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W. Va. Prevailing Wage Repealed In House
By: Associated Press
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CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) – With union workers in the stands in opposition, the Republican-led House of Delegates has voted to repeal the state’s prevailing wage for public construction projects.
House lawmakers voted 55-44 Wednesday, sending the bill to the Republican-majority Senate. Some House Republicans voted no.
Republicans believe the wage is inflated and say repealing it would save taxpayer money. Democrats say the move wouldn’t produce savings, would reduce pay and benefit out-of-state contractors.
The wage applies to union and non-union contracts.
Lawmakers rejected a Democratic amendment to study the economic impact. They didn’t consider a Democratic appeal Tuesday to repeal the wage for only five years.
Republican leaders aren’t happy with the outcome of a compromise last year that let Democratic Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin’s administration retool the wage.
Republicans have veto-proof majorities.