The Business Council of New York State, Inc. has joined with sixteen other business organizations from across the state to oppose legislation that would significantly increase the type and amount of work that is traditionally subject to prevailing wage laws by expanding the list of job categories covered by the prevailing wage laws, and by expanding the coverage of the prevailing wage law for the first time to private businesses.

“Expanding the prevailing wage law to private businesses for the first time sets a dangerous precedent that will prevent job creation and raise prices in New York,” said Kenneth Adams, president and CEO of The Business Council of New York State, Inc.

This bill represents a huge job-killing mandate that New York cannot afford. While it appears to impact only utilities, it goes far beyond this and sets a dangerous precedent for all businesses throughout the State.

The State and its local governments are facing some of their greatest fiscal challenges ever. Therefore, it is imperative that the State Legislature do everything in its power to help local governments better manage their fiscal affairs. Instead, this legislation would impose costly new mandates on the State of New York, local governments and all New Yorkers.

To read a letter in opposition click coalition-letter-service-worker-pw-opp-june-30