By Richard H. Wessels, Esq.
Indiana Governor Mike Pence has signed a law ending
Indiana’s Common Construction Wage Act. This was Indiana’s version of a
prevailing wage act.
The new statute provides that, unless otherwise required by
federal or state law, public agencies are prohibited from establishing,
mandating, or otherwise requiring a wage scale or wage schedule for a public
works project.
Supporters of the act are of the opinion that wages on
public projects should be set by the marketplace and not by the government. Naturally,
the outlook is that there will be significant savings to taxpayers under the
new system.
West Virginia and Nevada have recently repealed state
prevailing wage acts. Indiana’s move may create pressure in Illinois for a
similar repudiation of prevailing wage laws.
Questions? Call Attorney Dick Wessels of Wessels
Sherman's St. Charles, Illinois office: 630-377-1554 or email him at riwessels@wesselssherman.com.
