Prairie State Wire

Illinois lawmakers have proposed bills aimed at expanding the prevailing wage mandate to include additional infrastructure and construction projects. The mandate, which sets wage standards for workers on public works projects, often imposes administrative and financial challenges on state and federal contractors. According to critics, these challenges can be particularly difficult for smaller, less-established contractors, hindering their ability to compete for public contracts.

Concerns have been raised that limiting competition from small businesses could increase public costs and decrease the efficiency of public and private infrastructure investments. There is an argument that the added costs and paperwork requirements create significant burdens for small businesses and lead to higher costs for taxpayer-funded projects.

Advocates against the expansion are urging legislators to consider the impact on Illinois small business owners and encourage them to oppose the expansion. They believe maintaining open competition is crucial for cost-effective public projects.

The public is encouraged to voice their opinion to lawmakers on this issue.

###