In a surprising about-face, the Pennsylvania House of
Representatives passed a $2.4 billion transportation funding bill 104-95. Just
a day earlier, the measure failed.
It has major cash infusions for roads, bridges and public
transportation paid for with higher taxes on fuels and increases in motor
vehicle license fees. The measure now goes to the PA Senate and could be on
Corbett's desk later this week.
But PennLive highlights one potential caveat:
The House plan contains a key change that has not passed
muster in the state Senate yet: a modest, albeit once-in-a-generation reform to
Pennsylvania's prevailing wage statute. The bill raises the cost threshold at
which the law's minimum wage requirements kick in for transportation
construction projects from an outdated $25,000 at present, to $100,000 going
forward.
For Gov. Tom Corbett, it represents the chance for a major
legislative victory — something he desperately needs to help kick off his
re-election campaign against a strong Democratic field.
"Today, the House of Representatives made a dramatic
choice to invest in the future of Pennsylvania," said Corbett in a
prepared statement. "In doing so, they have set the stage for the safety
of our children and the economic prosperity of Pennsylvania."
Source: Philadelphia
Business Journal
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