Articles

By David Kalb, President of Capitol Services, Inc.

I always appreciate feedback from our ‘Q&A’ so we will share more ‘industry expert’ information for all the contractors who checked in.  Another contractor discovers that painting a building won’t ‘insulate’ him from the need for another license class…

Q:  In your most recent column, you responded to a question about the Contractor Board’s Industry Expert Program.  Could you tell me more about this and would I be paid?

By David Kalb, President of Capitol Services, Inc.

While I am often described as an ‘expert on licensing’ did you know that licensed contractors could also be ‘Industry Experts’? Few people may realize that just as older pilots share their expertise with flight schools, a California contractor’s experience is of great value to the CSLB. We also share names and backgrounds to go with the new faces on the Contractors Board…

from Kevin Pedrotti, Legislative Advocate for the Golden State Builders Exchanges

BUDGET

By David Kalb, President of Capitol Services, Inc.

When was the last time you saw a government fee go down? If your desire is to obtain a contractor’s license or yours is up for renewal, act now or spend more. A corporate officer wants to ‘duck and cover’ in an effort to avoid his responsibility. A twist in contractor’s law illustrates how your inactive CA contractor’s license can be useful to work out of state…

Q.  I read in your column that fees will be going up for various contractor license applications.  When and by how much?

The Nominating Committee of the Builders Exchange of Alameda County is requesting members in good standing who are interested in serving on the Board of Directors to contact Scott Leary at spleary@beac.com.  Your information will be forwarded to the Nominating Committee for further review.

In fulfilling the responsibilities as established by the by-laws, the Exchange is seeking volunteers to help lead the association dedicated to serving the construction industry and our community.

from Kevin Pedrotti, Legislative Advocate for Golden State Builders Exchanges

Governor Brown signed 13 bills that make $11.2 billion in cuts and shifts in state spending that were approved by the Legislature last week. Of the $11 billion in budget solutions, $8.2 billion reflect reduced expenditures. Signed were budget trailer bills approved the previous week, pending action while the Governor continued discussions with a key group of Republicans concerning the rest of the package.

The Builders Exchange and the construction industry lost one of its true benefactors recently, Anthony (Tony) Silva, Owner of Allied Painters, Inc., who died February 10, 2011.  Tony passed away peacefully after a courageous battle with cancer.

from Kevin Pedrotti, Legislative Advocate for the Golden State Builders Exchanges

BUDGET