Colorado: The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment just signed on with the U.S. Department of Labor to stop the alleged misclassification of employees as independent contractors. Colorado became the 11th state to partner with the federal Labor Department in efforts to end misclassification.

Oregon/Pennsylvania/New Jersey/New York: If you think cancellation rights only apply to in-home sales, you need to think again. These states have laws that actually require the remodeler to provide a right to cancel a sale of home improvement goods – no matter where the sale takes place! Remodelers need to take note – especially those working in big box stores or relying in part on showroom closings.

Federal: The recently passed “VOW to Hire Heroes Act” will provide tax credits of up to $2,400 for employers who hire veterans who have been unemployed at least 4 weeks; up to $5,600 for hiring veterans who have been unemployed longer than 6 months; and up to $9,600 for businesses that hire veterans who have service-connected disabilities and have been unemployed longer than 6 months. The tax credit applies for veterans who begin work after Nov. 21 of this year and before Jan. 1, 2013.