Vail Testifies in Support of Stafford Business

Picture (from left to right): Michelle Lemoi, Carmen Barker, both representing Stafford’s Division 5, LLC, and State Rep. Kurt Vail testify before the General Law committee on Thursday, February 22.

Hartford – State Rep. Kurt Vail (R-Stafford) testified alongside Division 5, LLC’s Carmen Barker, and Michelle Lemoi, in support of legislation being considered by the General Law Committee. The proposed law would require timely payments for completed work that has been sub-contracted to the locally owned and operated business. According to testimony, there have been long waiting periods for compensation, which makes it difficult for the company to cover operating costs and procure resources for future projects.

“This is a common-sense fix that was recently looked at and addressed by the state legislature in Virginia. When businesses aren’t getting paid for the work they do, it creates a log jam on their ability to take on new jobs or complete current tasks. Margins are getting tighter, due to inflation and tough economy, so it’s important that contractual agreements between contractors and sub-contractors are honored,” said Rep. Vail.

Division 5 provides an array of services and focuses primarily on the installation and fabrication of structural steel. They also offer preconstruction management and construction planning.

According to Vail, if the bill were to become state law, payment would be required within 60 days of receipt of an invoice and satisfactory completion of the invoiced work. Proponents of the concept believe it will act as an important safeguard in keeping sub-contractors from bearing the brunt of unpaid bills.

The committee has until Tuesday, March 19, to take favorable action on the bill. Testimony from today’s hearing can be viewed by clicking here.

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