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Massachusetts
Governor Endorses Meal, Lodging Tax
Gov. Deval Patrick is pushing a proposal to give cities and towns the power to tax meals and lodging to reduce reliance on the property tax to pay for police, schools, and other critical services. If passed, the proposal would help the governor keep a campaign promise to increase financial assistance to cities and towns despite a looming budget deficit.
Source: The Boston Herald
New Jersey
State Ranked Among Worst Tax Climates
New Jersey placed second, behind California, in a survey on states with the worst tax climate. The survey of 282 corporate tax officers nationwide asked how they rated states' handling of a range of tax issues, including the fairness of audit departments and the independence of their appeals processes. Respondents said aggressive state auditors and inconsistent tax regimes ranked among the biggest complaints by companies. The five states with the most fair and predictable tax environments were Nevada, Delaware, Wyoming, South Dakota, and Alaska—according to the survey.
Source: CFO Magazine
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Arkansas
House Opposes Anti-Immigrant Legislation
A House committee has rejected legislation to bar state agencies from contracting with businesses that employ illegal immigrants. House Bill 1024 would prohibit state agencies from entering into or renewing a public contract with a contractor "who knows or should know" that it or a subcontractor employs an illegal immigrant. Several members questioned why the measure would be necessary when employing illegal immigrants is already a violation of federal law.
Source: Arkansas News Bureau
Virginia
Lawmakers Propose Transportation Plan Funded by Taxes, Fines
Senate and House Republicans proposed a multibillion-dollar transportation plan last week aimed at easing traffic congestion across the state—especially the northern Virginia area—by widening freeways, expanding Metro, adding local routes, and clamping down on sprawl. Under the plan, taxes on diesel fuel, rental cars, and commercial real estate would go up, as would fees to register heavy trucks. Drivers with bad records would also pay higher fines and new drivers would pay an extra $100 the first time they get a license.
Source: The Washington Post
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Iowa
Minimum Wage Bill Likely to Pass
A bill raising Iowa's minimum wage is expected to cruise to Gov. Chet Culver's desk this week. Democratic leaders say the full House will take up a bill Tuesday that raises the minimum wage from $5.15 to $6.20 effective July 1 and to $7.25 effective Jan. 1, 2008. The Senate plans to debate the issue on Wednesday.
Source: Quad-City Times
Louisiana
State Department Begins Taking Grant Applications
Small business owners affected by hurricanes Katrina and Rita and seeking aid from a new $138 million loan and grant program can apply with the state's economic development department beginning this week. The program, fueled with federal recovery money, will dispense $100 million in grants of up to $20,000 and $38 million in interest-free loans of up to $250,000. Another $5 million will cover the administrative costs of the program.
Source: Associated Press
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Alaska
Defense Agency Honors Businesses
Two Alaska businesses received Business Alliance Awards from the Defense Logistics Agency in Springfield, Va., earlier this month. Bowhead Manufacturing of Anchorage received an "Innovative Business Performer of the Year Award," by providing support for Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. Usibelli Coal Mine of Healy received an "Outstanding Readiness Support Award" for providing solutions to continue deliveries after the Fort Wainwright coal tower explosion, enabling workers to focus on cleanup and repair. The awards recognize efforts to improve the availability of supplies and services to the military.
Source: The Anchorage Daily News
Colorado
Business Groups Oppose "Closed Shop" Bill
Business groups including the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce and the Colorado Association of Commerce and Industry are opposed to a bill that would make it easier to negotiate all-union contracts. House Bill 1072 would change an existing law that requires employees to vote twice, with the second vote requiring a 75% majority, before they could negotiate a "closed shop" contract with their employer. In a closed shop, all employees must be union members and pay union dues or lose their jobs. The bill would require only one vote, and a simple majority, to begin talks on a closed shop contract.
Source: Rocky Mountain News
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