House bucks Baker, votes to override veto of Soldiers’ Home labor clause
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Wreaths, signs and flags are part of a memorial at the Soldiers’ Home in Holyoke, May 12, 2020. GAZETTE FILE PHOTO
Published: 6/30/2021 8:38:03 PM
House Democrats ignored the warnings of Gov. Charlie Baker and overrode his veto Wednesday of legislation requiring a new Holyoke Soldiers’ Home to be built under a project labor agreement, a move designed to ensure that union labor will be used for the construction of the $400 million facility.
Baker urged legislators not to require a PLA on the project, arguing it would drive up the overall project cost — possibly imperiling federal funds for the project — and also discourage businesses owned by minorities, women and veterans from bidding on contracts.