CALPASC and PDCC Leaders Commend Insurance Commissioner and State Agencies in Crackdown of Unscrupulous Employers

SACRAMENTO, Calif., Jan. 30, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Construction industry subcontractors welcomed Friday's announcement from California Commissioner Dave Jones' (http://insurance.ca.gov/0400-news/0100-press-releases/2012/release007-12.cfm) on the charges against a Millbrae business owner for 57 felonies, including payroll theft and workers' compensation insurance fraud. As part of the LEVEL Program, the California Professional Association of Specialty Contractors (CALPASC), in conjunction with allied associations such as the Painting and Decorating Contractors of California (PDCC), work diligently with state agencies to target deceptive employers in the construction industry who cheat the state out of millions of dollars and to "level the playing field" for law-abiding contractors.

Following the distribution of the release, CALPASC Executive Director Brad Diede commended Commissioner Jones and those working with his department, "This type of coordinated agency work is exactly what the LEVEL Program is about. Starting the year off with an announcement of this magnitude sends a real message to violators thriving within the underground economy who, not only try to scam the state, but hurt legitimate contractors through unfair competition."

President of the PDCC, Brad Horton, commented, "We are encouraged that state agencies are stepping up the pace to catch the cheaters. Be it a public works project or re-painting the house next door, legitimate contractors like ours cannot compete against those who act unlawfully."

Diede further stated,

"In 2010, we implemented the LEVEL Program to promote this type of interaction among state agencies, associations and legitimate contractors to expose construction contractors like Doherty and those uncovered in sweeps, similar to the one in in Victor Valley where the California Contractors State License Board (CSLB), other state agencies and the San Bernardino County District Attorney's office partnered to conduct surprise compliance checks at jobsites.

"The focused coordination among agencies like the State Insurance Department, CSLB, Department of Industrial Relations and district attorney offices, echoes throughout the industry making it clear to violators if you are fraudulently seeding and growing your business, we will find you and weed you out."

 

SOURCE California Professional Association of Specialty Contractors (CALPASC)

Back to top