Connecticut House Bill HB05279

Connecticut 2017 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/6/17
• Refer: 1/6/17

Caption

An Act Concerning Prevailing Wages For Certain School And Transportation Projects.

Impact

The proposed bill could impact the way municipalities fund and execute essential projects related to schools and transportation. By suspending the prevailing wage laws, municipalities might be able to lower overall project costs, thereby potentially increasing the number of projects that can be undertaken within the same budget. This move may lead to greater investment in local infrastructure, benefiting communities indirectly through improved public services and facilities. However, it raises concerns about the effects on worker wages and state employment standards.

Summary

House Bill 05279 aims to amend section 31-53 of the general statutes to impose a three-year moratorium on the application of prevailing wage rates for essential school and transportation projects undertaken by municipalities. The intent behind the bill is to provide financial relief to local towns by allowing them to allocate maximum funding to these projects without the burden of prevailing wage requirements, which can increase project costs significantly. By doing this, the bill seeks to ensure that local governments can complete important infrastructure work more affordably and effectively.

Contention

The bill has sparked a debate among lawmakers and community stakeholders. Supporters argue that the temporary suspension of prevailing wages is necessary for financial flexibility and efficient project execution during tough economic times. However, opponents contend that compromising on wage standards undermines workers' rights and could lead to a decrease in the quality of work, as lower wages may not attract skilled labor. The discussion reflects broader concerns about balancing fiscal responsibility with the rights and livelihoods of workers involved in municipal projects.