State Representative Joey Andrews is briefing local governments on what’s been happening lately in Lansing. Speaking to Benton Harbor City Commissioners this week, Andrews said it’s been a “marathon” couple of months in Lansing, with some of the bills approved by Democrats expected to have an effect on cities like Benton Harbor. For example, the restoration of a prevailing wage law in the state.
“Prevailing wage is something that I think will be particularly impactful here,” Andrews said. “It will prevent contractors from using wages as something that they bargain over in the contracts that they’re bringing in front of you, I think making sure that the workers are adequately paid.”
Andrews said he also has a bill that would allow cities to establish their own prevailing wage. He told commissioners he’s been working to make sure smaller communities are pushed to the front of the queue for large state grants.
“What we’ve noticed is that sometimes smaller communities struggle to get in line to get the money and then the larger cities – Grand Rapids, Lansing, Detroit – who have the resources and the staff, they get in line first, they drink up the money.”
Andrews said the Legislature is also working to strengthen teacher bargaining rights. Mayor Marcus Muhammad offered to set aside time at regular meetings for the commission to be briefed by Andrews, much like they are briefed by Berrien County Commissioner Mammie Yarbrough. Andrews agreed that should be a regular feature.
