Prince George’s County Council members Mel Franklin and Andrea Harrison are raising employment expectations through the recent introduction of their “Jobs First” legislation. The proposed bill would set targets for county agencies to spend procurement and contract dollars on businesses located in [Prince George’s County]. Equally important, it would “require” contractors to hire 51 percent of their work force from the county as well.

In a jurisdiction plagued by a declining tax base, unprecedented levels of housing foreclosures, gang violence and double-digit unemployment for black men and youth, “Jobs First” would be a much-needed boost for the local economy. But there is a fatal flaw in the bill as currently drafted, which will severely dilute this job creation engine so desperately needed.

The taxpayer-subsidized illegal immigrant support group Casa of Maryland, headquartered in Langley Park, already is positioning its clientele to dominate the construction and other jobs created by “Jobs First.” With the full knowledge and financial backing of County Executive Rushern Baker and the council, Casa continues to upgrade the skills of Hispanic illegal immigrants residing in the county.

Through subsidized training programs run by Casa’s day laborer job centers in Hyattsville and Langley Park and classroom training run by [Prince George’s] Community College, non-English-speaking laborers will have a leg up on unemployed black citizens. And with Casa’s ties to labor unions, additional construction jobs will be lost by county citizens to those without legal presence in Maryland.

There is an easy solution to strengthen the tax base and job creation engine. Amend “Jobs First” to require all businesses, contractors and unions receiving any [county] tax dollars to use the federal E-Verify system. This free, online electronic system, run by the Department of Homeland Security, screens all workers applying for employment. In just minutes, E-Verify efficiently provides a yes/no response regarding a worker’s status for lawful employment. It works so well that President Barack Obama has authorized its use for all new federal contractors.

Having the E-Verify program incorporated into the proposed law will highlight the council’s seriousness [about] creating desperately needed employment opportunities and will provide an immediate deterrent to those attempting to take jobs from citizens. “Jobs First” and E-Verify are a perfect solution for strengthening job creation, families and businesses.

Brad Botwin of Rockville is director of HelpSaveMaryland.com.