ALBANY undefined Legislation designed to push up the pay of janitors, security guards and groundskeepers at utility companies has created a holiday season lobbying spree now that the measure has been sent to Gov. David A. Paterson for consideration in his final days in office.

The pay boost affecting service industry workers on contract at utility companies presents a slippery slope, opponents say, because it broadens the state’s prevailing wage payment requirements, beyond just public agencies or private entities on public works projects, that now must pay the higher rates.

Besides raising energy costs for gas and electric utilities by millions of dollars, which will get passed on to consumers, the bill will also end up impacting other employers, including those located in “business improvement districts,” such as the 24-block Buffalo Place, according to opponents.

But Assemblyman Michael Gianaris, a Queens Democrat and sponsor of the bill in the Assembly, has a simple message: Calm down.

More at the source:Buffalo News