Connecticut House Bill HB05437

Connecticut 2013 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/18/13
• Refer: 1/18/13

Caption

An Act Concerning Private Contributions To Public Works Projects And The Prevailing Wage Standard.

Impact

If passed, this bill would have significant implications for how public works projects are funded and the associated labor costs. By excluding private contributions from prevailing wage calculations, the bill could lower the financial threshold that mandates compliance with higher wage standards typically required on public contracts. Supporters argue that this could lead to increased private investment in public infrastructure, making projects more financially viable in a time when public funding may be limited.

Summary

House Bill 5437 aims to modify existing labor laws related to public works projects by amending section 31-53 of the general statutes. The intent of this bill is to exempt funds contributed by private sources from the calculation that determines whether a public works project is required to comply with prevailing wage laws. This legislative change is posited as a way to encourage more private investment in public works while potentially streamlining funding processes and reducing overall costs associated with public projects.

Contention

However, the bill does raise notable concerns among labor groups and advocates for fair wages. Critics argue that exempting private contributions from prevailing wage considerations could lead to reduced wage standards for workers engaged in public projects, as private funding could be used strategically to circumvent established labor protections. This contention at the heart of the debate centers around the balance between encouraging private investment in public infrastructure and maintaining adequate wages for workers involved in these projects.