Minimum Wage Rises in Six States
On Election Day last November, voters in 37 states considered 205 state initiatives and referendums. Below are some of the key business-related measures.
Minimum Wage: Voters in Arizona, Colorado, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, and Ohio passed legislation to increase the minimum wage above the federally mandated $5.15 an hour. Ohio voters approved the largest increase, going to $6.85 an hour. Currently, 23 states have set their minimum wages higher than the federal level.
System Needs a Regulatory Overhaul
By Thomas J. Donohue, President and CEO, U.S. Chamber of Commerce
You're a small or midsize company ready to take the next steps in your expansion plan, but you lack the necessary capital. Where do you turn? The U.S. public capital markets have long been an attractive option, providing the seed corn from which millions of smaller companies have blossomed. The ease of accessing public capital in the United States has helped solidify our status as the best place in the world to start, invest in, or grow a business.
Face-off: Navigating the New CongressNewt GingrichChairman, The Gingrich GroupWith a little creativity and ingenuity, the next two years could be very productive for American businesses.
January 23, 2007 NORTHEASTMassachusettsGovernor Endorses Meal, Lodging TaxGov. 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.
NORTHEASTConnecticutTourism Up in 2006Travel to Connecticut's hotels, casinos, and attractions increased by 1% last year, boosted by an increase of nearly 8% in December, according to the year-end survey by the Mystic County and Country Travel Industry Association. Casino attendance increased by 2.5%, retail by 2.2%, and restaurants by 1.3%, according to the survey.Source: The Day
January 9, 2007 NORTHEASTNew HampshireState Exports $2.8 Billion Worth of Products
The IRS, in cooperation with the U.S. Chamber and other organizations, has established a formula for estimating the federal telephone excise tax refund that businesses and nonprofits are eligible to receive on their 2006 tax returns.
Below are brief policy profiles of the Democratic chairs of key congressional committees in the new Congress. Members took their seats on January 4.SENATEJohn Kerry (MA)Small Business and Entrepreneurship
In the coming year, the Chamber will proactively advance a number of pro-growth proposals, launch a vigorous defense against anti-business proposals, and pursue far-reaching competitive reforms that extend well beyond the halls of Congress. Below is a brief overview of the Chamber's policy priorities:
