L&I opens Chuck Norris style can o' Whoop-A$$ on Underground Economy

Amongst several new laws going into effect today is one giving the state Department of Labor & Industries the ability to pursue subpoenas for “purposes of agency investigations of underground economy activity.”

The new law sponsored by Reps. Steve Conway, Maralyn Chase, Zack Hudgins, Jim Moeller, and Geoff Simpson gives some teeth to the arm of the agency that’s keeping workplaces safe, and ensuring every business in Washington is playing by the same rules.

In related news, L&I just announced a pretty fascinating new blog called Nailed, written by Carl Hammersburg, the Fraud Prevention and Compliance Manager at the agency.

So that makes Carl the Chuck Norris of L&I. Because the videos on Nailed are just like watching Walker, Texas Ranger except with more corporate crime and fewer slow-motion roundhouse kicks.
Here’s Carl on Nailed:

“People tend to think fraud only involves workers cheating the workers’ comp system, but it’s much more than that. Millions of dollars are lost when employers, medical providers and contractors commit fraud. The blog will show how my staff is working to fight fraud and also how we bring cheaters into compliance. I also hope Nailed will attract attention to workers’ comp fraud and encourage more people to tip us off to fraudulent activities.”

In other words, cracking down on the few bad apples helps the businesses playing by the rules by keeping L&I costs down, and most importantly, keeps workers and consumers safe.

And that, my friends, is Chuck Norris (and Conway, Chase, Hudgins, Moeller, and Simpson) approved.

106-year old advocates for senior citizens

Marianne Jones of Lake Forest Park may have set a record when she came to Olympia to advocate for continued state support of adult day health programs.

Marianne is 106 years old.

Even long-time legislators and staff could not remember an advocate coming to Olympia whose advice reflected the experiences of 106 years.

"I was thrilled to meet Marianne and to hear her support for adult day health programs," said state Rep. Maralyn Chase. "Her involvement is truly uplifting and energizing to supporters of the program like myself, and will make any opponents think twice about the value of the service."

Chase emphasized that the early-action budget proposed by the state House of Representatives preserves adult day health programs, which were on the chopping block in Gov. Chris Gregoire's first budget proposal. If Chase and the House get their way, the program will continue to serve senior citizens until at least the end of the current budget cycle and possibly far into the future.

Chase said she is guardedly optimistic about the long-term prospect of state funding for adult day health services.

"Having inspiring allies like Marianne Jones and her daughter Dianne certainly helps," Chase said.

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