03/07/2008
Bill to move sales tax holiday weekend goes to governor
Retailers alert: The House agreed with the Senate this week to move this month's sales tax holiday from the Easter weekend (March 21-23) to April 25-27. The bill heads to the governor for his consideration. The sales tax break applies to clothing, school supplies and computers. Another sales tax holiday is scheduled for early August.
Memphis leader named Tennessee Small Business Champion
Small business owners don't come more dedicated than Mark White of Memphis. Mark has been named NFIB/Tennessee's 2008 Small Business Champion for his many contributions to help promote and protect free enterprise in our state. Mark chairs our Memphis Area Action Council, a grassroots group that meets monthly to discuss small business challenges and network in Shelby County. He is a member of NFIB's Leadership Council in Tennessee, which advises the state director on public-policy and other matters. Mark consistently gives to Tennessee SAFE (Save America's Free Enterprise) Trust, which works to elect pro-small business candidates. In fact, he ran an excellent race for Congress two years ago. He is also active in his community and very involved in mission work in Panama. Mark, thank you for your commitment to making our state and world a better place and your leadership for small business in Tennessee!
Small Business Day set for April 9
NFIB's annual Small Business Day at the Capitol, sponsored by AT&T and Waller Lansden Dortch & Davis, is shaping up to be an informative, interactive event for our members. We expect to release an agenda soon that will include an important keynote address and two panels with legislators and experts exploring the small business health care crisis and taxation in Tennessee. NFIB members from across Tennessee also will have the opportunity to meet with their legislators. To make your reservation, please sign up online or contact Valerie Nagoshiner at 615-872-5331.
Tornado assistance tops $4.3 million
Federal and state agencies have approved more than $4.3 million in disaster assistance grants and loans for homeowners, renters and business owners since last month's devastating tornadoes. FEMA assistance is available by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362), 800-462-7585 (TTY) or online at www.fema.gov.
Unemployment rate falls
Tennessee's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for January 2008, released last week, was 4.9 percent, 0.1 percent lower than the revised December 2007 rate of 5.0 percent. The national unemployment rate for January was also 4.9 percent. County non-seasonally adjusted unemployment rates for January 2008, released today, show that 89 counties increased. The rate decreased in four counties and remained the same in two counties. Williamson County registered the state's lowest county unemployment rate at 3.5 percent, while Pickett County had the state's highest rate at 10.7 percent, up from 9.5 in December. Knox County had the state's lowest major metropolitan rate at 3.8 percent, up from 3.7 percent in December. Davidson County was 4.2 percent, up from 4.1 percent in December. Hamilton County was at 4.6 percent, up from 4.3 percent in December; Shelby County was 5.6 percent, up from December's 5.4 percent.
State OSHA to adopt federal standard
The Tennessee Occupational Safety and Health Administration is in the process of adopting the new federal OSHA standard on personal protective equipment (PPE). The federal standard was enacted last month; Tennessee is expected to adopt the new standard late this summer. OSHA is requiring employers to pay for PPE, with exceptions for specific items. The rule does not require employers to provide PPE where none has been required before. Some exceptions to what the employer is required to pay for are the following: non specialty safety-toe protective footwear and non-specialty prescription eyewear provided that the employer permits such items to be worn off the job-site, everyday clothing (like long sleeve shirts, long pants, street shoes), items used solely for protection from weather (coats, jackets, gloves, hats, sunscreen) or when an employee intentionally loses or damages the PPE. View the full PPE standard.
Chattanooga member recognized
Congratulations to NFIB member Mike Collins & Associates Inc., which was recently recognized by the Chattanooga Area and U.S. Chambers of Commerce. The Chattanooga Chamber honored MCA, which provides IT equipment, in the 21-50 employee category. Founded in 1987 by Mike and Karen Collins, MCA has built partnerships with Hewlett Packard, Dell Computers and IBM, among many industry leaders. Today, the company has 42 full-time employees with offices in Chattanooga and Nashville. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce awarded MCA with its prestigious Blue Ribbon Small Business Award. Way to go, MCA!
New fines for hiring undocumented workers
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has increased fines on employers for knowingly hiring undocumented workers. The new fines will take effect March 27. The consequences for non-compliance are severe. Immigration fines are levied per employee, so an employer who hires 10 illegal immigrants could be liable for up to $160,000 in civil fines, on the basis of a maximum fee of $16,000 each. Employers should take note of the new fines and always be sure they comply with all immigration laws and regulations. For more information regarding your rights and duties as an employer, please visit the DHS Web site. Get further information regarding I-9 compliance.
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Sincerely,
Jim Brown
NFIB/Tennessee State Director
615-874-5288
Jim.Brown@NFIB.org
