Connecticut Senate Bill SB00126

Connecticut 2013 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/13
• Refer: 1/11/13

Caption

An Act Increasing The Threshold Amount For Public Works Projects Subject To Prevailing Wage Laws.

Impact

The proposed increase in the threshold amounts seeks to alleviate some of the financial burdens faced by local governments when undertaking public works projects. By allowing more projects to escape the requirements of prevailing wage laws, local authorities may find it easier to manage budgets and potentially lower the overall cost of public works. Proponents argue that this will lead to more public works being initiated at the local level, thus fostering community development and potentially enhancing local economies.

Summary

SB00126, proposed by Senator Markley, is aimed at increasing the threshold amount for public works projects that must adhere to prevailing wage laws. The bill proposes to raise the threshold for new construction projects to eight hundred thousand dollars and for remodeling projects to two hundred thousand dollars. This change is intended to provide local governments with greater flexibility in their budgeting and project planning, as costs associated with prevailing wage laws can be significant for smaller projects.

Contention

However, the bill is not without its detractors. Advocates for labor rights and fair wages argue that raising the threshold undermines workers' rights by exempting a significant number of projects from prevailing wage regulations. They contend that this could lead to lower wages for workers involved in public construction projects and diminish the quality of work due to reduced standards. This potential erosion of fair wages has sparked a contentious debate among lawmakers and stakeholders regarding the balance between economic development and worker protections.