In Michigan the roads are so bad they’re a joke on social media. “BREAKING NEWS: lost city of atlantis found in detroit pothole,” local YouTube star Demetrius Harmon quipped on Twitter in February, garnering thousands of likes. “I don’t always dodge potholes,” another Michigan meme says, “but when I do, I hit four more.”
So it’s a big deal that last week lawmakers passed a reform that will save taxpayers 10% to 15% by repealing the state’s prevailing-wage law for construction on roads, buildings and other public works. That...