Tag: Prevailing Wage Repeal

West Virginia Repeal of State Prevailing Wage Takes Effect

West Virginia has eliminated its prevailing wage for new public construction projects.

The repeal passed this winter by the Republican-led Legislature took effect Thursday. Lawmakers overrode a veto by Democratic Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin, which required a simple majority of the Legislature.

Republicans believe the wage is inflated and said repealing it will save taxpayer money. Democrats said the repeal won’t produce savings, but will reduce pay and benefit out-of-state contractors.

Unions starkly opposed the repeal, though the wage applies to union and non-union contracts.

The repeal applies to new public construction contracts from Thursday onward. Existing contracts aren’t affected.

A 2015 law eliminated the prevailing wage for projects costing $500,000 or less and let Tomblin’s administration change how the wage was calculated. GOP leaders weren’t happy with the recalculation.

Lawmakers Decide to Proceed with Repeal of Prevailing Wage

West Virginia is eliminating its prevailing wage for public construction projects.

In House and Senate Republican party-line votes Friday, lawmakers rebuked Democratic Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin’s veto Thursday. Some House Republicans voted no.

A simple majority was required, a relatively easy bar compared to other states.

Republicans believe the wage is inflated and say repealing it would save taxpayer money. Democrats say the repeal wouldn’t produce savings, but would reduce pay and benefit out-of-state contractors.

Unions starkly opposed the repeal, though the wage applies to union and non-union contracts.

Republican leaders aren’t happy with a compromise last year that let Tomblin’s administration retool the wage.

In his veto, Tomblin said last year’s agreement was “all for naught.”

The repeal becomes effective 90 days from its original passage.

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