Several leaders in North Carolina, especially those who are currently in the works of campaigns and looking to make change if they are elected in as leaders, have made promises this week about improving the way that the government within the state is running, especially as a way of preventing businesses from cheating. There are a number of businesses that clearly misclassify their employees, listing them as contractors, as this is a way for them to avoid paying any taxes or compensation insurance for their employees. The Governor of the state, Bev Perdue, asked for a team of leaders within the agency to gather together and figure a plan on ways to really crack down on the businesses that continue to cheat their way out of paying taxes. There are currently two candidates looking to become governor of the state, Pat McCrory and Walter Dalton, both of whom have made it clear that they are interested in cracking down on these businesses as well.

Leaders feel committed to helping make these changes come true, especially as honest business owners end up suffering due to the fact that there are so many other businesses breaking the law just so that they do not have to pay certain taxes or for insurance for their employees. One of the primary industries that these illegal practices occur in is the construction industry but that is not the only industry, as there are several other fields that are currently doing the same thing. There are a lot of businesses that are treating their employees as if they are independent contractors just so that they do not have to pay unemployment taxes, worker compensation, and even social security.

Perdue made a statement in which she said, “I am expecting this task force to cut through any red tape and make any recommendations needed to protect workers.” In her eyes, it is all about protecting the workers and preventing employers from going through with such illegal practices. The task force is now expected to provide a report to the governor’s office twice a year. While Perdue will not be governor soon, as she has chosen not to go ahead with re-election, it is believed that both of the current nominees for governor will continue to go through with this process, especially since they both agree that it is important to crack down on the businesses that are doing things illegally. Both of the current nominees are promising that if they are elected, they will go into action to ensure that changes are made.