Don't raise lot prices by changing Prevailing Wage laws

To the Joint Finance Committee,

I've just learned of plans to again change prevailing wage standards related to DWD interpretations.  As I've been told this would require that prevailing wages be paid on items such as sidewalks, trees, parks and streets constructed entirely by a private residential developer, even though these items are paid for entirely with private dollars.  This will have a direct impact on the cost of housing and could increase home prices by an estimated 20-40%.  This is contrary to how residential developments have been done in this state and would specifically overturn well-established case law.

I object to this major issue being inserted into the Budget at literally the last minute.  Moreover, this will change how developments have historically been done in this state, and will increase housing costs, at a time when the housing industry is at historic lows. 

I cannot afford higher lot prices!  My clients cannot afford higher lot prices!  This is the wrong time and the wrong way for this change.  If you wish to consider this please do so in a separate bill with public hearings, not in the state budget!

Sent 5/22/09 to:

    Sen.Miller@legis.wisconsin.gov,
Sen.Hansen@legis.wisconsin.gov,
Sen.Taylor@legis.wisconsin.gov,
Sen.Lehman@legis.wisconsin.gov,
Sen.Robson@legis.wisconsin.gov,
Sen.Lassa@legis.wisconsin.gov,
Sen.Darling@legis.wisconsin.gov,
Sen.Olsen@legis.wisconsin.gov,
Rep.Pocan@legis.wisconsin.gov,
Rep.Colon@legis.wisconsin.gov,
Rep.Mason@legis.wisconsin.gov,
Rep.Shilling@legis.wisconsin.gov,
Rep.Sherman@legis.wisconsin.gov,
Rep.Grigsby@legis.wisconsin.gov,
Rep.Vos@legis.wisconsin.gov,
Rep.Montgomery@legis.wisconsin.gov

Changes to Prevailing Wage do not belong in the State Budget

Senators and Representatives of the Joint Finance Committee,

I am writing to oppose the changes to the Prevailing Wage system.  As a small business owner, and as a taxpayer and former local elected official, I oppose these changes!

This will hurt economic development by adding costs to municipal government and TIF districts. It will raise costs to local taxpayers at a time when we can least afford it – especially so as the State considers reducing its aid payments to local governments!  This is not acceptable.

This also affects housing – it makes projects more expensive when it is applied to municipal projects or street/sewer/water projects.

We can least afford a change like this right now. Especially when it is hidden inside of a BUDGET bill.  This is the WRONG PLACE for this, and also the wrong time for our state.

Sent 4/18/09 to:

Sen.Miller@legis.wisconsin.gov,
Sen.Hansen@legis.wisconsin.gov,
Sen.Taylor@legis.wisconsin.gov,
Sen.Lehman@legis.wisconsin.gov,
Sen.Robson@legis.wisconsin.gov,
Sen.Lassa@legis.wisconsin.gov,
Sen.Darling@legis.wisconsin.gov,
Sen.Olsen@legis.wisconsin.gov,
Rep.Pocan@legis.wisconsin.gov,
Rep.Colon@legis.wisconsin.gov,
Rep.Mason@legis.wisconsin.gov,
Rep.Shilling@legis.wisconsin.gov,
Rep.Sherman@legis.wisconsin.gov,
Rep.Grigsby@legis.wisconsin.gov,
Rep.Vos@legis.wisconsin.gov,
Rep.Montgomery@legis.wisconsin.gov