Greetings, My Fellow Missourians

Prevailing wage laws are created by state governments or local municipalities to set a rate of pay that is thought to be standard for a labor group contracted to do public-sector projects in that area. Since I have been in the Missouri Legislature I have Sponsored and Co-sponsored Prevailing Wage Reform Repeal every year. During the 2018 Session a major compromise was reached. Instead of complete repeal Statewide it ended up being a reform that reflects a more accurate wage rate in the counties were the Public Work project is located. I believe it’s our obligation as Representatives of tax paying Missourians to spend the people’s money as wisely as possible on public work projects. On July 1, 2019 the compromises reform on wage rates throughout Missouri was been determined and put in to effect.

Twenty-nine states currently have prevailing wage laws. The Missouri Annual Wage Order contains prevailing wage rates for each occupational title in each county. The prevailing wage is the minimum rate that must be paid to workers on public works construction projects in Missouri, such as bridges, roads, schools, and government buildings. However, the wages paid may be higher which is up to the employer and employee to decide. The changes do not impact public works projects valued at $75,000 and under. Public work projects valued less than $10,000 are not subject to a competitive bidding process.

All public bodies of Missouri contemplating construction work must get an Annual Wage Order from Labor Standards. The Annual Wage Order lists the prevailing wage rates on public construction projects in each county. The rates must be incorporated into the contract specifications for any projects valued at more than $75,000. This is the minimum wage rate required for the project. Employees are free to bargain for a higher rate of pay. Employers are free to pay a higher rate of pay.

Missouri’s Division of Labor Standards gathers wage information from public and private commercial construction projects. The average county wages are based on the Census of Employment and Wages Report. The wage information is used to determine wage rates for the 25 different occupational titles in each county in Missouri. This data report is published annually and the new prevailing wage law uses it as a data base and multiplies it by 120 percent. In looking at the 2020 report, it has remained unchanged from 2019. Annual Wage Order No. 26 rates are as follows;

Building Construction Positions: Asbestos Worker, Boilermaker, Bricklayer, Carpenter, Cement Mason, Communications Technician, Electrician (Inside Wireman), Electrician Outside Lineman, Elevator Constructor, Glazier, Iron Worker, Laborer, Mason, Operating Engineer, Painter, Plumber, Roofer, Sheet Metal Worker, Sprinkler Fitter and Truck Driver

Building Construction Rates for the following counties: Benton $17.50, Cedar $16.40, Hickory $14.97 (with the exception of Electrician Inside Wireman $43.18) and St. Clair $15.91.

Heavy Construction Positions: Carpenter, Electrician (Outside Wireman), Laborer, Operating Engineer and Truck Driver

Heavy Construction Rates: Benton $17.50, Cedar $16.40, Hickory $14.97 and St. Clair $15.91 (with the exception of General Laborer $41.01 and Group 1 Operating Engineer $46.46).

For the complete list, please visit labor.mo.gov/prevailing-wage and enter your county.

Compliance with Missouri’s Prevailing Wage Law is important to the State of Missouri and vital to your business when working on public works projects. The Public Works Guidebook is a collection of everything you need to complete your public works projects in accordance to the law in one place. It includes checklists that take you from submitting your bid to writing your contract and completing your project, links to any forms you will need along the way and the law itself for your reference. The Missouri Department of Labor values the contractors and elected officials who work hard to improve our communities by bettering our school buildings, roads and bridges, parks systems and other public assets. To access the forms and checklists, please visit:

https://labor.mo.gov/publicworks

The new Benton County Jail is currently being constructed in Warsaw. This is a good example of the types of projects that fall under the Missouri Labor Laws. The jail has been under construction for almost a year. Plans call for an October completion date with an estimated cost of $12 Million. This is the largest Public Works Project in District 125.

Interim hours: Now that Session is over for 2020, I will be back in District full time. If you need any assistance my Legislative Assistant Amy Helton will be happy to help you Monday-Thursday.

It is my honor to serve the constituents of District 125. If you ever have questions, concerns, or input, please feel free to contact me any time at (573) 751-4065.

YOUR District 125 Capitol office is 413B, and YOU are always welcome.

If you would like to be added to the e-mail list to receive our Capitol Reports, you may e-mail me at warren.love@house.mo.gov or call the Capitol office at (573) 751-4065 and speak with my Legislative Assistant.

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