House to Vote on Estate Tax This Week. Take Action Now.
House leadership has announced plans to vote this week, possibly as early as Wednesday on legislation (H.R.4154) sponsored by Rep. Earl Pomeroy (D-ND) to permanently extend the 2009 $3.5 million exemption and 45% tax rate on estates passed onto the next generation. Read more.
IRS Issues New Guidance on NOL Expansion
The IRS has issued new guidance on the expansion of the Net Operating Loss Carryback provision enacted lat month by Congress. The expansion allows taxpayers to elect a 3, 4, or 5-year net operating loss (NOL) carryback instead of a normally 2-year carryback. Read more.
NLBMDA Joins Institute for Legal Reform to Oppose Lawsuit Changes
This Thursday, Dec. 3, the Senate Judiciary Committee will consider legislation by Sen. Arlen Specter (D-PA) that would change pleading rules and potentially overwhelm federal courts with frivolous lawsuits. Read more.
Showing posts with label NLBMDA. Show all posts
Showing posts with label NLBMDA. Show all posts
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
NLBMDA News
NLBMDA Makes Case for Eco-Label Before American Lumber Standards Committee
On November 13, NLBMDA presented its proposal for an eco-label to the board of the American Lumber Standards Committee (ALSC) in Charleston, SC. Representing NLBMDA were Val Hanson, former LBMI Trustee, Ken Marson, NLBMDA Board Member and NLBMDA's alternate representative to ALSC and NLBMDA Counsel Frank Moore. Read more.
Health Care Bill Faces Uncertain Future in Senate
Last week, House Democratic leaders celebrated their slim victory on health care overhaul legislation (H.R. 3962), which passed by a vote of 220-215. NLBMDA, which opposed H.R. 3962 for its numerous costly tax increases and mandates on employers, has joined the Start Over Coalition of business groups urging Congress to go back to the drawing board to draft health care reform legislation which will focus on reducing the cost of health care. Read more.
Estate Tax Reform Vote Pending
While Congressional tax committee leaders have continued to indicate that votes on the estate tax would be held before the end of the year, it is not yet clear in what form those votes will take. The NLBMDA Legislative Advocacy Committee at their October meeting reiterated their preference for full repeal of the tax, and support for potential compromises only if they maintain a high enough exemption level to protect the asset-heavy nature of a family-owned building supply company. Read more.
Congress Considers Mandated Paid Sick Leave for Swine Flu
Legislation has been introduced in Congress to require employers to provide up to five days paid sick leave to workers sent home sick with swine flu or other contagious illness. Read more.
On November 13, NLBMDA presented its proposal for an eco-label to the board of the American Lumber Standards Committee (ALSC) in Charleston, SC. Representing NLBMDA were Val Hanson, former LBMI Trustee, Ken Marson, NLBMDA Board Member and NLBMDA's alternate representative to ALSC and NLBMDA Counsel Frank Moore. Read more.
Health Care Bill Faces Uncertain Future in Senate
Last week, House Democratic leaders celebrated their slim victory on health care overhaul legislation (H.R. 3962), which passed by a vote of 220-215. NLBMDA, which opposed H.R. 3962 for its numerous costly tax increases and mandates on employers, has joined the Start Over Coalition of business groups urging Congress to go back to the drawing board to draft health care reform legislation which will focus on reducing the cost of health care. Read more.
Estate Tax Reform Vote Pending
While Congressional tax committee leaders have continued to indicate that votes on the estate tax would be held before the end of the year, it is not yet clear in what form those votes will take. The NLBMDA Legislative Advocacy Committee at their October meeting reiterated their preference for full repeal of the tax, and support for potential compromises only if they maintain a high enough exemption level to protect the asset-heavy nature of a family-owned building supply company. Read more.
Congress Considers Mandated Paid Sick Leave for Swine Flu
Legislation has been introduced in Congress to require employers to provide up to five days paid sick leave to workers sent home sick with swine flu or other contagious illness. Read more.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
NLBMDA News
Pelosi Unveils House Health Care Bill
Last week, the Democratic House leadership unveiled their nearly-final draft health care reform bill. The bill makes some improvements to the employer mandate, by doubling the floor for penalties on small businesses for not providing health care benefits to employees and dependents. Previously, the penalties began at $250,000 in total wages; now, they begin at $500,000 in wages. Read more.
CPSC Issues Inconclusive Chinese Drywall Report
The Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) last week issued a summary of its findings to date on the Chinese drywall investigation. An interagency task force, comprised of the CPSC, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Agency for Toxic Substance and Disease Registry (ATSDR) and state health departments have been coordinating research and governmental response to homeowners who have complained of health and metal and appliance corrosion in their homes. Read more.
OSHA Takes Initial Step Toward Combustible Dust Rule
The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) just published an advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPR) in the Oct. 21 edition of the Federal Register as an initial step in development of a standard to address the hazards of combustible dust. Read more.
Home Builder Confidence Dips in October
With the expiration date for an important home buyer incentive approaching, builder confidence in the market for newly built, single-family homes slipped one point to 18 in October, according to the latest National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI).
Read more.
Last week, the Democratic House leadership unveiled their nearly-final draft health care reform bill. The bill makes some improvements to the employer mandate, by doubling the floor for penalties on small businesses for not providing health care benefits to employees and dependents. Previously, the penalties began at $250,000 in total wages; now, they begin at $500,000 in wages. Read more.
CPSC Issues Inconclusive Chinese Drywall Report
The Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) last week issued a summary of its findings to date on the Chinese drywall investigation. An interagency task force, comprised of the CPSC, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Agency for Toxic Substance and Disease Registry (ATSDR) and state health departments have been coordinating research and governmental response to homeowners who have complained of health and metal and appliance corrosion in their homes. Read more.
OSHA Takes Initial Step Toward Combustible Dust Rule
The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) just published an advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPR) in the Oct. 21 edition of the Federal Register as an initial step in development of a standard to address the hazards of combustible dust. Read more.
Home Builder Confidence Dips in October
With the expiration date for an important home buyer incentive approaching, builder confidence in the market for newly built, single-family homes slipped one point to 18 in October, according to the latest National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI).
Read more.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
NLBMDA News
Contact Your Senators Today About the Homebuyers Tax Credit
The Senate Banking Committee will hold a hearing Tuesday, October 20 to hear the latest on the housing market from Housing Secretary Shaun Donovan and industry representatives. Home buyer tax credit champion Sen. Johnny Isakson (R-GA) will also address the committee to press for an extension and expansion of that credit before it expires at the end of November. One option that remains on the table is for the credit to be attached to an extension of unemployment benefits the Senate may vote on this week. Dealers are encouraged to keep calls and letters coming to their Senators to press them to act sooner rather than later to preserve the credit. Visit www.BuildtheVote.org to take action today. Read more here.
NLBMDA Submits Comments to U.S. Green Building Council on Second Draft of Certified Wood Credit Benchmarks
On Oct. 14, NLBMDA submitted comments to the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) on its second draft of proposed revisions of the benchmarks for the certified wood credit in the LEED rating tool. Currently, wood certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is the only wood eligible for credit toward LEED certification. USGBC has proposed a new system of "benchmarks" that any certification scheme could be evaluated against to determine if their certification procedures would be acceptable to USGBC. Read more.
Health Care Negotiations Continue
Negotiations continue this week between Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV), Finance Chairman Max Baucus (D-MT) and Health Committee member Sen. Chris Dodd (D-CT) to reconcile the competing health bills passed out of those two committees. Reid has stated plans to bring a final reform bill to the Senate floor next week. Read more.
OSHA Announces Emphasis Program on Recordkeeping
The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recently announced it is initiating a national emphasis program (NEP) on recordkeeping to assess the accuracy of injury and illness data recorded by employers. Read more.
Climate Change/Energy Hearings Set in the Senate
While most of the health care negotiations are now taking place behind-the-scenes, several Senate committees are gearing up for hearings and mark ups of climate change/energy legislation. The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee holds a hearing this Wednesday, October 21, on the costs and benefits of greenhouse gas emissions allowances. The Boxer-Kerry bill (S.1733) is expected to be marked up in the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee following three days of hearings set to begin next Tuesday, October 27.
Legislation Introduced to Tie Tax Credit for Windows, Doors and Skylights to Energy Star
On October 15, Sens. Jay Rockefeller (D-WV) and Chuck Grassley (R-IA) introduced legislation that would modify the existing tax credit for energy efficient windows, doors and skylights for 2010 by tying it to established ENERGY STAR® standards for fenestration products. The current $1,500 tax credit, passed as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), limited the tax credit to windows, doors and skylights "equal to or below a U-factor of 0.30 and SGHC (solar heat gain) of 0.30," commonly known as the ".30/.30 standard." Read more.
FLAME Act Passes Senate
As part of the 2010 Interior and Environment Appropriations Act, the Senate passed legislation Sept. 28 to create a dedicated fund within the Forest Service to pay for fire suppression activities and prevent forest management funds from being raided during high fire activity years. Between 1999 and 2003, $2.2 billion of the $3.5 billion spent on forest fire fighting was diverted from other programs. The dedicated fund will help ensure other important forest management programs are not disrupted by budget shortfalls. The legislation now goes to conference with the House.
Have You Subscribed to the NLBMDA Green Update?
NLBMDA recently announced that it has partnered with MultiBriefs to create the new NLBMDA Green Update, a free, opt-in e-mail resource providing comprehensive biweekly news briefings of interesting stories important to the building material industry. Read more.
The Senate Banking Committee will hold a hearing Tuesday, October 20 to hear the latest on the housing market from Housing Secretary Shaun Donovan and industry representatives. Home buyer tax credit champion Sen. Johnny Isakson (R-GA) will also address the committee to press for an extension and expansion of that credit before it expires at the end of November. One option that remains on the table is for the credit to be attached to an extension of unemployment benefits the Senate may vote on this week. Dealers are encouraged to keep calls and letters coming to their Senators to press them to act sooner rather than later to preserve the credit. Visit www.BuildtheVote.org to take action today. Read more here.
NLBMDA Submits Comments to U.S. Green Building Council on Second Draft of Certified Wood Credit Benchmarks
On Oct. 14, NLBMDA submitted comments to the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) on its second draft of proposed revisions of the benchmarks for the certified wood credit in the LEED rating tool. Currently, wood certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is the only wood eligible for credit toward LEED certification. USGBC has proposed a new system of "benchmarks" that any certification scheme could be evaluated against to determine if their certification procedures would be acceptable to USGBC. Read more.
Health Care Negotiations Continue
Negotiations continue this week between Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV), Finance Chairman Max Baucus (D-MT) and Health Committee member Sen. Chris Dodd (D-CT) to reconcile the competing health bills passed out of those two committees. Reid has stated plans to bring a final reform bill to the Senate floor next week. Read more.
OSHA Announces Emphasis Program on Recordkeeping
The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recently announced it is initiating a national emphasis program (NEP) on recordkeeping to assess the accuracy of injury and illness data recorded by employers. Read more.
Climate Change/Energy Hearings Set in the Senate
While most of the health care negotiations are now taking place behind-the-scenes, several Senate committees are gearing up for hearings and mark ups of climate change/energy legislation. The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee holds a hearing this Wednesday, October 21, on the costs and benefits of greenhouse gas emissions allowances. The Boxer-Kerry bill (S.1733) is expected to be marked up in the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee following three days of hearings set to begin next Tuesday, October 27.
Legislation Introduced to Tie Tax Credit for Windows, Doors and Skylights to Energy Star
On October 15, Sens. Jay Rockefeller (D-WV) and Chuck Grassley (R-IA) introduced legislation that would modify the existing tax credit for energy efficient windows, doors and skylights for 2010 by tying it to established ENERGY STAR® standards for fenestration products. The current $1,500 tax credit, passed as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), limited the tax credit to windows, doors and skylights "equal to or below a U-factor of 0.30 and SGHC (solar heat gain) of 0.30," commonly known as the ".30/.30 standard." Read more.
FLAME Act Passes Senate
As part of the 2010 Interior and Environment Appropriations Act, the Senate passed legislation Sept. 28 to create a dedicated fund within the Forest Service to pay for fire suppression activities and prevent forest management funds from being raided during high fire activity years. Between 1999 and 2003, $2.2 billion of the $3.5 billion spent on forest fire fighting was diverted from other programs. The dedicated fund will help ensure other important forest management programs are not disrupted by budget shortfalls. The legislation now goes to conference with the House.
Have You Subscribed to the NLBMDA Green Update?
NLBMDA recently announced that it has partnered with MultiBriefs to create the new NLBMDA Green Update, a free, opt-in e-mail resource providing comprehensive biweekly news briefings of interesting stories important to the building material industry. Read more.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
NLBMDA News
You can find all the most up to date national organization news here.
USGBC Releases Second Draft of Certified Wood Credit Benchmarks
Health Care Continues to Dominate Congressional Schedule
Homebuyer Tax Credit Looming
Boxer-Kerry Introduce Energy Bill, Version 2.0
Have You Subscribed to the NLBMDA Green Update?
Save the Date! NLBMDA Legislative Conference Scheduled for March 15-17, 2010
USGBC Releases Second Draft of Certified Wood Credit Benchmarks
Health Care Continues to Dominate Congressional Schedule
Homebuyer Tax Credit Looming
Boxer-Kerry Introduce Energy Bill, Version 2.0
Have You Subscribed to the NLBMDA Green Update?
Save the Date! NLBMDA Legislative Conference Scheduled for March 15-17, 2010
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
NLBMDA News - Health Care Reform Bill Takes Shape in Senate
Tomorrow the Senate Finance Committee will begin to mark up the draft health care legislation, "America's Healthy Future Act," introduced last week by Chairman Max Baucus (D-MT). Affordability has become the major focal point, with some in the Senate seeking to increase the tax credit for individuals who will be forced to purchase insurance under the Baucus plan. Affordability is also a concern for the business community, where the Baucus small business tax credit is so narrow few businesses will be able to qualify. Read more.
NLBMDA News - Support Builds for Extension of Homebuyer Tax Credit
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) last week joined Sens. Benjamin Cardin (D-MD) and John Ensign (R-NV) in sponsoring legislation (S. 1678) to extend the first-time home buyer tax credit for six months, and allow buyers to claim the credit for either 2008 or 2009. Staunch housing advocate Sen. Johnny Isakson (R-GA) and Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-MI) have also cosponsored the bill. Read more.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
NLBMDA News
Congress Returns to Tackle Health Care and Packed Agenda
Congress returned to Washington today to set to work resolving differences on health care reform that only seemed to widen during the August recess. Climate change legislation, expiring tax credits and the annual spending bills are also on the to do list, making it likely that the scheduled October 8 adjournment date will pass long before Congress completes their work for the year. President Obama will deliver remarks on health care to a joint session of Congress on Wednesday evening. Read more.
NLBMDA Calls on Congress to Extend Homebuyer Tax Credit
As Congress gets back to work, NLBMDA is calling on members of the Senate Finance Committee and House Ways and Means Committee to highlight the importance of extending the homebuyer tax credit before it expires on November 30, 2009. Over 140 letters were sent by NLBMDA members during the August recess, highlighting the importance of this tax credit in returning the housing market to stability and restoring our nation's economy. NLBMDA called on the committees to support and pass legislation such as that introduced by Sen. Johnny Isakson (R-GA) to make the tax credit available to all buyers and extend its availability through 2010. Read more.
Lawmakers Considering Temporary Estate Tax Fix
Faced with the Dec. 31, 2009, deadline for the phased-out elimination of the estate tax, which will go to zero in 2010 but return in full in 2011, legislators have begun to explore various options for retaining the tax. Several bills have been introduced that would make permanent exemptions of $2 to 5 million and lock in overall tax rates at 30, 40 or 55 percent. Read more.
Energy Efficiency Tax Incentives Introduced
While broader climate change legislation is being delayed in part due to the debate on health care reform, more targeted pieces of legislation are being promulgated to seek to extend existing and create new incentives for energy efficient and green buildings. Just prior to the August recess, Senators Olympia Snowe (R-ME), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) and Jeff Bingaman (D-NM) introduced a package of tax incentive legislation including the "Expanding Building Efficiency Incentives Act" (S. 1637). Read more.
Congress returned to Washington today to set to work resolving differences on health care reform that only seemed to widen during the August recess. Climate change legislation, expiring tax credits and the annual spending bills are also on the to do list, making it likely that the scheduled October 8 adjournment date will pass long before Congress completes their work for the year. President Obama will deliver remarks on health care to a joint session of Congress on Wednesday evening. Read more.
NLBMDA Calls on Congress to Extend Homebuyer Tax Credit
As Congress gets back to work, NLBMDA is calling on members of the Senate Finance Committee and House Ways and Means Committee to highlight the importance of extending the homebuyer tax credit before it expires on November 30, 2009. Over 140 letters were sent by NLBMDA members during the August recess, highlighting the importance of this tax credit in returning the housing market to stability and restoring our nation's economy. NLBMDA called on the committees to support and pass legislation such as that introduced by Sen. Johnny Isakson (R-GA) to make the tax credit available to all buyers and extend its availability through 2010. Read more.
Lawmakers Considering Temporary Estate Tax Fix
Faced with the Dec. 31, 2009, deadline for the phased-out elimination of the estate tax, which will go to zero in 2010 but return in full in 2011, legislators have begun to explore various options for retaining the tax. Several bills have been introduced that would make permanent exemptions of $2 to 5 million and lock in overall tax rates at 30, 40 or 55 percent. Read more.
Energy Efficiency Tax Incentives Introduced
While broader climate change legislation is being delayed in part due to the debate on health care reform, more targeted pieces of legislation are being promulgated to seek to extend existing and create new incentives for energy efficient and green buildings. Just prior to the August recess, Senators Olympia Snowe (R-ME), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) and Jeff Bingaman (D-NM) introduced a package of tax incentive legislation including the "Expanding Building Efficiency Incentives Act" (S. 1637). Read more.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
NLBMDA News: Health Care Reform Faltering
The President and Democratic leadership have been met with an unexpected backlash to their health care reform efforts over the August recess, leading key legislators to pull back from the public option component and others admitting additional work will be needed to develop a bill that will clear the 60 vote hurdle in the Senate. Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-CT) suggested over the weekend that some portions should be deferred until the country's economic conditions improved, echoing Republican calls to focus first on cost control and insurance market reforms.
Dealers are encouraged to continue contacting legislators during the final two weeks of the Congressional recess to oppose reforms that place the burden on the backs of small businesses. Read more.
Dealers are encouraged to continue contacting legislators during the final two weeks of the Congressional recess to oppose reforms that place the burden on the backs of small businesses. Read more.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
NLBMDA ALERT: Health Care Reform
NLBMDA has long worked with a broad-based coalition of business groups to advance health care reform that would lower costs and increase access to quality health care. Unfortunately, the Democratic health care bill introduced in the House of Representatives, "America's Affordable Health Care Choices Act of 2009," (H.R. 3200) is a misguided approach that aims to expand health care coverage through a government-run public plan and costly mandates and taxes on the very small businesses the bill purports to help.
H.R. 3200 is a massive restructuring of the health care system in this country and includes many mandates and additional taxes on employers. The bill will create a public health care option and establish an individual mandate requiring every American to either buy private insurance or buy into the government run plan. If an individual fails to do so then they will be faced with a 2.5% tax on their modified gross income. Employers will be required to provide a payment towards healthcare costs to their workers. The minimum employer contribution in the case of an offering employer is 72.5% of the premium on individual plan and 65% of the premium for family coverage.
The so-called "pay or play" provision requires employers to offer a qualified plan to all employees. What is considered qualified will be determined by the Federal Government and currently the definition of employee appears to include both full and part time workers. If the offered plan does not meet federal standards or the employee opts to enter the public plan, then the employer must pay an 8% tax that will be contributed to the federal healthcare exchange.
This is a major burden for business in the current economic climate. An additional "surtax on the wealthy" that has been proposed to help cover the $1 trillion price tag of H.R.3200 will also impact the many small businesses that pay taxes on their individual tax returns. The surtax will begin for couples with a modified adjusted gross income of $350,000, and is expected to raise $554 billion, or half the total costs of the Democratic plan. Data from the Joint Committee on Taxation, however, says that at least 55% of the revenue raised by increasing the top two tax rates will come from small business income.
Take Action: The House may vote on H.R. 3200 this week before the August Congressional recess. NLBMDA and many of our federated state and regional associations have signed on to a coalition letter today to the Hill expressing our strong opposition to employer mandates and tax increases. Contact your Representatives today to urge them to oppose H.R. 3200 and work instead for real reform that cuts cost and improves competition in the health care system. You can quickly email your member of Congress through NLBMDA's Build the Vote website. Health care reform that increases costs for small businesses is a risky move that threatens our economic recovery.
H.R. 3200 is a massive restructuring of the health care system in this country and includes many mandates and additional taxes on employers. The bill will create a public health care option and establish an individual mandate requiring every American to either buy private insurance or buy into the government run plan. If an individual fails to do so then they will be faced with a 2.5% tax on their modified gross income. Employers will be required to provide a payment towards healthcare costs to their workers. The minimum employer contribution in the case of an offering employer is 72.5% of the premium on individual plan and 65% of the premium for family coverage.
The so-called "pay or play" provision requires employers to offer a qualified plan to all employees. What is considered qualified will be determined by the Federal Government and currently the definition of employee appears to include both full and part time workers. If the offered plan does not meet federal standards or the employee opts to enter the public plan, then the employer must pay an 8% tax that will be contributed to the federal healthcare exchange.
This is a major burden for business in the current economic climate. An additional "surtax on the wealthy" that has been proposed to help cover the $1 trillion price tag of H.R.3200 will also impact the many small businesses that pay taxes on their individual tax returns. The surtax will begin for couples with a modified adjusted gross income of $350,000, and is expected to raise $554 billion, or half the total costs of the Democratic plan. Data from the Joint Committee on Taxation, however, says that at least 55% of the revenue raised by increasing the top two tax rates will come from small business income.
Take Action: The House may vote on H.R. 3200 this week before the August Congressional recess. NLBMDA and many of our federated state and regional associations have signed on to a coalition letter today to the Hill expressing our strong opposition to employer mandates and tax increases. Contact your Representatives today to urge them to oppose H.R. 3200 and work instead for real reform that cuts cost and improves competition in the health care system. You can quickly email your member of Congress through NLBMDA's Build the Vote website. Health care reform that increases costs for small businesses is a risky move that threatens our economic recovery.
NLBMDA News - Home Builder Confidence Gaining in July
Home builder confidence in the market for newly built, single-family homes notched up two points in July to its highest level since September 2008, according to the recently-released National Association of Home Builders/Wells Fargo Housing Market Index (HMI). The HMI rose two points to 17 in July as builders saw an improvement in current sales conditions but continued to express concerns about the future. Read more.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
NLBMDA News - Obama Administration Considering Using TARP Funds to Assist Small Businesses
It was reported over the weekend that the Obama administration is working on an initiative to use money from the $700 billion Troubled Assets Relief Program (TARP) bailout fund to assist small businesses, which the administration believes are the key to an economic recovery. "Small business" is defined by the federal government as companies with 500 or fewer employees. Read more.
NLBMDA News - Card Check Negotiations Given New Life By Franken's Arrival
Sen. Al Franken (D-MN) was finally sworn in to the U.S. Senate on July 9, giving the Democrats the 60-vote block they need to override procedural hurtles on controversial legislation such as the so-called "Employee Free Choice Act" (H.R.1409/S.560). While several key Democrats continue to hold firm in opposition to the card check legislation as currently written, Sen. Tom Harkin (D-IA) continues to press for support of a "compromise" that will garner enough votes to bring the legislation to the Senate floor before the end of the month. Dealers who are concerned about legislation that undermines the employee-employer bargaining relationship should visit www.BuildtheVote.org to remind your Senators to hold firm in opposition to card check legislation in any form. Source.
NLBMDA News - Health Care Reform May Be Funded by Tax Hikes
As Democratic leaders in the House and Senate struggle to identify methods to pay for the estimated $1 trillion price tag of health care overhaul that includes a public plan, House Democrats are reported to be leaning towards raising taxes on individuals who earn more than $280,000 and couples earning more than $350,000. Of course, these tax hikes would also impact small businesses paying on the individual rate schedule. It is estimated this would cover half the cost of the legislation, while the remainder would be covered by lower Medicare spending. Read more.
NLBMDA News - DHS to Increase I-9 Compliance Efforts; Senate Seeks to Preserve "No Match" Rule
Recently, the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agency announced that it was increasing its I-9 compliance enforcement efforts. The I-9 form is the eligibility-for-employment form that requires verification of certain documents. At the same time, Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano announced that the agency would rescind the controversial Social Security No-Match Rule, which had been blocked by a court order. Read more.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
NLBMDA News - Contact Your Legislators on the Form 1099 Tax Gap Proposal
As announced in last week's NLBMDA alert, President Obama's FY2010 budget proposal contains numerous tax hikes on employers and small businesses. One such proposal, which may be considered as a method to pay for the high cost of the Democratic health care overhaul or other programs, is one that would require that all businesses issue 1099 Forms to all of their service providers, including corporations. Read more.
NLBMDA News - NLBMDA Promotes Adoption of Eco-Label for Softwood Lumber Before ALSC Task Group
Last week, NLBMDA representatives appeared before a task group of the American Lumber Standard Committee (ALSC), which is considering changes to the American Softwood Lumber Standard (PS 20-05) in accordance with its five-year mandatory review. NLBMDA is urging ALSC to incorporate an "eco-label" as an additional mark in the lumber grade stamp to denote compliance with one of the major forest certification schemes (SFI, FSC, etc.). Read more.
NLBMDA News - House Passes Sweeping Climate Change and Energy Legislation
In a close 219-212 vote, the House of Representatives approved controversial climate change and energy legislation, H.R. 2454, the American Clean Energy and Security Act, this past Friday before adjourning for the July 4 recess. Read more.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
NLBMDA Opposes Major House Energy Bill
Dealers join other construction-related groups in opposing national conservation mandates
Source: PROSALES Information ServicePublication date: June 9, 2009
By Craig Webb
The National Lumber and Building Material Dealers Association (NLBMDA) has decided to oppose a key House bill on energy conservation that critics say unnecessarily and unreasonably toughens local building codes.
"NLBMDA has long-supported the use of quality, energy-efficient building products," the association said in a statement e-mailed today to ProSales. "And while the goal of this legislation is admirable, creating a national building energy code based on faulty assumptions with no regard for payback periods coupled with a heavy-handed approach to compliance is not in the best interests of our members or their customers. Read more.
Source: PROSALES Information ServicePublication date: June 9, 2009
By Craig Webb
The National Lumber and Building Material Dealers Association (NLBMDA) has decided to oppose a key House bill on energy conservation that critics say unnecessarily and unreasonably toughens local building codes.
"NLBMDA has long-supported the use of quality, energy-efficient building products," the association said in a statement e-mailed today to ProSales. "And while the goal of this legislation is admirable, creating a national building energy code based on faulty assumptions with no regard for payback periods coupled with a heavy-handed approach to compliance is not in the best interests of our members or their customers. Read more.
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
NLBMDA News - House Committee Clears Energy-Climate Change Legislation Establishing National Energy Code
From NLBMDA....
The House Energy and Commerce Committee spent the week prior to Memorial Day considering nearly 100 amendments to the "American Clean Energy and Security Act" (H.R. 2454) before passing it out of Committee by a vote of 33-25. Four Blue Dog Democrats voted against the bill: Reps. Mike Ross (D-AR), Jim Matheson (D-UT), Charlie Melancon (D-LA) and John Barrow (D-GA). Rep. Mary Bono Mack (R-CA) was the sole Republican to vote in favor. The bill contains a section on "Building Energy Efficiency Programs" which calls for a national preemptive building code energy efficiency target that achieves a 30% reduction in energy use over current building codes at the date of enactment and a 50% reduction for residential buildings by January 1, 2014 (and for commercial buildings by January 1, 2015). Rep. Steve Scalise (R-LA) offered an amendment to strike the building code language but it was defeated by a vote of 31 to 20. Read more.
The House Energy and Commerce Committee spent the week prior to Memorial Day considering nearly 100 amendments to the "American Clean Energy and Security Act" (H.R. 2454) before passing it out of Committee by a vote of 33-25. Four Blue Dog Democrats voted against the bill: Reps. Mike Ross (D-AR), Jim Matheson (D-UT), Charlie Melancon (D-LA) and John Barrow (D-GA). Rep. Mary Bono Mack (R-CA) was the sole Republican to vote in favor. The bill contains a section on "Building Energy Efficiency Programs" which calls for a national preemptive building code energy efficiency target that achieves a 30% reduction in energy use over current building codes at the date of enactment and a 50% reduction for residential buildings by January 1, 2014 (and for commercial buildings by January 1, 2015). Rep. Steve Scalise (R-LA) offered an amendment to strike the building code language but it was defeated by a vote of 31 to 20. Read more.
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