S5379

The New York State Senate passed legislation requiring prevailing wage standards for brownfield remediation work funded through public tax credits, sending the measure back to the Governor after it was vetoed last year. Senate Print 5379, sponsored by Sen. Harckham, passed on a 51-8 roll call vote. The bill, which passed both chambers with bipartisan support in the previous legislative session, aims to ensure that cleanup projects at brownfield sites—which are often funded through public tax incentives for housing, affordable housing, and commercial development—are performed by skilled professionals including operating engineers and laborers. Sen. Harckham said the measure represents part of a broader legislative effort to ensure public money supports prevailing wage work. Eight senators voted against the bill: Borrello, Chan, Griffo, Helming, O'Mara, Ortt, Walczyk, and Gallivan. Harckham thanked advocates from the operating engineers and laborers unions for their work on the legislation and expressed determination to secure the Governor's signature this time.