Contractor fraud, primarly classified as theft by deception, is a large problem in the growing areas of the state, specifically NEPA counties of Monoroe, Pike, and Wayne.

The individuals who perpatrate this crime seek out new residents claiming to be a knowledgeable contractor, then proceed to begin a job with no intention of finishing it. Once a small portion of work is done, the criminal often requests additional funds for supplies from the homeowner. Once they receive the additional money the criminal is never heard from again, as they are not required to register their address with the Commonwealth.

Pennsylvania law relating to contractor theft is severly deficient, and invites this kind of activity. Even if an unscrupulous contractor is caught under the “theft by deception” tag, he/she is likely to already be in bankrupcty court, which prevents the homeowner from ever recoping their funds. Bottomline, this is a necessary piece of legislation that other states have successfully implemented.

This practice is nothing more than a scheme for rapacious employers to avoid payment of unemployment and worker’s compensation taxes, leavng their hapless workers and/or their families without any means to a livelihood in the event of injury or death on the job. The enactment of the “Construction Industry Independent Contractor Act” will put these predators where they belong…in front of a magistrate charged with a criminal act.
Any member of the General Assembly who votes to allow this third-world practice to continue in Pennsylvania is as unconscionable as are these same predators.
Matt Thomas

Wow, I can’t believe such a progressive piece of legislation got through our state house. Kudos to Speaker O’Brien and Maj Leader DeWeese.

pd

Those that defend business at any cost to the worker must have been at the beach house when this went through.
JP