04/14/2008
Fire sprinkler incentive plan
The Senate Labor, Commerce and Industry Subcommittee has approved a version of Senate Bill 860, the fire sprinkler incentive plan, that includes an amendment that would have the Public Service Commission regulate fees charged by utilities for tap fees.
The fees would be limited to the actual costs associated with the water line to the fire sprinkler system. Under the bill, actual costs would include direct labor, direct material, the necessity of increased capacity and other direct charges associated with the separate fire sprinkler line, and those direct costs must be documented by an invoice or work order. The amendment also provides for a tax credit against real property taxes equal to 25 percent of the direct expenses associated with installing a fire sprinkler system if the local taxing entity has consented to the credit. The taxpayer claiming the credit may also claim an income tax credit equal to the amount of the credit against real property taxes.
The bill now moves to the Senate floor.
Immigration reform
The Conference Committee on S.392, the state's immigration reform plan, has tentatively agreed on a compromise to the bill. It would allow private businesses to use the Form I-9 to verify eligibility. Public agencies and businesses would have to obtain the employee's driver's license or verify through a federal Internet-based program. Local governments could enact their own immigration laws as long as they do not conflict with state or federal law. Businesses that knowingly employ an illegal immigrant would be charged with filing a false statement and face up to five years in prison. The Conference Committee will continue meeting to finalize a conference report.
Federal issues update
NFIB supports Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) Act
This week, Sens. Dick Durbin (Ill.), Olympia Snowe (Maine), Blanche Lincoln (Ark.) and Norm Coleman (Minn.) introduced Senate Bill 2795, the Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) Act. The SHOP Act makes health insurance more affordable, predictable and accessible for small businesses (with up to 100 employees) and the self-employed. The legislation offers tax incentives to encourage states to fix poorly functioning small group insurance markets and creates state purchasing pools supported by a voluntary, nationwide pool.
SHOP details:
- Beginning in 2009, employers with 100 and fewer employees and the self-employed can join a state purchasing pool and receive a tax credit (if their state chooses to adopt specific small group market reform practices).
- In 2011, small employers and the self-employed can join a nationwide SHOP pool to purchase health insurance (unless their state opts out after adopting insurance rating reforms and chooses to create its own purchasing pool).
- Also in 2011, insurance rating based on health status and claims experience will be prohibited in both SHOP and in the states' small group market. This will help stabilize yearly premium increases and protect businesses from premiums that escalate simply because one employee suffers a major illness.
How does SHOP provide access to and choice of health insurance?
- SHOP and state purchasing pools will provide a voluntary, one-stop alternative to the bewildering, current market, with a web site providing information about the plans' streamlined administrative efficiencies.
- SHOP will offer new private health plans that are available nationwide, in addition to plans that operate in a single state.
Plan to attend the 2008 National Small-Business Summit in Washington, D.C.
NFIB has joined forces with eBay to create an event you don't want to miss. You'll be able to interact with policymakers, business leaders and other leading entrepreneurs, share your experiences and find new ideas to boost your business.
Since 2008 is an election year, we're inviting the top three presidential candidates as well as other important political leaders and decision makers.
Come and hear Meg Whitman, CEO of eBay, as she shares her business insights. Tony Snow, former press secretary to President Bush, will energize you with his behind-the-scenes perspective on Washington politics and much more. The Summit is June 8-11, 2008. Get more information or register online, or call Member Support Manager Katie Jones at 803-254-1476.
