Rep. Carl Ford–District 76
♦ On Wednesday, the House passed its second Continuing Budget Authority, or Continuing Resolution (CR). The CR continues the 2014-15 budget through August 31 and allow the House and Senate budget writers more time to reach a compromise. After August 31, the House and Senate will have to have passed a new budget or consider yet another CR. Also this week, the House passed a major piece of legislation aimed at worker misclassification, an issue that has plagued state budgets writers for years.
Bill updates
“Employee Misclassification Reform” – House Bill 482
Employee misclassification is an issue that employers face whenever hiring laborers. Employees (who file 1099’s) are guaranteed certain benefits and tax statuses that “independent contractors” (who file W-2’s) are not entitled. Oftentimes, independent contractors save employers a great deal of money in taxes, unemployment insurance, and workers compensation requirements. However, misclassification of employees as independent contractors can result in heavy fines, penalties, and back taxes.
While HB 482 provides employers guidelines for determining which of their laborers are employees or independent contractors, I and a few of my conservative colleagues believe this bill went too far in enabling the Department of Revenue to investigate employers’ classifications. While I understand that misclassification is an issue, HB 482 allows the government to pry too far into the job creators and small businesses in our state.
Thank you for taking the time to read about the work I was able to accomplish this week for Cabarrus and Rowan. Expect to hear big news as the 152nd resumes its legislative session and budget process.
Please share this newsletter with your friends and family in the district. Also, please remember to tune into the Houses’ Weekly Republican Address on YouTube and Town Hall Thursdays on Twitter. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
God Bless,
Carl
Legislative Office: (919) 733-5881
District Office: (704) 305-3541
carl.ford@ncleg.net
