Thursday, April 20, 2000
12:05 P.M.
Ninety-Fourth Regular Session
The Assembly met in the Assembly Chamber located in the State Capitol.
Representative Porter in the chair.
The Assembly dispensed with the call of the roll.
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Agency Reports
State of Wisconsin
Legislative Audit Bureau
Madison
April 19, 2000
To the Honorable, the Legislature:
We have completed an evaluation of the enforcement of prevailing wage laws by the departments of Workforce Development (DWD) and Transportation (DOT), as requested by the Joint Legislative Audit Committee. Prevailing wage laws require contractors engaged in public works projects to pay construction workers wages that are at least comparable to those earned for similar private-sector work in the same county.
DWD determines prevailing wage rates in each county for 233 job classifications by conducting an annual survey of construction contractors. The survey process generally provides accurate results but is time-consuming and prevents DWD staff from fulfilling other duties. We provide recommendations for improving the efficiency of the process.
Both DWD and DOT enforce compliance with the law by investigating workers' complaints that they have not been paid appropriate wages. In 1998, DWD completed 116 complaint investigations and collected $125,811 in back wages owed by contractors. On average, DWD required 304 days to complete an investigation. DOT appears to complete its investigations in considerably less time, and in 1998 collected $140,700 in back wages owed. DOT also monitors compliance by reviewing contractors' weekly payroll reports independent of formal complaints.
Neither agency typically invokes statutorily available penalty options against contractors that violate prevailing wage statutes, such as monetary damages beyond the back wages owed or debarment from public contracts. We include options for the Legislature to consider if it wishes to increase the enforcement efforts of the agencies.
We appreciate the courtesy and cooperation extended to us by DWD and DOT. Their responses are Appendix II and Appendix III.
Respectfully submitted,
Janice Mueller
State Auditor
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Southeast Wisconsin
Professional Baseball Park District
Milwaukee
April 20, 2000
To the Honorable, the Legislature:
Enclosed please find the Miller Park Monthly Progress Report for the month of March 2000 for your review and consideration. As the enclosed report indicates, Miller Park continues to develop with the District Board's objectives of building the premier baseball facility in the country; scheduled for play on Opening Day 2001; within budget; and with meaningful community participation.
As always, please feel free to contact me if you should have any questions or comments regarding the enclosed report.
Very truly yours,
Michael R. Duckett, P.E., R.l.s.
Executive Director
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Representative Handrick moved that the Assembly stand adjourned until 10:00 A.M. on Tuesday, April 25.
The question was: Shall the Assembly stand adjourned?
Motion carried.
The Assembly stood adjourned.
12:06 P.M.
