State Rep. Robin Vos, R-Caledonia, claims a healthy public debate is one of the most important parts of the democratic process. I would like an opportunity to refute his recent commentary on prevailing wage.

The changes in prevailing wage that are proposed in the governor's budget simply mirror the language used by the United States government for jobs with federal money. The federal law, known as the Davis-Bacon Act, was enacted during the Great Depression (when the unemployment rate was 25 percent) to protect local workers and give local contractors the opportunity to compete on jobs in their area. It is interesting to note that the Federal Prevailing Wage law, while having bipartisan support, was introduced by two Republican senators, passed by a Republican congress, and signed by a Republican president.

Vos' claim that contractors, "when paying the assigned state rate, will now be forced to increase their costs 20 to 40 percent," creates an illusion that bureaucrats in Madison assign an inflated prevailing wage to building projects. The truth is that the state conducts a yearly survey for all contractors, both union and nonunion. State Law requires all contractors to participate in this survey, which has separate categories and wage determinations for residential and commercial construction. The survey is done on a county by county basis and the corresponding prevailing wage rate is based on the results of the survey for each county. In other words, the prevailing wage is the predominant wage, with separate rates for residential and commercial construction, it is not necessarily the union wage and it is not 20 to 40 percent higher. All contractors, both union and nonunion, are welcome to bid and work on prevailing wage projects; they are simply required to pay the proper local wages and benefits to their employees. How is that a "terrible impact on our local workers?"

The Building and Construction Trades are also involved in state registered apprenticeship programs. Wisconsin was in fact the first state in the nation to develop such a program. These programs are overseen by both state and local Joint Apprenticeship Committees, comprised of both the employers, employees and Wisconsin. The JAC's work to actively recruit minorities, follow all state laws and guidelines, and ensure that their programs are open for everyone.

Gov. Jim Doyle is proposing to bring Wisconsin's prevailing wage standards up to the level of our neighboring states and the federal government. In tough economic times like this it is more important than ever to do what we can to protect the local blue-collar workers of our communities.

Keith Kemper of Kansasville is the business representative for Sheet Metal Workers Local #18 of Racine, Kenosha and Walworth counties.