Connecticut House Bill HB06118

Connecticut 2019 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/24/19
• Refer: 1/24/19

Caption

An Act Concerning The Prevailing Wage Threshold For State Repair And Renovation Projects.

Impact

The proposed increase in the prevailing wage threshold would have significant implications for labor standards in the state. By raising the threshold, the bill could potentially exempt smaller renovation projects from the prevailing wage requirements, leading to a disparity in wage protections for workers involved in these smaller projects. This can shift the landscape of wages in the construction industry, potentially lowering them for specific segments of work related to state contracts.

Summary

House Bill 06118 proposes an amendment to Section 31-53 of the general statutes, which addresses the prevailing wage threshold for state repair and renovation projects. The bill aims to increase this threshold to five hundred thousand dollars. This change seeks to reflect the current economic environment and the costs associated with construction and state contracts, ensuring that more projects are subject to the prevailing wage laws that protect the rights and pay of laborers working on state projects.

Contention

There are likely points of contention around this bill, particularly from labor advocates who may argue that increasing the threshold for prevailing wages dilutes worker protections. Critics could contend that this measure may lead to lower wages for workers in smaller projects, further widening the income inequality within the construction workforce. Supporters, on the other hand, may argue that the increase is necessary to adjust to inflation and the rising costs of doing business, which could ultimately help sustain employment levels in the construction sector.