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Wisconsin is One Step Closer to a Full Repeal of Prevailing Wage Law

By Concerned Veterans for America

Madison, WI – Last night, the Wisconsin Senate voted to pass the state budget which includes a full repeal of Wisconsin’s prevailing wage law. It will now head to Governor Scott Walker’s desk.

Governor Walker has indicated his support for a repeal of the prevailing wage in the past, calling it, “one more tool to make sure taxpayers get a better bang for their buck.”

Concerned Veterans for America (CVA) has pushed for the elimination of the prevailing wage law in Wisconsin because it limits job opportunities for veterans and boosts pay for well-connected companies that work on government contracts – while leaving taxpayers to cover the higher costs.

CVA Policy Director Dan Caldwell issued the following comment:

“Eliminating the prevailing wage in Wisconsin will be a major victory for veterans and taxpayers alike. These laws hurt veterans by limiting their opportunities for employment, while forcing up construction costs to pad the pockets of unions. This repeal will give veterans transitioning into civilian life a better shot at finding employment in the construction industry. We applaud the Senate for passing this important reform and encourage Governor Walker to follow through with a repeal of the prevailing wage.”

Earlier this year, CVA released web ads targeted at Wisconsin legislators. The ads highlight the positive impact that a prevailing wage repeal would have on veterans in the state. CVA also released a memo which refutes the myth, propagated by union-backed groups, that veterans support prevailing wage laws.

Prevailing wage laws, which were adopted in Wisconsin nearly 85 years ago, mandate that contractors are paid based on rates decided by unions. Instead of having the market determine how much these services are valued by the state, union bosses get to decide – and then taxpayers get stuck with the bill. Prevailing wage laws result in higher taxpayer costs and can limit the ability of many small businesses to compete for government work.

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