GOVERNOR'S VETO

Pursuant to Article V, Section 6, of the Constitution of Virginia, I veto House Bill 1596, which would prohibit a state agency from requiring a bidder, contractor, or subcontractor from performing services at rates based on prevailing wages and benefits.

Projects and employers who adhere to prevailing wage standards improve the lives of working families and enrich their communities. This legislation would have the effect of lowering wages and impeding the conclusion of future labor agreements. Virginia's efforts should be focused on increasing wages, which will fortify our efforts to build a new Virginia economy, rather than placing artificial restrictions on future growth.

Accordingly, I veto this bill.