1、Congressional Research Service The Library of CongressCRS Report for CongressReceived through the CRS WebOrder Code RS20940Updated May 28, 2003The “Little Davis-Bacon” Acts and StatePrevailing Wage StandardsWilliam G. WhittakerSpecialist in Labor EconomicsDomestic Social Policy DivisionSummaryThroug
2、h the past century, many states have adopted (and, sometimes repealed)protective statutes which, inter alia, have required contractors doing work for a state toobserve basic labor standards: notably, payment of not less than the locally prevailingwage. Varying from one statute and jurisdiction to an
3、other, these laws are intended tostabilize both the earnings of workers and the general structure of industry.In 1931, the federal government followed in the same path, adopting the Davis-Bacon Act which affects federal contract construction in much the same way the “LittleDavis-Bacon” acts affect c
4、ontract construction undertaken for the states. This reportintroduces the state prevailing wage laws and provides an inventory of states in which,to varying degrees, they are in effect. It will be updated annually.Development of Prevailing Wage StandardsResponding both to the perception of irregular