Pierce County will require private companies that get county contracts to verify that their employees can legally work in the United States.

On Tuesday the County Council approved the new requirement by a vote of 6-0. County Executive Pat McCarthy, who vetoed a similar measure last month, has indicated she will sign the new ordinance.

The new law will require contractors to enroll in and use the federal E-Verify program. The program allows businesses to check several federal databases to ensure their employees can legally work in this country.

Under the new law, the county also will verify the employment status of its own workers.

“The United States accepts more people from other nations than all other countries combined,” said Councilman Dick Muri, R-Steilacoom, the chief sponsor of the ordinance. “E-Verify gives us a way to ensure that U.S. jobs go to those who have earned the right to work here.”

McCarthy supports the E-Verify proposal. But she vetoed a previous ordinance because she said it was too broad and could result in fewer businesses competing for county contracts. She also feared that it would have a disproportionate impact on small businesses, nonprofits and companies owned by minorities and women.

DOLLAR THRESHOLD

She argued the E-Verify requirement should apply only to county contracts worth at least $250,000. The measure the council approved Tuesday includes a $100,000 threshold for road and other public works projects and a $25,000 threshold for other contracts.

“The federal government implemented this (E-Verify) requirement on contracts valued at $100,000 or more just last month, despite concerns by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce,” McCarthy said. “It’s my hope that these systems will get off to a smooth start and accomplish the goal of continuing to protect American jobs.”

David Wickert: 253-274-7341

david.wickert@thenewstribune.com

blogs.thenewstribune.com/politics