Martin O'Malley

Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley (D) signed a bill that protects taxpayers by prohibiting private contractors who have broken the law from obtaining contracts with the state. SB 669 would prevent companies from signing contracts with the state if they have been convicted of a variety of offenses, including tax evasion, conspiracy to defraud the federal government, or willful violation of state prevailing and living wage rates, state wage and hour laws or state occupational safety and health laws.

Maryland's residents just gained important new protection against unscrupulous companies that have a record of denying the rights of working families. Now it's up to other states to follow suit.

“This is an important victory that will help protect taxpayers and keep them in control of their services,” said Pat Moran, President of AFSCME Maryland.