Every Wednesday, the TFG Blog posts a series of articles published over the previous week that discusses topics of interest to local governments. Learn about emerging trends and keep up on key policy issues by browsing the TFG Wednesday News Roundup!
Senate Approves Tax Extenders Package without Ron Wyden
On Tuesday, the Senate passed a bill that will retroactively extend a package of expired tax breaks for 2014. The package was passed by a respectable 76-16 vote, but not everyone was pleased with the bill, including the Finance Chairman. Read more...
Blinded by Light Pollution
Artificial light pollution confuses nocturnal species, disrupts migratory birds and causes sleep disorders in humans, according to research. Studies even suggest that the consequences of excessive exposure to light at night can increase the risk for obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and cancer. There is still a lot to learn about light pollution and different ways it can be reduced, but there are already several ways cities are working to lessen the glare. Read more...
White House Launches Open Data Disaster Portal
On Monday, the White House launched a new open data portal targeting the needs of first responders and emergency survivors. More than 100 data sets can be found at www.disasters.data.gov along with tools, contests and resources to help first responders and technologists engage with a larger community. Read more...
Will Work for Solutions
There are approximately 610,000 people in the U.S. who could be classified as homeless on any given night, and more than 3.5 million will experience homelessness within a given year, according to the National Alliance to End Homelessness. But while the problem is clearly visible in cities throughout the nation, solutions are anything but. Read more...
Retailers to Try Again for Online Sales
After falling short yet again this year, retail groups pushing online sales tax legislation are going to have to shake up their lobbying approach in the face of a GOP-controlled Congress. Groups supporting the online sales tax bill, the Marketplace Fairness Act, say they’ll take the next couple of weeks to regroup, and to find ways to fine-tune their tactics for the next Congress. Read more...
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