Whereas: Michigan prevailing wage laws stand in opposition to free market principles; and
Whereas: Empirical evidence shows that states without prevailing wage laws hire more workers, increase competitive bidding on government projects, and save taxpayer millions in costs; and
Whereas: The process by which the government determines wages leads to overly inflated wages and a massive additional burden on the poor and middle class due to increased costs; and
Whereas: Prevailing wage laws restrict competition, reduce employment, and add approximately $275 million annually to the cost of government contract work, paid for by Michigan taxpayers; and
Whereas: Prevailing wage laws drive up the costs of operating municipal governments; and
Whereas: Nationally, poverty rates are higher in states with prevailing wage laws; and
Whereas: A study by Paul Kersey found that on average, in Michigan, the rates that were mandated on state construction projects were 39 percent higher than the median wages in the construction industry.
Therefore: I urge you to support and vote YES on legislation ending prevailing wage laws in Michigan.