AFP Disappointed in Sen. Marklein’s Vote Against Prevailing Wage Repeal
"We are disappointed in Sen. Marklein’s decision to side with special interests over Wisconsin taxpayers."
MADISON, Wis. – Today, Americans for Prosperity Wisconsin, the state’s largest grassroots advocate for economic freedom, reacted with disappointment upon news that Sen. Howard Marklein voted against legislation that would save taxpayers $300 million a year on construction projects by allowing school districts and local governments to pay workers fair market wages.
State Director David Fladeboe had the following to say:
“We are disappointed in Sen. Marklein’s decision to side with special interests over Wisconsin taxpayers. Repealing Wisconsin’s outdated prevailing wage requirement would have saved $2 million in his district alone! This is a common sense reform that gives districts the freedom to pay fair market wages for work and gives smaller contractors the ability to compete. Why shouldn’t taxpayers be allowed to get the best bang-for-their-buck?
Despite today’s committee vote, AFP Wisconsin remains committed to fighting for full repeal of this silly, outdated legislation. We are hopeful that members of the Assembly will stand up and take leadership on this important issue to be sure we can achieve repeal for taxpayers everywhere.”
Americans for Prosperity (AFP) is a nationwide organization of citizen-leaders committed to advancing every individual’s right to economic freedom and opportunity. AFP believes reducing the size and intrusiveness of government is the best way to promote individual productivity and prosperity for all Americans. For more information, visit www.americansforprosperity.org
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. It has not been verified for its accuracy or completeness.
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AFP is an extremist organization that is out to destroy working people and diminish their status as citizens. This organization uses deceit, lies, propaganda that is funded by corporate and wealthy donors. Everything they promote runs counter to the interests of working class people.
Ok David. That has nothing to do with the issue. How is attempting to secure the best value for every taxpayer dollar running against the interest of working class people? In a climate where people don’t want to be taxed any more, revenue streams for local governments are declining rapidly. How is it a bad idea for government to get the most benefit out of every dollar?
I think some people are skeptical of AFP’s motives and believe it aligns itself with corporations and the wealthy while cloaking itself in rhetoric that claims alignment with hardworking taxpayers and working folks.
So, independently of what AFP thinks, or Voces, or the Illuminati for that matter, is the prevailing wage law a good idea? Does it make sense to pay more than the market rate for projects? Does it really improve quality this way? Should we be adding extra costs to other things, such as only buying only local paper made in environmentally friendly conditions, or buying only government vehicles made in the state? Currently, there isn’t an appetite in this state to increase taxes, so are you willing to fight for prevailing wage over money for K-12 or UW system?
Did the Illuminati issue a press release? I think those are good questions Kyle. I have another. Why is prevailing wage suddenly an issue? I don’t remember hearing anything about it until very recently. Has there been a big problem with runaway costs on projects due to paying above the market rate or something?
Decent wages and benefits for working people improves the health of the economy since they have more money in their budget to spend on local businesses for goods and services. Knocking wages down is just another short term scheme to cheat people out of decent and just payment for their labor. People make less, then they pay less in taxes and have less to spend. It is a continued downward spiral.
It is a continued race to the bottom with Republicans and front groups like AFP greasing the skids to diminish standards for all working people.
Every action Walker and his corporate stooges have taken continues Wisconsin’s slide as a bottom tier state in the Midwest and USA.