AG Zoeller offers several tips to avoid being ripped off

INDIANAPOLIS – Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller today warned storm victims of illegitimate contractors who may knock at your door and try to pressure you into a bad deal.

Fly-by-night contractors often travel to weather-related disaster areas to offer home repair, clean-up, debris removal and tree-trimming services. Zoeller said Hoosiers should know their rights and fully research the company before signing a contract.

“Bogus contractors prey on homeowners who are desperate to have repairs made quickly. That’s why letting your guard down and not checking out the company could leave you with unfinished work and an unsafe home,” Zoeller said. “If a contractor pressures you to make a quick decision, your decision should be no.”

The Attorney General’s office offers several tips to be avoid being ripped off by a contractor:

• Get a written contract before any work is performed or payment is made. Indiana law requires home improvement contracts exceeding $150 to be in writing;
• Before signing the contract, make certain it includes the cost, payment schedule, description of work, estimated start and completion dates, contractor’s contact information and contractor’s signature.
• If you receive an insurance check, have it made out in your name to maintain control of the funds and do not sign it over to your contractor;
• Do not pay more than one-third of the total cost of the project as a down payment. Remaining payments should be tied to completion of specified amounts of work;
• Don’t make the final payment to the contractor until you know that all subcontractors and/or suppliers have been paid. Get written proof of payment. Subcontractors and suppliers may file a mechanics lien against your home if they haven’t been paid; and
• Keep all records related to your project including the contract, change orders, warranties and any correspondence should problems arise.

Any consumers who feel they have been ripped off are encouraged to file a complaint with the Attorney General’s office by visiting www.IndianaConsumer.com or by calling 1-800-382-5516.

Zoeller also said Hoosiers should look out for possible charity scams and visitwww.IndianaConsumer.com for help on how to recognize red flags. Consumers can visitwww.CharityNavigator.org to assist in identifying legitimate relief organizations and determine how much of their donations are used to help victims rather than on administrative overhead.

By Jacie Shoaf
TheStatehouseFile.com

INDIANAPOLIS – President Barack Obama on Wednesday presented former U.S. Sen. Richard Lugar of Indiana with the Presidential Medal of Freedom – the nation’s highest civilian award – during a ceremony at the White House.

Former U.S. Sen. Richard Lugar on Wednesday received the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Photo by Darron Cummings, AP photo pool

Lugar, who represented Indiana in the Senate for more than three decades, “put country above party and self to forge bipartisan consensus,” according to the White House.

“Our nation and our world are safer because of this statesman,” Obama said in his speech. “And in a time of unrelenting partisanship, Dick Lugar’s decency, his commitment to bipartisan problem-solving, stand as a model of what public service ought to be.”

This awards program marks the 50th anniversary of former president John F. Kennedy’s establishment of the Presidential Medal of Freedom Award. Obama handed out awards to 16 Americans on Wednesday.

Lugar – who lost in last year’s GOP primary to Richard Mourdock, who then lost to Democrat Joe Donnelly – served in the Senate for 36 years. He also served two terms as Indianapolis mayor and won the chamber’s inaugural government leader award in 1990.

Since his election defeat, Lugar, 81, has become president of the Lugar Center in Washington D.C. and remains active in energy and national security issues.

Jacie Shoaf is a reporter for TheStatehouseFile.com, a news website powered by Franklin College journalism students.

These questions are directed at Mayor Winnecke, City Controller and Past Mayor Russ Lloyd Jr. and Evansville HR Director Mr. Fithian. The answers would be appreciated.  Please blog your answers on this page.

1. When did you learn that the US Department of Labor laws limit comp time accruals to 480 hours for fire and police and 240 hours for other public employees?

2. When did you learn that there were 110,000 hours on the books of the City of Evansville for comp time?

3. Do you think it is appropriate to withhold such information from the City Council during a budget hearing?

4. Who on the city payroll is responsible for knowing federal labor laws?

Thanks,

CCO Editor-Joe Wallace

The CCO has just learned that the enrollment period for ObamaCare including the employer mandate has been delayed by one month. The enrollment period will now begin on November 15, 2014 that falls conveniently just after the 2014 congressional elections.

The Health and Human Services Department confirmed to various agencies that it plans to reschedule the 2015 open enrollment period for Nov. 15, 2014 – Jan. 15, 2015. Previously, the enrollment period was slated to run from Oct. 15 – Dec. 7, 2014. Insurers also now have until May 2014, rather than April 2014, to submit applications to offer health plans in the marketplace. The changes don’t impact the Obamacare marketplace for next year.

This is a developing story.

By Jesse Wilson
TheStatehouseFile.com

INDIANAPOLIS – State Rep. Tom Dermody will be the new chairman of the House Public Policy Committee.

Dermody, a Republican from LaPorte, will replace Jim Davis, who left the legislature to become the director of the Office of Community and Rural Affairs.

“Tom is a man of integrity and I am confident that he is right person for this job,” said House Speaker Brian Bosma, R-Indianapolis, who appointed him to the post.

“Tom has exhibited strength in leadership, both in his role as the assistant majority floor leader and as the chair of the Higher Education Subcommittee of the Ways and Means Committee.”

Bosma said that as the chairman of the Public Policy Committee, Dermody “will deal with tough issues. I have total confidence that Tom will carry out the duties of his new responsibility with honor and fairness.”

The committee tackles issues related to gambling, alcohol, abortion and guns.

Dermody said he was honored by the appointment.

“Like my colleague, Rep. Bill Davis, before me, I will work to find common ground on important public policy issues affecting our state,” Dermody said. “I am eager to serve in this new capacity in order to affect policies that will impact and significantly benefit the lives of all Hoosiers.”

Dermondy was elected to the legislature in 2006.

Jesse Wilson is a reporter for TheStatehouseFile.com, a news website powered by Franklin College journalism students.