(AP) - State officials are eyeing changes to Delaware's prevailing wage regulations, which govern what workers are paid on public workers projects.

Officials are accepting written comments through next week on the proposed changes.

The prevailing wage law sets pay scales, often driven by union wages, for laborers on public works projects. Critics say it unnecessarily and artificially drives up taxpayer costs on government construction projects.

The proposed changes include increasing the cost the threshold that allows lower-paid apprentices or trainees to be used on projects.

Currently, contractors can use apprentices and trainees on projects exceeding $100,000 for new construction and $15,000 for repairs or renovations.

The new rule would limit use of trainees and apprentice to projects costing more than $500,000 for new construction or $45,000 for renovations and repairs.