SB 1566
Exempts certain projects for public works, primarily related to affordable housing, from the requirement to pay a prevailing rate of wage.
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Sign in to take actionPublic sentiment
Support
77%
Oppose
23%
- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill modifies Oregon law regarding prevailing wage requirements for public works projects. It creates an exemption for certain projects primarily focused on affordable housing, allowing them to avoid paying the standard prevailing wage rate. Specifically, it expands the definition of projects eligible for this exemption to include a broader range of affordable housing developments and construction activities. The bill takes effect 91 days after the adjournment of the legislative session.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsors
Vikki Breese-Iverson
Cosponsor
David Brock Smith
Arguments in favor
Reasons to support this legislation.
Supporters of Senate Bill 1566 advocate for clarifying Oregon's prevailing wage statutes to increase the state's housing supply and address the affordability gap in rural areas. They argue that exemptions from prevailing wage requirements would reduce barriers to development, particularly for middle-income housing projects receiving public support, and help maintain financial feasibility for such projects. By providing clarity on prevailing wage protections for public works and exempting affordable housing projects from prevailing wage requirements, proponents believe the bill would remove cost barriers, increase attainable housing production, and ultimately address Oregon's housing crisis.
Source: Testimony Summaries
Arguments opposed
Reasons to oppose this legislation.
Opponents of removing or reducing the prevailing rate of wage requirement in taxpayer-funded projects argue that it is essential to maintaining fair wages for construction workers. They emphasize that prevailing wage rates are industry-established labor standards that benefit local economies by allowing workers to live and thrive in their communities, and that lowering these rates would compromise safety, quality, and training in construction projects. Many testifiers also highlight the importance of prevailing wage in promoting jobs with family-supporting wages and diversifying the workforce, as well as supporting regional programs and training initiatives for skilled tradespeople. By removing or reducing prevailing wage requirements, opponents fear that it will lead to increased costs, reduced training, and decreased job quality, ultimately exacerbating the affordable housing crisis rather than addressing it.
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