UPDATE: 5-5-16 CHARLESTON, W.Va (WTAP)- It was passed this winter and officially takes effect Thursday... West Virginia eliminates its prevailing wage for new pubic construction projects.

Many state-wide unions opposed the repeal, but republicans believed the wage was inflated and a repeal would save taxpayer money.

While existing contracts will not be touched, the change will effect all contracts starting Thursday May 5th.

Governor Tomblin originally veto-ed the bill but lawmakers overrode it.

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WTAP) - Right to work and prevailing wage. They're two of the hottest topics in West Virginia's legislature this session and both of them were on Thursday's agenda.

It's two separate bills, one in the senate, one in the house, both triggering the business community in the Mountain State.

Lawmakers faced the decision to repeal the state's 81-year-old Prevailing Wage Act.

There's opposition from union workers and democrats, saying it wouldn't produce any savings and would reduce pay. Opponets also argue it would benefit out-of-state contractors.

Supporters say the current wage is inflated and repealing it would save taxpayer's money.

In a 18 to 16 party line vote, the senate passes the bill to eliminate prevailing wage. It now moves to Governor Earl Ray Tomblin's desk, but he's expected to veto it.

Republican leaders have the votes to override that veto.

"I think it's bad for all of West Virginia working men and women, just for the simple fact everyone thinks it's a union issue, but non-unions is going to be affected as much as union because a lot of contractors are going to be able to come in here and bid the work and paying less wages and they're going to bring a lot of people with them. It's going to hurt the economic growth of West Virginia," says Rick Drain, Laborers Union Local Number 1085 business manager.

"We were happy to see that, it's something we've allocated for in West Virginia for a very long time, we were certainly excited to see it go through today and sent to the governor's desk," says Bryan Hoylman, President of the Associated Builders and Contractors of West Virginia.

After nearly five hours of debate, the house approved the right to work bill by a 54 to 46 vote.

The bill prohibits companies from requiring employees to pay union dues.

The senate has to approve the amended bill to send it to the governor's desk.

West Virginia would be the 26th state to adopt right-to-work.