Specialty Contractors Support Governor Brown's Hiring Freeze With Limited Exemptions

SACRAMENTO, Calif., Feb. 16, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Specialty contractors support Governor Brown's recent order to freeze hiring, particularly given the emphasis on permitting agencies to fill positions that "are critical to public safety and revenue collection." The California Professional Association of Specialty Contractors (CALPASC) has been working with state agencies, which are not funded through the general fund, to allow them the necessary staffing to go after and prosecute unscrupulous violators in the construction industry.

More than a year ago, Governor Schwarzenegger directed the top management of state agencies to stop hiring employees, which created a greater opportunity for illegal construction contractors to continue stealing from the state.

"While CALPASC is encouraged by the fact state agencies are prosecuting individuals," said Brad Diede, Chief Executive Officer of CALPASC, "they can't move fast enough because their hands are tied, and they are grossly understaffed due in part to the hiring freeze." CALPASC is leading a coalition of employers, businesses, associations and labor representatives, which represents thousands of companies and employees as part of an overall effort to fight against unscrupulous violators and support construction enforcement.

CALPASC's LEVEL Program, designed to work closely with state agencies in cracking down on cheating contractors, has assisted in qualifying and filing 20 claims throughout California.  "Although some claims have been filed, there are textbook cases that are falling through the cracks," said Diede.

"We recognize the state's fiscal condition," said John Norwood, President of the California Spa and Pool Education Council, and a member of the coalition, "however, construction must receive its fair share of enforcement resources to timely prosecute contractors who lie about their license, commit workers' compensation fraud and hire unlicensed or uninsured contractors. Through fines, the state can help recover the costs necessary to staff the efforts and cause more contractors to legitimately pay taxes into the general fund!"  

Representatives of the LEVEL Program and the coalition continue to work with state departments and agencies on multiple levels to improve construction enforcement, eliminate unnecessary laws and regulations, ensure the right resources are allocated to the right agencies and level the playing field for law-abiding construction contractors.

The California Professional Association of Specialty Contractors is a nonprofit 501(c)6 trade association advocating on behalf of trade contractors and suppliers of building materials in California. CALPASC is committed to educating members on complex issues and advancing safety and compliance within the building industry.

SOURCE California Professional Association of Specialty Contractors