February 14, 2008 4:23 PM
The timing of the ill-conceived anti-immigrant bill could not have been worse. Gas prices are up and the price of our houses are down, and falling. And of course, Levy is looking at a TAX HIKE!
This is happening against a backdrop of tough economic times, and a down housing economy. Adding insult to injury is not the way Suffolk leaders can help us stay out of recession.
If people cannot repair their homes because of a predicted labor shortage, then, be assured, it will be even harder to sell our homes, particularly those that require a fix-up before sale. If Levy wants to empty the labor pool, he should tell us how it will be refilled.
Ok, I understand why businesses wouldn't like the bill. But why would you say that this bill will make it harder for us to get our homes fixed?
By Long Island mom February 20, 2008 10:17 AM
Anyone who has recently gotten repairs made to their houses knows two things. 1) It is very expensive. 2) It seems like you have to wait forever for the work to get started. That tough situation will only get worse.
Unlike general construction, home improvement work is typically done by small operators who typically do the work themselves with a few hired employees. They don't have lawyers and human resource professionals on staff to help them comply with the laws. Since the Suffolk bill gives the business death penalty of loss of license for violations, these guys are going to be extremely nervous about who they hire. A wrong move could lead to the complete closure of a business.
Many contractors hire new workers to accomodate the demand by homeowners for work. With such draconian penalties hanging over their heads, contractors are likely to be slower and more deliberate in their hiring, causing greater delays for homeowners and driving up the price of repairs. Soon homeowners will find they are not just paying for repairs, they are also paying for immigration lawyers to examine documents.
By Pat Young February 20, 2008 10:33 AM