Connecticut House Bill HB05527

Connecticut 2013 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/22/13
• Refer: 1/22/13

Caption

An Act Concerning Inflation And The Prevailing Wage Threshold.

Impact

If enacted, HB 05527 would significantly alter the landscape of public works funding and wage requirements in the state. By raising the threshold for when prevailing wage laws apply, the bill seeks to relieve financial pressure on the state and local governments, particularly for smaller construction projects that would otherwise be subject to these wage standards. This move could potentially encourage more development and renovation activities at the lower end of the financial spectrum, thus stimulating economic activity.

Summary

House Bill 05527 proposes to amend section 31-53 of the general statutes to increase the threshold for public works projects that are required to comply with prevailing wage laws. The bill suggests that this threshold be raised to one million dollars for both new construction and remodeling projects. Additionally, the bill aims to establish a mechanism that ensures prevailing wage standards will adjust in accordance with inflation rates, thereby providing long-term financial relief for the state and municipalities.

Contention

The bill may face contention from various stakeholders, including labor unions and advocacy groups that argue for protecting workers' rights and ensuring fair wages. The increase in the threshold for prevailing wage compliance might lead to concerns that lower-wage workers will not receive adequate pay on public projects. Stakeholders could argue that adjusting the prevailing wage threshold in response to inflation does not account for the rising costs of living and may undermine protections for workers in the construction industry.