State and Local Impact

01/25/2013

Impact Point Jan 25, 2013
Last week the country’s Mayors met for the 81st Winter Meeting of the US Conference of Mayors. These leaders focused on a variety of issues ranging from innovation in technology to public safety to transportation issues. But the real focus was responding to the terrible tragedies of Newtown, CT and Aurora, CO. Mayors discussed a variety of needs in the wake of these tragedies. Chief among them was support for legislation regulating high capacity magazines and instituting more stringent background checks as well as working with the federal government and their state colleagues to address mental health issues.

http://www.governing.com/news/politics/gov-mayors-group-backs-new-assault-ban-bill-in-congress.html

Michael Nutter, president of the U.S. Conference of Mayors, voiced the group's support for Sen. Dianne Feinstein's bill to ban assault weapons.

01/08/2013

IMPACT POINT, Jan. 7, 2013
The “Local Touch”… State and Local politics still drives the discussion, has the most influence on our lives as citizen, and probably has the most influence on your business’ bottom line. Local governing bodies are the ground floor of determining the business landscape, and often significant influence the national discussion of how commerce is run in America. This article can serve a reminder that local decisions can be put forward that change that setting and create business importunity. Your Company may not be selling artisan bread from a home “cottage industry” kitchen, but the question must be asked who is working to improve the business environment that your organization works in?

http://burbanknbeyond.com/08/sections/politics-news/california-homemade-food-act-by-assemblyman-mike-gatto-sent-to-governor/

For further discussion and how State and Local Impact can promote and advance your business please contact us at [email protected].

California Homemade Food Act, was sent to the Governor. If signed into law, it would legalize the sale of homemade, “non-potentially hazardous” foods by creating a two-tier system of “cottage food operations” based upon the point of sale

01/08/2013

IMPACT POINT, Jan. 8 2013
In a time when local governments are focused on revenue savings and staff reductions, some governments are responding to recent tragedies with force and service expansions. In Williamson County, TN, the tragedy in Newtown, CT is has pushed forward a long-planned proposal to use reserve funds to place full-time police presence in public schools.
This trend is being considered in other local governments. The move by the County Sherriff is a perfect example of how local governments are partnering to benefit constituents and multiple agencies at the local level. The move proves that partnerships can provide a local need and governments can work collaboratively to address the issue.
For further discussion and how State and Local Impact can promote and advance your business please contact us at [email protected].

12/27/2012

IMPACT POINT, December 27, 2012
As we approach the beginning of the New Year, one axiom will remain “the only constant is change”. A New Year undoubtedly will bring a new business environment for organizations that are positioned to do business with local governments. What is your business doing to stay on top of the “developing atmosphere”. No matter if it is monitoring the employee cost atmosphere http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2012/12/26/10-states-poised-to-raise-minimum-wage/ within your organization’s state interests, or if it tracking infrastructure funding at the state level… Knowledge of the local atmosphere is the 1st step to new successes. How is your organization staying on top of the 99 State Legislation’s upcoming regulations, hearings, and legislative sessions?
For further discussion and how State and Local Impact can promote and advance your business please contact us at [email protected].

Good news for employees, and potentially bad news for employers, when 10 states raise their official minimum wage six days from now.

12/14/2012

On location at the Federal Hearing of the House Energy and Commerce Committee. How is the Federal Government's Affordable Care Act changing your Local Business Environment as an employer? Is it presenting new opportunities for your organization?

12/05/2012

IMPACT POINT, December 5, 2012
In a historical Pro-Union State like Michigan, Right to Work issues are bound to invoke “spirited” debate. What might not be visible just below the surface is that the Government-Business landscape is constantly changing. This article is a glance at some of possible political and local government events that would change the business environment in Michigan and Metro Detroit region. From the failure of a State-Wide Amendment for fundamental changes to employee relations, to the Governor’s battle for Emergency Managers there is certainly a need to update ones understanding of the Michigan business environment…. Michigan might not be your organization’s main interest, but how is the “Local Horizon” developing for your targets? And are you ready to rapidly “Respond” to, or even help “Dictate”, your Local Government’s progressing Business environment?
http://www.freep.com/article/20121204/NEWS15/312040100/Right-to-work-trade-offs-Talks-may-be-in-works-in-Lansing
For further discussion and how State and Local Impact can promote and advance your business please contact us at [email protected].

11/28/2012

IMPACT POINT, November 28, 2012
An interesting quick read on Transportation Funding issues, focusing on Maryland, Virginia, and the Mid-Atlantic region. What should top the discussion is not the lack of problems, but rather some interesting thought provoking concepts: Governmental/Private Partnerships, targeted tax increases, and project postponements are all in the mix as partial solutions. Scratching the surface, the article focuses on Transportation Budgets, but what are the conditions of the departmental budgets that effect your bottom line, what are your plans to secure your current business, what can you proactively do promote your growth within a market that might growing tighter?

http://washingtonexaminer.com/states-running-out-of-money-for-roads-transit/article/2513728

For further discussion and how State and Local Impact can promote and advance your business please contact us at [email protected].

Maryland and Virginia are running out of money to pay for road and transit projects, and some experts warn that without new taxes, tolls or partnerships with private companies, it won't be long before the states can't afford to plug potholes.

11/28/2012

Impact Point: The focused area of interaction of 2 bodies contacting each other. Specifically the defined regions of interaction that create alterations in overall the movement, energy, and environment of the larger atmosphere.
With an ongoing effort State and Local Impact will examine new “Impact Points” periodically to explore certain themes in the ever changing world of doing business with state and local governmental entities. “Impact Points” will focus on opening lines of thought and communication to promote understanding and facilitate new discussions on how State and Local Impact can assist you advancing your company.