Sen. Mike Brubaker (R-Lancaster) introduced legislation today that would place a moratorium on prevailing wage requirements for municipal and school construction projects to reduce costs to taxpayers.
Senate Bill 792 (not yet online) would reduce costs by placing a three-year moratorium on prevailing wage requirements. It is estimated that the moratorium would reduce labor costs by up to 25 percent, providing a valuable incentive for school districts and municipalities to begin work on new construction projects.
"This moratorium would allow local governments and school districts to address urgent construction needs at the lowest possible cost to taxpayers," Sen. Brubaker said. "It is important for all government entities to maximize every dollar invested by the taxpayer, and this bill would ensure that the public gets the greatest benefit for every dollar invested.
"Placing a temporary moratorium on these wage restrictions would allow Pennsylvania companies to be more competitive in the bidding process, providing the opportunity to create and preserve more family-sustaining jobs for state residents. In addition to reducing overall costs to taxpayers, this proposal could provide a much-needed boost to the state's economy."
