In 1997 the Republican led Ohio legislature exempted school construction from the prevailing wage law and billions of dollars have been saved since.
Studies routinely prove these prevailing wage requirements increase costs by as much as 20%.
It is unconscionable that House Republicans would use a COVID-19 relief bill to – without any public debate – increase costs for Ohioans when we are struggling to re-open our economy.
But the Ohio Senate can put the needs of all Ohioans first by sending SB 310 to a conference committee where this sneaky amendment can be removed. And they should!
If the Ohio Senate fails to act, Governor Mike DeWine should stand up for the interests of 11.7 million citizens and line-item veto the expansion of prevailing wage.
Neither the Governor nor Republican Legislators campaigned on increasing the wasteful and outdated prevailing wage law. That’s why they snuck it into the bill and that’s why the Senate should remove it. And if they won’t, Governor DeWine should.
Beth Lear
blear@abcofohio.org
Vice President of Government Affairs
Associated Builders and Contractors of Ohio |