Clinton Andrews, a lecturer in finance at Wayne State University, says in an op-ed that Michigan's inability to get rid of bad contractors is costing the state's good contractors and consumers millions of dollars. He adds that the process, known as the Michigan Construction Lien Fund (MCLF), needs to be reformed. The MCLF was established to reimburse suppliers and homeowners for losses caused by contractor defaults. Residential builders, maintenance and alteration contractors, plumbing, electrical, fire alarm and mechanical contractors are all paying into the fund. Since 1982, the fund has paid out more than $5.9 million in claims, but the problem is getting worse. In the last five years alone, the fund has paid out $2.6 million or 43 percent of the amount it paid out in the last 22 years. "The Michigan Legislature needs to seriously investigate the problem and make the necessary changes in the law to break this vicious cycle."