MHDC adopts illegal worker policy

At a March meeting, the commission unanimously adopted a new worker eligibility policy, which says in part that owners, developers, contractors and partners must document the legal status of all workers on site.

Failure to comply with the new regulation would draw sanctions including being barred from receiving MHDC funding for future projects.

“The use of illegal workers on these projects will not be tolerated,” said State Treasurer Sarah Steelman, who is chair of the commission, in a news release. “The policy changes are simple – you allow illegal workers on your job site, you won’t do business with our state.”

The announcement comes on the heels of a crackdown by Steelman’s office on the developers of the O’Fallon Lakes Project near St. Louis.

Five workers on their way to the project March 10 were arrested as illegal immigrants. The project was approved for $1.4 million in federal and state tax credits.

“The practice of using illegal labor takes jobs from Missourians, undercuts Missouri businesses and exploits immigrants and subjects them to unsafe and immoral working conditions,” Steelman added. “It’s just plain wrong.”

See SBJ's April 3 issue for more news from the MHDC.