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Sick and Tired, Allies Stand Together for Paid Sick Legislation
This morning, a coalition of organizations that include faith-based, women’s rights groups, community groups and labor unions, united this morning at the City County Building Portico to launch a paid sick days campaign in the city. The coalition is calling on City Council to pass an ordinance providing for one hour of paid sick time for every 30 hours worked
Treasury Announces $3.5 Billion in New Markets Tax Credit Awards to Spur Economic Growth...
The U.S. Treasury Department’s Community Development Financial Institutions Fund (CDFI Fund) today announced more than $3.5 billion in New Markets Tax Credit awards aimed at stimulating investment and economic growth in low-income urban neighborhoods and rural communities nationwide. A total of 76 organizations (Allocatees) across the country will receive tax credit allocation authority under the 2014 round of the New Markets Tax Credit Program
Four Ways Consumers Can Save on Homeowner’s Insurance
As consumers strive to continue making a living in the ever changing economic climate the urge to find ways to cut back and save are imminent. For homeowner’s in particular, the overall cost of the mortgage and property taxes can quickly become a burden. Adding to that burden is the expense of having insurance
Compliance with environmental laws protects air, land, and water in communities across Alaska, Idaho,...
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 10, completed over 40 environmental compliance and enforcement actions in Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington from January 1, 2015 through March 31, 2015
Obama Administration’s ‘Blacklisting’ Proposal Bad for Contractors, Employees and Taxpayers
Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) today issued the following statement regarding the “Fair Pay and Safe Workplaces” proposed rule issued by the Federal Acquisition Regulatory (FAR) Council. The proposed rule and a guidance memo issued by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) implement President Obama’s July 31, 2014, sweeping "blacklisting" Executive Order 13673 targeting the federal contracting community.
Lincoln Institute Study Compares Property Tax in 50 States
The Lincoln Institute of Land Policy released the annual 50-State Property Tax Comparison Study, a comprehensive analysis of effective property tax rates in each state’s largest city, one rural area in each state, and the District of Columbia.
Senate Bill Would Eliminate Critical Post-Crisis Lending Rules
On May 12, Senator Richard Shelby unveiled a discussion draft of a bill that would, among other things, undermine key banking and mortgage reforms established by the landmark Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection law.
Norton to Speak at Capitol Crossing Groundbreaking, Today
Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-DC) today will speak at the official groundbreaking of Capitol Crossing, a $1.3 billion privately-funded project that will reconnect F Street NW and G Street NW by building a deck over I-395. The unique, long-sought project, operated by Property Group Partners, will span three city blocks, offering 5 mixed-use buildings with 2.2 million square feet and generating $30 million in property taxes for the District
Warner on Executive Pay at Freddie Mac & Fannie Mae
U.S. Sen. Mark R. Warner (D-VA), a member of the Senate Banking Committee and Ranking Member of the Banking Subcommittee overseeing the secondary mortgage market, released a statement after mortgage-finance companies Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae disclosed today that their regulator, the Federal Housing Finance Agency, had authorized them to review the pay of their top executives
Appraisal Institute Shares Property Tax Appeal Tips
Homeowners who are considering property tax appeals should be prepared with all the relevant information and be mindful of local rules, the nation’s largest professional association of real estate appraisers said today.
Wyden and Hoeven Introduce Move America Program to Boost Infrastructure Investment
Senate Finance Committee Ranking Member Ron Wyden, D-Ore., and Senator John Hoeven, R-N.D., today introduced legislation that would bring billions of dollars of investment to state and local government to help grow and repair America’s aging infrastructure. The bill, the “Move America Act of 2015,” would expand tax-exempt private activity bonds and create a new infrastructure tax credit, giving states significant flexibility to pursue infrastructure projects that are badly needed across the country
Vice Chair Crowley, Rep. Brady Move to Increase Foreign Investment in U.S. Real Estate
The bill would alter the Foreign Investment in Real Property Tax Act of 1980 which requires foreign investors to pay taxes on profits earned when selling properties or real estate securities in the United States. It also exempts from the FIRPTA tax foreign pension funds investing in commercial real estate.
Groups Oppose Special Interest Effort to Subvert Energy Efficiency Legislation
The American Institute of Architects (AIA) and nearly 500 businesses from across the country today urged Congress to reject special interest efforts to repeal the law setting goals for reducing fossil fuel use in federal buildings by 2030
Consumers Energy Offers Outdoor Safety Tips
Consumers Energy has tips to help keep Michigan residents safe as they enjoy the season marked by the sounds of kids playing outside, the sights of sprouts poking through garden soil and the smells of freshly mowed lawns
EPA Recognizes Austin Federal Building for Significant Energy Reductions and Cost Savings
Today the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recognized the JJ Pickle & Homer Thornberry Federal Building for reducing its environmental impacts. As part of the Federal Green Challenge (FGC), more than 400 federal facilities, representing nearly 1.3 million federal employees, took steps to reduce pollution, support renewable energy, and operate more efficiently in 2014, resulting in an estimated cost savings of more than $24 million to U.S. taxpayers.
Justice Department Sues San Francisco Enrolled Agent to Bar Promotion of Abusive Tax Avoidance...
The United States filed a complaint to bar a San Francisco enrolled agent and tax return preparer from implementing, facilitating and promoting allegedly abusive tax shelters and tax avoidance schemes, the Justice Department announced today
Successful Passage Of S. 535 Sets Stage For Efficiency’s Role In Comprehensive Energy Legislation
“Several weeks after passing the Senate on a bipartisan and unanimous vote, S. 535, the Energy Efficiency Improvement Act of 2015, attains the honor today of being the very first energy bill that the 114th Congress will send to the President for his signature into law.
Republican Hopefuls Should Renounce Tax Breaks for Rich
At a time of massive wealth and income inequality, it is beyond belief that Congress would provide hundreds of billions of dollars in tax breaks to a handful of millionaire and billionaire families.
Republicans’ Estate Tax Repeal Bill Helps the Wealthy at Expense of Working Americans
House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) released the following statement today on House Republicans' bill repealing the estate tax, which would add hundreds of billions to the deficit
7 Tips Produce a Happier April 15 for CRE Investors
Once again tax day has rolled around, and many commercial real estate investors wonder if their tax bill was higher than necessary for 2014. For a happier April 15, 2016, tax attorney and real estate broker Mark Levine, CCIM, PhD, JD, LLM (Tax), has advice on ways commercial real estate pros – and their clients – can save money on taxes throughout 2015