In just a matter of moments, legislators will convene a meeting of the Joint Legislative Task Force on the Underground Economy, chaired by Rep. Steve Conway. The “Underground Economy…” Sounds sinister, right? Well, it may not be the stuff of Jason Bourne flicks, but the reach and impact of this task force is substantial. Their mission statement, as it is, reads: The purpose of the Task Force is to formulate a state policy to establish cohesion and transparency between state agencies to increase the oversight and regulation of the underground economy practices in the construction industry in the state.
Basically, they’re tackling the challenges in both identifying the bad apples in the construction industry who are cheating consumers and other legitimate construction businesses by skirting the rules and regs, and the efficacy of state enforcement practices. This could be anything from contractors who skirt labor laws, to unlicensed plumbers who could leave you and your home at risk.
The task force will spend their time today hearing from state agency and legislative experts on penalties for contractors in other states, what can be done to assist local governments with monitoring needs, and barriers to enforcement for agencies.
For more info on the Underground Economy Task Force, visit:
http://www.leg.wa.gov/joint/Committees/ueci
