MERRILLVILLE: Indiana Ports Commissioner David Fagan submitted his resignation to Gov. Mike Pence, citing Pence’s support for the repeal of Indiana’s common construction wage law, according to a press release.
“I no longer believe I can be associated with your administration,” wrote Fagan, who also serves on the Gary Airport board and is financial secretary of International Union of Operating Engineers Local 150.
Fagan, of Portage, will step down from the post, which oversees Indiana’s three ports, including the one in Burns Harbor, on April 30.
He served in the commissioner’s post for eight years. Former Gov. Mitch Daniels first appointed Fagan in 2007, then reappointed him in 2011.
An email requesting comment from Pence’s office was not returned Friday afternoon. According to his website, Pence is in Europe with his family.
In his letter, Fagan said he was disappointed with HB1019, which would repeal the common construction wage statute.
The bill passed the House in February and is scheduled for a second Senate committee hearing next week, when an amendment to the bill will be considered.
“By repealing common construction wage, you will slash wages for Indiana workers, cripple Indiana contractors, starve small businesses and reduce our state’s tax revenue. In addition, you will undermine private sector training for Indiana’s youth, which directly contrasts your statements in support of additional worker training,” Fagan wrote.
“I cannot stand idly by while elected leaders knowingly harm our state,” he added.
Fagan said supporters of the repeal have publicly stated their support for utilizing foreign guest workers in the state’s construction industry.
“I cannot understand why Indiana’s Republicans have sided with out-of-state and foreign workers,” he said.
