Eliminating bureaucratic red tape at the state level will help put Montanans back to work
To the editor:
We now have many Montanans wanting to work to support their families but, in my opinion, are prohibited from doing so by intrusive government regulations. Private homeowners and landlords in Montana that need to have maintenance work done and now qualify for low interest loans are hampered by the same laws.
I understand that many professional service providers will not work doing minor maintenance on older homes or mobile homes, even though they can charge many times more than a handyman. If they do concede to work, I believe many do so by the hour as they more than likely will not bid small jobs.
It is my understanding that the Uninsured Employers Division of the Montana Workers Compensation section claims anyone injured as a result of contracting without a state license may sue the hiring party. It seems that the state claims that regardless of whether the individual cannot afford the license and insurance and wanted to assume the responsibility, they cannot contract out their services without providing their employer with a permission slip from the government. This is the case even if they were hired temporarily and claimed they have other insurance.
To me, this is government overreach at its worst. This should be against the constitutional rights of both the worker, wanting to provide for their family, and the hiring party, wanting to economically maintain their property. Contracts make individuals accountable to each other for their actions instead of being accountable to government.
Being accountable to government usually equates to a hand out rather than a hand up, which means more government control.
Until changes are made, be wary of hiring your friend or neighbor to do any casual work, even with a contract that you believe will protect you against any legal action for an injury.
The state Workers Compensation Section should cut bureaucratic red tape and let our citizens go to work. Please, contact your representatives.
John Rice
Past chairman of Montanans For Better Government