Governor Northam vetoes legislation prohibiting local governments from maintaining higher wage standards for contractors

RICHMOND – Governor Ralph Northam today vetoed House Bill 375, which would prohibit local governments from requiring their contractors to pay employees a higher wage than the state requires. The Governor’s full statement is below.

April 9, 2018

Pursuant to Article V, Section 6, of the Constitution of Virginia, I veto House Bill 375, which prohibits local governing boards from establishing provisions requiring a wage floor or any other employee benefit or compensation above what is otherwise required by state or federal law.

Local governments can require contractors to pay certain wage levels in contracts with localities. These initiatives have provided localities with qualified, high-skilled workers and contractors and successfully addressed significant cost-of-living and workforce disparities in these localities.

The ability of local governments to make this choice should be supported, not limited. Decisions regarding municipal contacts should be made by local leaders who fully understand local needs, and the needs of their workforce.

Accordingly, I veto this bill.

Sincerely,
Ralph S. Northam