STATEHOUSE (Jan. 13, 2010) - More Hoosiers could be back to work if a measure State Sen. John Waterman (R-Shelburn) is sponsoring in the Senate becomes law.

Waterman said House Bill 1002 would require contractors awarded state and local public works projects funded through Hoosier tax dollars to hire Indiana residents. Contractors, and those they enter into a subcontract with, would have to confirm that at least 80 percent of their workforce were Indiana residents.

"This legislation would put more Hoosiers back to work while keeping tax dollars in our state," Waterman said. "A school, bridge or road being built in Indiana should be built by those who are living here."

According to Waterman, Indiana's Public Works Division alone administers more than 1,000 design and construction projects annually, with an average estimated value in excess of $70 million. He said these projects and the money tied to the projects could go far in helping Hoosier workers.

Waterman said exceptions are included in the bill for work done in response to an emergency, by artisans or in circumstances where a limited number of people are able to complete a certain task.

"Exceptions were included in the bill because, for instance, if a natural disaster occurs like the one in New Orleans, we would need all the manpower we could get in order to get us back on our feet," Waterman said.

Members of the House of Representatives approved the bill 61-38. Waterman said HB 1002 has been referred to the Senate Committee on Appropriations chaired by State Sen. Luke Kenley (R-Noblesville).

Waterman serves Senate District 39, which includes Clay, Greene, Knox, Daviess, Owen, Sullivan and Vigo Counties.

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