Proponent Testimony — Tom Shreves, Electrical Contractors Association Greater Cleveland Chapter, HB 129

Summary

Tom Shreves, Executive Director of the National Electrical Contractors Association Greater Cleveland Chapter, wrote in support of HB 129, legislation sponsored by Representative Tom Patton that would require licensing of commercial roofing contractors by the Ohio Construction Industry Licensing Board. The letter says electrical contractors in Ohio have been licensed for over 20 years and that the experience has been extraordinarily positive for contractors and their customers. It argues that licensing ensures high quality services, competitive pricing, quality and safety, and encourages the committee to pass HB 129 to the House.

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Full text

PROPONENT TESTIMONY
HOUSE BILL 129

Chairman Johnson, Ranking Member McNally and members of the House Commerce and Labor
Committee:

I am writing today in support of HB 129, legislation sponsored by Representative Tom Patton,
that would require licensing of commercial roofing contractors in the state of Ohio by the Ohio
Construction Industry Licensing Board (OCILB).

In Ohio, electrical contractors have been licensed for over 20 years, and as a “regulated
industry” I want to share with you that the experience has been extraordinarily positive for
both my contractors and their customers. For too long, the legislature has viewed licensing as a
dirty word. In reality, licensing ensures high quality services, competitive pricing, and most
importantly quality and safety. Regardless of your political or philosophical persuasion, these
should be outcomes that the legislature strives to ensure for their constituents.

Make no mistake, the construction industry is a dangerous place. It is inexplicable to me that
the folks who cut your hair must obtain a license from the state, but the companies who put
roofs over your heads that have the potential to collapse or leak and cause considerable
damage to homes and businesses, have no such obligation. As electrical contractors, we have
sought for years to put these same regulations and protections in place not just on contractors,
but for electricians as well. Yet a philosophical objection to licensing has always inhibited our
efforts.

This is nonsense and must stop. The legislature should realize the tremendous value that
sensible and reasonable regulations afford. HB 129 provides just such provisions. I encourage
this committee to support HB 129 and pass it to the House for further consideration.

Sincerely,

Tom Shreves

Tom Shreves, Executive Director
National Electrical Contractors Association
Greater Cleveland Chapter


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