Capitol Report
By State Representative, Leon D. Young
Leon D. Young
The State Capitol was literally filled to the brim earlier his week, as hordes of concerned citizens came to Madison voice their concerns.
The hot-button issue in the crosshairs of the GOP was the repeal of the state’s prevailing wage law.
Wisconsin’s prevailing wage law came into effect in 2009 (Wisconsin Act 28).
The law specifically requires that certain laborers, workers, mechanics, and truck drivers employed on a state or local public works project be paid the prevailing wage rate.
Not surprisingly, the GOP and its minions have conducted an orchestrated campaign of misinformation, and outright deception, in an attempt to sway public opinion.
According to a study – funded by Associated Builders and Contractors of Wisconsin which favors repeal – found governments in the state could save $200 million to $300 a year by changing the prevailing wage calculation to better match actual wages. But, let’s examine the real facts:
• Extreme policies like repealing the prevailing wage will not create jobs or help grow our economy.
• Wisconsin’s working families should not be punished because Republicans need to close a $2.2 billion deficit they’ve created.
• Residents from all political stripes (road builders, construction companies and small businesses) collectively agree that this change would take our state in the wrong direction.
• Wisconsin’s road and bridge construction workers are some of the most productive in the nation – with low costs per mile and excellent training. Prevailing wage ensures we will continue to have high-quality road projects.
• A strong majority (62%) supports Wisconsin’s current prevailing wage law; 26% oppose the law.
• Support for the prevailing wage law cuts a broad path across the Wisconsin electorate – 49% of Republicans support the law along with 64% of independent voters.
At the end of day, Republicans are up to their old tricks: balancing the budget on backs of working-class families, under cutting labor and unions, while delivering the bacon to their wealthy, self-absorbed friends. Unfortunately for our state, Republicans are just about to pull the plug on Wisconsin’s prevailing wage law.