Connecticut House Bill HB06217

Connecticut 2017 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/20/17
• Refer: 1/20/17

Caption

An Act Concerning The Prevailing Wage For Public Works Projects Related To Historic Preservation.

Impact

By exempting public works projects related to historic preservation from prevailing wage laws, the bill could potentially reduce the overall costs associated with such projects. This may lead to a greater number of historic preservation endeavors being undertaken since funding allocation for these initiatives often falls short. The measure intends to facilitate the upkeep and restoration of historic sites, allowing for their preservation without the significant financial burden imposed by prevailing wage obligations.

Summary

House Bill 06217 concerns the issue of prevailing wages in relation to public works projects that are aimed at historic preservation. The bill seeks to amend section 31-53 of the general statutes by creating an exemption for these types of projects from the prevailing wage requirements. The intent behind this legislation is to recognize the financial limitations often associated with historic preservation efforts, which can be particularly restrictive when adhering to established prevailing wage protocols.

Contention

However, this bill has been met with points of contention regarding its implications for labor standards. Critics argue that exempting these projects from prevailing wage regulations could undermine worker protections and result in lower wage standards for laborers involved in the preservation work. They express concern that the financial rationale does not sufficiently justify potential exploitation of workers, emphasizing the need for a balance between preserving historic sites and ensuring fair compensation for workers involved in these projects.