Every Wednesday, The Ferguson Group blog will be posting a series of articles published over the previous week that discuss topics of interest to local governments. Learn about emerging trends and keep up on key policy issues by browsing the TFG Wednesday News Roundup!
Skilled-Worker Visas Eyed in Immigration Debate
With immigration reform as a top priority in Congress, there is a strong push from tech industries to raise the H-1B visa limit from 65,000 to 300,000. Some in the industry argue the U.S. does not turn out enough math and science graduates to fill their positions, yet others believe the shortage of skilled American workers is exaggerated. Read More…
Some Small Businesses Opt for the Health-Care Penalty
When the new health-care law begins next year, some small-business owners will have to make the choice between providing healthcare to all their full-time employees or paying a penalty to avoid the new law’s “employer mandate.” Some employers say the burden may be too hefty, and elect to pay fines. Read More…
Energy Tax Reform a Heavy Lift for Lawmakers
Congress plans to tackle energy tax policy issues in the near future, but massive amounts of data must be sifted through before a detailed plan can be produced. Lawmakers say that in order to make good policies, they need to have the most accurate analysis, even if it that takes more time than anticipated. Read More…
'Obama Phones’ Subsidy Program Draws New Scrutiny on the Hill
The Lifeline program has provided discounted phone service to low-income subscribers for 28 years, but with recent increases in the cost of the program, lawmakers on the Hill are taking a closer look at it. Read More…
Senators Move to Stop Flight Tower Closures
This summer the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is set to close 149 air traffic control towers, but a bipartisan group of 18 Senators are looking to stop the closures with the Protect Our Skies Act. Read More…
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