Connecticut House Bill HB05337

Connecticut 2011 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/18/11
• Refer: 1/18/11

Caption

An Act Concerning The Application Of The Prevailing Wage Rate To School And Transportation Projects.

Impact

By suspending the prevailing wage requirements, HB 05337 is intended to provide property tax relief to towns. Proponents argue that the moratorium will free up essential funding that can be diverted towards enhancing local school facilities and transportation systems, thereby benefiting residents directly. This bill could serve to bolster municipal budgets, making it easier for towns to embark on much-needed construction and renovation projects without the additional costs associated with prevailing wage standards.

Summary

House Bill 05337 proposes a significant change in the application of the prevailing wage rate, specifically targeting essential school and transportation projects undertaken by municipalities. The proposed legislation aims to impose a three-year moratorium on the application of these prevailing wage rates. The main objective of the bill is to alleviate the financial burden on municipalities, allowing for increased funding availability for local projects that are crucial to the community’s infrastructure and educational development.

Contention

However, the bill does not come without its points of contention. Critics may argue that suspending the prevailing wage could undermine worker protections and lead to lower wage standards for laborers engaged in public projects. The debate surrounding the bill is likely to highlight the balance between financial savings for municipalities and the need to ensure fair compensation for workers involved in essential public service projects. This tension reflects broader themes in labor law and economic policy concerning how municipalities prioritize budget constraints against the welfare of their workforce.