The Nevada Senate approved a bill that would suspend prevailing wage rules on school projects.
The prevailing wage measure is attached to a bill providing more money for school construction that has widespread support. But the 11-9 vote went according to party lines with Democrats opposed.
Prevailing wage rates are set by the state labor commissioner, and vary by the type of work and by county. Republican leadership argued that prevailing wage rules raise the price of building schools and reduce the amount of work that can be done. Under the current prevailing wage law, a journeyman carpenter on a public works project in the county encompassing Las Vegas must be paid $53.76 an hour, according to the Las Vegas Sun.
Union leaders say suspending the rules would devastate wages for middle-class workers and benefit out-of-state contractors. Democratic leaders asserted that repealing the prevailing wage provision would lead to lesser quality workmanship on school projects.
The bill now goes to the Republican-controlled Assembly.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Sep 19, 2019
Obama-era Waters of the U.S. rule revoked
New rule expected to define protected waterways more narrowly.
Codes and Standards | Sep 17, 2019
California will enact rent cap bill limiting rent increases to 5% plus inflation
Applies to apartments built at least 15 years ago.
Codes and Standards | Sep 17, 2019
Zero energy buildings can be constructed with no added upfront cost
ROI can be realized in as little as one year.
Codes and Standards | Sep 13, 2019
Researchers use U. of Arkansas buildings as testbed for CLT panels
Investigation could influence future use of the materials.
Codes and Standards | Sep 13, 2019
At least 30 U.S. cities have adopted stricter building energy codes since 2017
Some followed their states in implementing more robust standards.
Codes and Standards | Sep 12, 2019
Illinois law sets maximum retainage on private projects
The change is expected to give contractors bigger checks earlier in project timeline.
Codes and Standards | Sep 10, 2019
Retreat may be the best option for some coastal communities in face of sea level rise
A new study makes the case for relocating in a "strategic, managed" manner.
Codes and Standards | Sep 9, 2019
Free app calculates maximum allowable heights and areas for buildings
A free app that calculates the maximum allowable heights and areas for buildings of various occupancy classifications and types of construction has been released.
Codes and Standards | Sep 6, 2019
Standard for assessing frame deflection using one component polyurethane foams updated
The standard offers guidance when installing fenestration products.
Codes and Standards | Aug 29, 2019
The high cost of gridlock: $166 billion per year
Growing economy means more jobs, more cars, more hours stuck in traffic.
