Connecticut Senate Bill SB00124

Connecticut 2017 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/13/17
• Refer: 1/13/17

Caption

An Act Concerning Exceptions To The Prevailing Wage Requirement In Public Works Projects.

Impact

The bill, if enacted, significantly impacts state laws governing public works projects by altering the existing prevailing wage requirements. By raising the threshold amounts, it reduces the scope of projects that must meet prevailing wage standards, which could lower labor costs and overall expenditures for municipalities. Proponents argue that these changes will encourage local governments to undertake more construction and renovation projects by making them financially feasible without the burden of prevailing wage compliance.

Summary

SB00124 is an act concerning exceptions to the prevailing wage requirement in public works projects. It aims to amend subsection (h) of section 31-53 of the general statutes, increasing the prevailing wage threshold to four million dollars for new construction projects and one million dollars for remodeling or repair works. This legislative change is intended to alleviate financial burdens on municipalities by raising the threshold amounts, thus reducing the number of public works projects that would require adherence to the prevailing wage law.

Contention

While supporters claim that SB00124 is necessary for economic development, critics point out potential downsides, including the risk of lower wages for workers on public projects. They argue that increased thresholds may lead to discrepancies in wage standards and weaken labor rights protections in the construction industry. The discussions surrounding the bill indicate a divide between fiscal conservatism that favors reduced costs for municipalities and labor advocacy groups concerned about the implications for workers' rights and wage fairness.