Attacks on Nevada's prevailing wage system collapsed in the 11th hour of Nevada's legislative session.
Not surprisingly, supporters of the effort to undermine construction wages in the state promised to bring the measure, A.B. 312, back up in February 2013 when the Legislature convenes its next 120-day biennial session. Nevada's system is unique in its infrequency of congregation.
“Prevailing wage was something that was on the reform table that was a big issue," Assemblyman Pat Hickey (R) told BNA, "and that is going to come back next session because that is an area in which we can save a lot of tax dollars.”
Construction union leaders, in the end, convinced the legislature that budget gains resulting from prevailing wage destruction were unlikely.
BNA provides added background on the debate:
During the session, the Assembly Republican caucus demanded that Democrats agree to change the prevailing wage laws. It was one of five conditions to be met before they would support extending $626 million in existing taxes as part of a state budget-package deal.
Among other things, the bill would have done the following:
• revised provisions relating to the payment of prevailing wages on public works;
• revised the manner in which the Labor Commissioner is required to determine prevailing wage rates in Nevada
• provided that collusion to affect the outcome of a prevailing wage survey is an unfair trade practice.