the U.S. when he won the midterm election, but he is now. Walker’s move to rein in employee costs for his state and the response by labor unions to mobilize the troops have made the governor a household name. Walker is facing a billion-dollar-plus money shortage, and his efforts to get teachers to pick up more of their pension and health insurance costs have spurred union outrage. Fact is, 45 states will run short in 2012, and most governors are looking for ways to balance the spending with the revenue.

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