CSA News | February 2017

2017 Legislative Initiatives 

CSA scored legislative successes last year in getting retainage reduced on state jobs, and providing for recovery of attorney's fees for payment bond claims on state and municipal projects.  
 
This year, CSA has submitted two legislative proposals that will be heard before the  General Law Committee on

Tuesday, February 21, 2017
2:30 PM 
LOB Room 1B 
  • Raised Bill No. 7073This bill would amend Conn. Gen. Stat. §42-158j to clarify that an unpaid subcontractor can demand that the unpaid sums be placed into escrow by the owner, and also provide for attorney's fees and interest in the event that a lawsuit becomes necessary. This would restore the original intent of the legislation: to provide subs with a direct action against the owner, with some ammo, so as to work around "pay when paid" clauses in subcontracts.  This is in response to several restrictive trial court decisions that have limited the remedy for subs to only a lawsuit against an owner, but nothing else. 
  • Raised Bill No. 7074: This bill would amend Conn. Gen. Stat. §42-158k  by providing for the full release of retainage withheld in most private construction projects (5% of the contract sum) within thirty days after the issuance of a certificate of final completion by the owner or owner's representative, or equivalent written acceptance of the work by the owner.  
CSA needs its members to advance these proposals, both financially and also by contacting key legislators and testifying in favor of the bill.

CSA particularly needs help with contacting the co-chairs, and members, of the General Law Committee, either if you know them personally or your business or home is located in their district.  
 
The co-chairs are:  Senator Carlo Leone (D) (Stamford, Darien), Senator Kevin Witkos (R) (Avon, Barkhamsted, Canton, Colebrook, Granby, Hartland, Harwinton, New Hartford, Norfolk, Simsbury, Torrington), and Representative David Baram (D-Bloomfield).  
 
Also please contact the Vice Chairs: Representative Michael D Agostino (D) (Hamden), Senator John Kissel (R) (East Granby, Enfield, Granby, Somers, Suffield, Windsor, Windsor Locks), and Senator Tim Larson (D) (East Hartford, East Windsor, Ellington, South Windsor).
 
Click here for the full list of the members of the General Law Committee.
 
Click here to find your legislator.
 
For further information or have a question, please contact Steve Kaplan ( skaplan@mkrb.com).
 
Click here to donate to the CSA legislative effort.


REGISTER NOW  red Rubber Stamp over a white background.
State Construction Projects and 
Legislative Update for 
Connecticut Subcontractors

February 23, 2017
Inn at Middletown, Middletown, CT  |  5:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Plan to attend the CSA Dinner Meeting for an update on current and future  state construction projects in Connecticut, and information about legislative efforts underway to help you get paid faster.

The  State Construction Projects Will Feature:
Allen Herring, Chief Engineer and David Barkin, Chief Architect
Department of Construction Services (DCS)

Th Legislative Update Will Feature:
Steven Kaplan, Esq.
Michelson, Kane, Royster & Barger, P.C.

Click here  to download an invitation and registration form.

Click here  to register online.
New Members

Perfectly Plumb LLC
215 Pickerel Lake Road
Colchester, CT 06415
Phone: (860) 267-1618
Fax: (860) 267-4659
Virginia Caracoglia, Owner 
Fire Protection, Plumbing
Welby, Brady & Greenblatt, LLP
78 Triangle Street, Suite 2A
Danbury, CT 06810
Phone: (203) 363-0081
Fax: (855) 740-2860
Gregory Spaun, Partner
Attorney/Construction Law



Meet the Estimators

Maneeley's
South Windsor, CT
5:00 pm - 7:30 pm

The purpose of the meeting is to provide the state's subcontractors with the chance to meet the estimators and purchasing teams from some of Connecticut's leading general contractors.

Click here to download an invitation 
and registration form

Click here to register online

June 28, 2017

CSA Yard Goats Ballgame

More information coming soon!