The signatures required to repeal Michigan’s Prevailing Wage Law were submitted to the Bureau of Elections in early November. If the signatures are approved by the Board of Canvassers then the repeal language will be introduced into the state legislature as a proposed law. The state Senate and House then have 40 days to act on the proposal. If they pass the proposal it becomes law without the need for approval by the Governor. This is critical since Governor Snyder has indicated he would veto any bill to repeal prevailing wage. All indications are that the prevailing wage repeal will be presented to the legislature near the end of this year or in early January of next year.

“NFIB has made it clear that this is an issue that should be acted on immediately by the legislature.”

If the proposal fails to pass the legislature, or the legislature does not act on the proposal within the 40 days, then it goes on the November 2018 statewide ballot for a vote of the people. However, NFIB has made it clear that this is an issue that should be acted on immediately by the legislature. You can read more about this issue HERE.

 

Repealing Michigan’s Prevailing Wage Act is the next step in assuring fair and open competition on publicly funded construction projects. The state’s current prevailing wage law acts as a “super minimum wage” that sets construction wages at the union scale, always higher than local construction wages determined by fair competition in the free market.