Detroit City Wire

Senator Joseph Bellino, along with four other Senate Republicans, introduced a legislative package aimed at restoring Michigan's status as a Right to Work state and repealing the mandated prevailing wage. The announcement was made on Tuesday in Lansing.

Bellino emphasized the need for these reforms by pointing out Michigan's high unemployment rate. "With Michigan’s unemployment rate ranking as one of the worst in the country, these reforms are needed to improve our economy by making our state more attractive to businesses and workers," said Bellino, R-Monroe. He criticized the prevailing wage mandate, stating that it "removes competition and forces taxpayers to pay more to fix local roads or improve safety at local schools."

The proposed Senate Bill 440 seeks to repeal prevailing wage requirements specifically for alternative energy projects like wind and solar. Bellino argued that the current mandate unnecessarily increases project costs and hinders energy providers from expanding power production.

In addition to addressing prevailing wages, Bellino expressed support for reinstating Right to Work laws in Michigan. "I support restoring Right to Work in our state because no worker should be forced to join or pay dues to a labor organization as a condition of being able to do their job," he stated. According to Bellino, workers should have the freedom to choose whether union membership is beneficial for them and their families.