PA Contractor License-Legislators are in the process of constructing a bill that will require all builders to pass a state examination. Pros-may help eliminate some contractor fraud, need a license for everything else from cutting hair to practicing medicine to getting married. Con-will not guarantee quality, workmanship or ethics of a contractor, just like with a driver's license, you still have some very bad drivers out there, and a marriage license doesn't quartette you'll have a successful marriage. Licensing will also drive the cost of building or remodeling upward because the cost of any type of business is ultimately passed on to the consumer. Growth Control-smart growth versus sprawl. Builders are in favor of growth control and environmental regulations but it all needs to be tempered with wisdom. If a person wants to build a house, is it fair to have the government step in and say they can't. There are two municipalities in the state that currently have moratoriums on building permits that is they will not issue any building permits. In one area the moratorium is for 18 months. Builders are individuals too, that value conservation and preservation just as the general public does but their job to build houses for Americans and in order to do that there must be a meeting of the minds where both parties can walk away from the table satisfied. That's sometimes where the problem lies in finding a suitable compromise. Labor Shortage-difficult to find qualified employees, just because someone can swing a hammer doesn't mean they are knowledgeable in the craft. Working in the trades is a craft similar to an art, when you think of building a home from the ground up starting with a blank space and having a house there 4 months later, the many steps and processes that are involved. There are many skills that are necessary especially math, and mechanical abilities, being able to work with your hands, and being able to conceptualize the finished project so steps can be planned beforehand. Most trades are physically demanding (such as being a roofer, working in 120 degree heat and carrying 60 pound bundles of shingles up a ladder) and that may also be a deterrent in attracting individuals to the industry. There are very few young people interested in entering the industry, the majority of high school graduates today will be going to college but not many will be attending trade schools. A few areas have an apprenticeship program to help train individuals entering the building trades. In years to come those that do enter the building industry may be able to command a premium for their services, which also may not be good for the general public.