“New York has a long history of protecting the rights, wages and benefits of employees; however, the lack of a ‘public work’ definition in statute has undermined prevailing rates and is open to judicial interpretation – a situation which is inconsistent with the requirement of our state Constitution. The Assembly budget proposal includes that workers on state-financed construction projects are guaranteed the prevailing wage. By ensuring prevailing wages for these projects, we protect workers, stop contractors from exploiting employees, create safer work places and support middle-class families.”