Legislation that would exempt officials with some Kentucky school construction projects from paying the prevailing wage easily cleared a senate committee Thursday. Bill Sponsor Wil Schroder told members more work could be done for less money, without jeopardizing the quality of the project.
Tom Shelton, Director of the Kentucky Association of School Superintendents testified in support of the measure. "First of all we'd be able to do more renovations, better renovations, more new buildings that we couldn't do," said Shelton. "But, once the building needs are met, it would also free up more money that could be used for other means within the school district."
The legislation pertains to projects from elementary to university levels costing $250,000 or more. Union representatives testified in opposition to the measure. Bill Finn is with the Kentucky State Building and Trades Council. "It's gonna drive down wages of construction workers in Kentucky, which is already a difficult industry to try to attract people to," Finn said. "Prevailing wage helps provide pensions, retirement, a living wage."
While the Republican-led Senate has been supportive of such legislation, similar bills have failed in the Democratic-controlled House.
