Proposal to rescind REIT tax break draws questions over scope and renters’ costs; roll to next week Representative Leatherwood’s bill to remove a tax break for REITs drew committee concern that it might change residential assessments and raise rents; supporters said it levels the playing field, but the chair rolled the measure for further consideration.

A bold proposal to eliminate tax breaks for real estate investment trusts could reshape the rental landscape in Tennessee, but concerns about rising rents loom large.

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#TN #CitizenPortal #EconomicEquity #HousingAffordability #TennesseeRealEstate #TaxReform

PennDOT says USDOT'issued rule forced pause and re-evaluation of DBE certifications; about 1,400 PA firms affected After an October USDOT interim final rule, PennDOT said it paused its disadvantaged business enterprise (DBE) program to re-evaluate roughly 1,400 Pennsylvania firms; about 7% have been re-evaluated so far, 88 firms withdrew and roughly 500 have not responded, agency officials told the appropriations committee.

PennDOT's sudden pause on DBE certifications due to a new federal rule has left 1,400 Pennsylvania firms in limbo—what does this mean for their future?

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#PA #CivicAccountability #TransportationReform #CitizenPortal #PennsylvaniaDBEs #EconomicEquity

Meet Ryan Mazzola – Our new researcher! Ryan is passionate about building economic power through worker-centered equity and advancing employee ownership. Excited to have him on the team! 🌟
Learn more: https://www.rmeoc.org/team/ryan-mazzola/
#EmployeeOwnership #EconomicEquity #WorkplaceJustice

Residents urge Blue Earth County commissioners to oppose proposed federal cuts and ICE operations Two local residents told the board March 3 that proposed federal budget changes would strip SNAP and Medicaid support and called on Blue Earth County to publish a fiscal‑impact statement and consider a resolution opposing the legislation and ICE enforcement practices.

Mankato residents are rallying against a controversial federal budget bill they claim will deepen poverty and strip vital support from their community.

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#BlueEarthCounty #MN #CitizenPortal #EconomicEquity #HealthCareAccess #SocialJustice #BlueEarthCountyCommunity

Public commenters press Seattle council on homelessness, policing and surveillance During the March 3 council meeting, a series of public commenters urged action on homelessness policies and alternatives to policing, asked about public‑safety cameras and urged protection for immigrants; two commenters backed House Bill 2489 and other measures.

At a heated Seattle City Council meeting, passionate speakers demanded a shift from policing to investing in services for homelessness and robust safeguards against surveillance technology.

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#SeattleKingCounty #WA #CivicAccountability #CitizenPortal #EconomicEquity

Board adopts stronger workforce standards; PLA required for utility‑scale projects The board approved updates to its Inclusive and Sustainable Workforce Policy and Energy Proposal Evaluation Criteria, requiring project labor agreements for utility‑scale solar, wind and storage (10 MW+), adding quantitative scoring for workforce commitments, and accepting a friendly amendment to prioritize certain small or disabled‑veteran certified contractors in scoring.

The San Diego County Community Power Board has taken a bold step towards a sustainable future by adopting stronger workforce standards that prioritize local jobs and skilled labor for clean energy projects.

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#CA #CitizenPortal #EconomicEquity #CleanEnergy #WorkforceDevelopment

House Finance advances millionaires income tax after amendments; committee votes 9–6 to report bill After hours of debate and multiple member amendments, the House Finance Committee on Feb. 27 reported engrossed substitute Senate Bill 63-46 (a 9.9% income tax on individual income above $1 million beginning 2028) out of committee with a due-pass recommendation by a 9–6 roll call. Members adopted several clarifying and exemption amendments and created an advisory implementation group.

The House Finance Committee has taken a bold step by voting 9-6 to advance a controversial 9.9% income tax on millionaires, setting the stage for a heated debate over its potential impact on Washington's economy.

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#WA #CitizenPortal #EconomicEquity #TaxReform #SocialServices

Senate committee considers targeted excise on alcohol/tobacco retailers to fund community reinvestment (LB 8‑56) LB 8‑56 would authorize a 5% excise tax on gross receipts of gas stations, convenience stores and packaged liquor stores located in HUD qualified census tracts, with at least 70% of revenue required to be reinvested in the same tract for health, housing and prevention programs. Proponents framed the measure as place‑based public‑health reinvestment; opponents warned of regressivity, business flight and implementation complexity.

Senator McKinney's new bill proposes a 5% excise tax on alcohol and tobacco sales in low-income neighborhoods, aiming to reinvest in critical community services like health and childcare.

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#NE #PublicHealth #CitizenPortal #EconomicEquity #CommunityReinvestment

Sen. Danielle Conrad urges repeal of capital‑gains preference, citing $20 million revenue potential Sen. Danielle Conrad told the Revenue Committee LB 872 would end a special capital‑gains income‑tax reduction used by a small number of high‑income filers and could raise about $20 million for priorities including property‑tax relief and school meals. Business groups opposed the change, citing competitiveness and succession concerns.

Senator Danielle Conrad is pushing to repeal a special tax break that benefits the ultra-wealthy, potentially unlocking $20 million for Nebraska's priorities like property tax relief and school meals.

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#NE #CitizenPortal #EconomicEquity #TaxReform #LocalEconomy

Committee advances childcare tax credit amendment aiming to add seats and training with $5M cap The committee amended HB 14 33 to create a childcare tax credit (50% of qualifying expenditures) intended to fund new seats or workforce development, with an aggregate cap of $5 million per fiscal year and a 12-seat minimum per qualifying project; the committee approved OTPA 16–0 with the sponsor to prepare final drafting.

New Hampshire is stepping up to tackle the childcare crisis with a groundbreaking tax credit amendment that could create vital new seats for families in need!

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#NH #NewHampshireChildcare #ChildcareIncentives #CitizenPortal #EconomicEquity #WorkforceDevelopment

Committee hears arguments for and against letting cities and counties levy earnings taxes House Bill 23-85 would allow cities or counties to levy up to a 1% earnings tax on nonresident workers, with at least half the revenue earmarked for property tax relief and voter approval required; proponents said it provides local revenue options, while opponents warned it could deter investment and raise equity and military‑pay issues.

A new bill could allow Kansas cities and counties to impose a 1% earnings tax on non-resident workers, sparking a heated debate over local revenue and fairness.

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#KS #CitizenPortal #LocalGovernance #EconomicEquity #TaxationReform #KansasCounties

Consumers Council and residents urge city action as data‑center plans and SB4 raise rate concerns Consumer advocates and multiple St. Louis residents told the committee that Missouri’s large‑load tariff and recent regulatory changes leave ratepayers exposed to costs for new generation and transmission; presenters urged community benefit agreements and stronger collateral and contract terms.

Consumer advocates are sounding the alarm over Missouri's new large-load tariff, warning it could leave everyday residents footing the bill for costly infrastructure tied to data centers.

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#LouisCityLouisCounty #MO #CitizenPortal #EconomicEquity #UtilityRegulation

Maine hearing spotlights push to restore Wabanaki access to federal tribal laws Tribal leaders, allied organizations and the governor’s counsel urged the Legislature to pass LD 3 95, a bill intended to let Maine’s four Wabanaki nations access federal laws and programs now blocked by the 1980 settlement acts; lawmakers and the executive said technical drafting remains under negotiation.

A groundbreaking bill in Maine aims to restore Wabanaki nations' access to federal laws, potentially unlocking economic and social benefits long denied to them.

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#ME #TribalSovereignty #FederalAccess #CitizenPortal #EconomicEquity #MaineTribes

New Mexico House approves constitutional amendment to let voters decide legislator pay tied to median household income The House passed House Joint Resolution 5, sending to voters a proposed constitutional amendment that would allow legislative compensation tied to New Mexico’s median household income. The measure passed 41–26 after extensive floor debate on per diems, ethics and exemptions; next step: placement on the 2026 ballot if enrolled.

New Mexico lawmakers just approved a measure that could change how they get paid, linking their salaries to the state's median household income—will this modernize the legislature and make it more accessible?

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#NM #CivicAccountability #CitizenPortal #EconomicEquity

House clears SNAP changes after floor debate over rulemaking authority House passed HB2206 on Feb. 12 to amend Title 46 (SNAP) after heated floor explanations over rulemaking authority and program impacts; vote recorded at 33 ayes, 25 nays. Opponents warned of economic harm and food access consequences; proponents said the measure reflects existing authority.

The Arizona House has sparked a heated debate over SNAP changes that could redefine food access for low-income families, raising questions about nutrition and legislative priorities.

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#AZ #NutritionPolicy #CitizenPortal #EconomicEquity #ArizonaSNAP #FoodAccess

Nevada revenue staff review Live Entertainment Tax history, exemptions and policy options including resale and sports carve-outs Fiscal staff briefed the committee on the Live Entertainment Tax's statutory definitions, exemptions (including professional sports and NSHE/NIAA events), data limitations that prevent reliable venue-by-venue LET attribution, and a menu of policy options ranging from broadening the base to taxing resale increments.

Nevada's Live Entertainment Tax is evolving, shifting from gaming venues to a broader range of non-gaming events, but what does this mean for the future of entertainment funding in the state?

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#NV #TaxPolicy #NevadaLiveEntertainment #CitizenPortal #CivicEngagement #EconomicEquity

Committee tables proposed eight‑year phase‑out of Social Security income tax after equity and revenue concerns Representative Elaine Cinnacortes proposed phasing out the state tax on Social Security over eight years; opponents and some members raised fairness and fiscal concerns. The committee voted to table the bill (tabling motion passed 5–3).

A proposed eight-year phase-out of the state tax on Social Security income is facing pushback over fairness and fiscal concerns, leaving seniors' wallets in uncertainty.

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#NM #CitizenPortal #EconomicEquity #NewMexicoSeniors #TaxReform #SocialSecurity

Committee deadlocks on bill to quadruple some wire-transfer fees tied to anti-money-laundering fund SB 19-88 would increase fees on wire transfers sent outside the U.S., with the revenue earmarked for anti–drug-money-laundering efforts; the bill's fiscal rationale and equity implications for unbanked residents drew concern and the committee split 4-4, failing to advance the measure.

A controversial bill aiming to quadruple wire-transfer fees in Oklahoma has sparked a tie vote amid concerns for low-income residents and anti-money-laundering implications.

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#OK #AntiMoneyLaundering #CitizenPortal #EconomicEquity #FinancialInclusion

Committee debates HB 978, a sales-tax modernization that would tax many services; businesses press for exemptions Delegate Watts' HB 978 would expand Virginia's sales-tax base to selected services and digital/consumable services while exempting licensed health care and specified professional services; business groups including the Virginia Self Storage Association and chambers asked the committee to carve out self-storage, fitness and delivery services. The committee adopted amendments and carried the bill over to 2027.

Virginia's proposed HB 978 aims to modernize the sales tax system, but will it strike the right balance between generating revenue and protecting essential services?

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#VA #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #EconomicEquity #TaxReform #VirginiaServices

Public survivors press council to waive Palisades rebuilding fees; council sends item 30 forthwith Hundreds of Palisades fire survivors and residents urged the Los Angeles City Council to waive plan and permit fees after the January fire, and the council agreed to send item 30 'forthwith' for expedited consideration. Final approval of waivers was not recorded in the transcript.

Survivors of the devastating Palisades fire are calling on the LA City Council to waive rebuilding fees, arguing that financial burdens are hindering their recovery efforts.

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#LosAngelesCityLosAngelesCounty #CA #CitizenPortal #EconomicEquity #LosAngelesResidents

Proposal for 27¢ per‑delivery fee draws opposition over equity and implementation Sen. Dave Murman’s LB1252 would impose a 27¢ fee on retail deliveries of taxable goods, raising an estimated $27.5 million for Nebraska’s property‑tax credit fund. Testimony from tech, grocery and small‑business representatives warned the flat fee is regressive, may reduce orders and hurt driver earnings; sponsor said he is open to targeted exemptions for homebound or disabled residents.

A new bill proposing a 27¢ delivery fee in Nebraska aims to raise millions for property tax relief, but critics warn it could hurt low-income families and rural residents the most.

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#NE #CitizenPortal #EconomicEquity #RuralAccess #DeliveryTax

Black unemployment reaches recession levels When President Donald Trump took office for the second time last year, experts predicted tough times for Black America, pointing to the Project 2025 government blueprint calling for slashing government spending and Trump’s own disdain for initiatives that increase Black employment in the U.S. workforce. Now, on the first anniversary of Trump’s chaotic second term, […]

'Black unemployment reaches recession levels'

🖋 Joseph Williams | Word In Black
📸 Photo from Canva

#stlamerican #stlnews #stlouis #BlackUnemployment #EconomicEquity #WordInBlack

Witnesses urge battery sector roadmaps, offtake and recycling to anchor clean-tech manufacturing in California Experts at the Senate hearing said California risks exporting the manufacturing jobs tied to battery innovation and urged sector-specific roadmaps, coordinated state procurement or offtake agreements, and recycling capacity to anchor a domestic battery supply chain.

California has a golden opportunity to lead in battery innovation, but experts warn that without strategic roadmaps and demand guarantees, the state risks losing out on manufacturing jobs.

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#CA #CitizenPortal #ClimateAction #EconomicEquity #ManufacturingReform

Committee advances bill to bar use of credit scores in insurance pricing after questioning Minority Leader Kurt said SB1435 would disallow use of credit scores in insurance premium rating, citing studies and a claimed 104% premium differential; committee members pressed for evidence and the bill passed 5–3.

Oklahoma's SB1435 aims to eliminate credit scores in insurance pricing, highlighting a shocking 104% premium gap between neighbors with similar risk profiles!

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#OK #CreditScoreFairness #InsuranceReform #CitizenPortal #EconomicEquity

Lawmakers consider rebasing childcare subsidy regions to reflect post‑2009 growth House Bill 2607 would require DCYF to review and rebase childcare subsidy rate regions every four years to reflect local cost-of-living and market differences; proponents said long‑dated regional boundaries are causing large cross‑border disparities in subsidy amounts, particularly in the Tri‑Cities.

Lawmakers are pushing for a groundbreaking change in childcare subsidies to address inequities across counties, highlighting the urgent need for a fair system that reflects local living costs.

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#WA #ChildcareSubsidies #CitizenPortal #EconomicEquity #CommunitySupport

Breaking the debt cycle takes strategy, support, and systemic awareness. Practical steps can help Black families reduce debt and rebuild credit toward financial stability.

Read more: buff.ly/6qA38sx

Finances FYI is sponsored by JPMorganChase

#FinancialHealth #BlackWealth #EconomicEquity

Panel backs eliminating court-appointed attorney and jury fees for indigent defendants The subcommittee voted 7-3 to report HB 852, which would eliminate fees charged to indigent defendants for court‑appointed counsel and jury costs and convene a workgroup to plan implementation; supporters said fees are a regressive barrier to justice.

Virginia is taking a bold step to abolish court-appointed attorney fees for indigent defendants, aiming to remove financial barriers to justice and promote true equity.

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#VA #VirginiaIndigentDefense #EconomicEquity #CitizenPortal #JusticeReform #CivicAccountability

House committee hears debate over municipal grocery stores after closures in Seattle-area neighborhoods Lawmakers and witnesses debated House Bill 23-13, which would allow cities to establish publicly owned grocery stores and use capital grants to acquire or rehabilitate property; the sponsor said the bill is an optional tool for underserved areas, while grocers and students warned it could undercut small independent stores.

House Bill 23-13 could transform food access in underserved neighborhoods by allowing cities to create publicly owned grocery stores, but not without stirring a heated debate over its potential impact on local businesses.

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#WA #EconomicEquity #FoodAccess #CommunityInvestment

👵🏼 IMSPARK: Retirement With Stability, Dignity, and Shared Prosperity👵🏼

#CollectiveWellbeing, #EconomicEquity, #FutureOfWork, #HumanCapital, #IMSPARK, #LifelongLearning, #PacificResilience, #retirementsecurity,

imaginepacific.substack.com/p/imspark-re...

👵🏼 IMSPARK: Retirement With Stability, Dignity, and Shared Prosperity👵🏼

#CollectiveWellbeing, #EconomicEquity, #FutureOfWork, #HumanCapital, #IMSPARK, #LifelongLearning, #PacificResilience, #retirementsecurity,

imaginepacific.substack.com/p/imspark-re...