Repealing prevailing wage in Michigan has been a top priority for several legislative Republicans this year and in years past. The Michigan Senate passed a repeal of the prevailing wage laws a little over a year ago, but the measure hasn’t been taken up in the House. There are a few reasons why House Republicans are hesitant to take the issue up: The Governor has promised a veto if the measure is put on his desk, there is some concern that the votes just aren’t there in the House to pass it, and, finally, it is a controversial issue that many vulnerable Republicans do not want to deal with on the campaign trail this summer. In addition, two separate attempts by those supporting a repeal have failed to collect enough signatures to place it on the ballot.
MITA has been a strong voice in support of prevailing wage and has been the lead business organization testifying in opposition to its repeal. We have been working very closely with those Republicans who are not in support of repeal, as well as with the Governor’s office. Some have thought that there would be an attempt in lame duck this November and December to challenge the Governor and place the measure on his desk to see if he would actually veto the legislation.
Repealing prevailing wage was a priority for Michigan Republicans when this legislative session began, but not anymore. Speaker Kevin Cotter said any attempt to repeal the state’s prevailing wage law is off the table for the remaining 20 legislative days in this session. The Speaker told Michigan’s Big Show that the Governor opposes the bill because it is contrary to his efforts to promote and encourage skilled trades in Michigan.
MITA staff will continue to monitor the issue over the next several months and beyond, as anything can happen, despite the Speaker’s comments. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact Mike Nystrom, Executive Vice President, at mikenystrom@mi-ita.com, or Lance Binoniemi, Vice President of Government Affairs, at lancebinoniemi@mi-ita.com. They can also be reached at 517-347-8336.
