The Missouri House has given initial approval to a bill repealing Missouri's prevailing wage law for public construction projects. It's a move targeted by GOP legislative leaders as a priority this year.
Currently, cities, school districts and other governmental entities must pay more than the state's standard minimum wage for construction and maintenance work. The exact amount is determined by a project's location and the type of work being done.
During a House debate Tuesday, proponents of the repeal said lowering the wages employers were required to pay would allow more schools, roads and other projects to be built with taxpayer dollars.
Opponents argued that the change would hurt workers.
Representatives endorsed the bill 86-63 Tuesday. Another vote is needed to send it to the Senate, where a similar bill stalled last year.
