HB 5056 was introduced as a reform to how local government services are provided and was intended to improve efficiencies and lower costs at the local level. This reform has the potential to help taxpayers, but details of the legislation are concerning and should be amended. 

The amended bill was passed out of the Planning and Development Committee, and it would allow local unions in one town to merge and force a municipality to negotiate with this new entity. The bill also allows unions to represent non-union workers in negotiations. 

This language should be troubling to policymakers and taxpayers alike.  This language could be amended to make it more favorable to local governments, instead of union workers, which would be much more aligned with taxpayer interests.