Louisville Mayor Jerry Abramson says he'll probably decide this week whether to veto an ordinance passed by the Metro Council last week that sets wage and other labor standards for construction projects that receive city tax subsidies.A spokesperson says the mayor is holding discussions with labor, business and other government leaders before making a decision.The measure, which cleared the council after more than five hours of debate, would create minimum pay and other requirements for projects that receive at least $500,000 in taxpayer funds.Among those urging the mayor to use his veto pen is Billy Parsons, who heads the Associated Builders and Contractors of Kentuckiana."We just see it's going to be not only just an intrustion by the government into the way a company operates, the way they operate their company internally, the way they train, the way they hire their employees," Parsons said.Supporters of the ordinance say companies that receive substantial government help have an obligation to offer competitive pay and hire local workers, including women and minorities.
Rick Howlett was midday host and the host of LPM's weekly talk show, "In Conversation." He was with LPM from 2001-2023 and held many different titles, including Morning Edition host, Assignment Editor and Interim News Director. He died in August 2023. Read a remembrance of Rick here.