This report examines "prevailing wage" and school construction costs in Washington state by first examining 1985 through 1999 data on the state's school construction financing levels, the percentage of local share of funding, comparisons of average actual square foot cost versus the state's area cost allowance, and bond election successes versus failures by calendar year. The report then explains that prevailing wage laws increase construction costs by 10 to 15 percent, overcharging taxpayers and contributing to the public's perception of state-mandated inefficiency. Since Washington taxpayers are strongly expressing their desire for frugal spending, the report concludes that the state legislature should repeal the prevailing wages law. (GR)