Illinois House Republicans are calling out Democrat-led state leadership for failing to act on legislation aimed at reducing what is now considered the highest overall tax burden in the United States. Despite a package of GOP-sponsored tax relief bills introduced this session, none have gained traction in the General Assembly.
Newly confirmed Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has warned that America is facing an economic crisis if Congress fails to extend the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA). If the law expires on December 31, small businesses and American taxpayers will face a massive $4 trillion tax hike. Bessent and conservative lawmakers are pushing for a permanent extension of the TCJA to prevent economic hardship and ensure stability for the nation’s small businesses.
Seattle’s minimum wage, which rose to $20.76 per hour on January 1, has proven too costly for some business owners, resulting in the closure of a long-standing small business and highlighting broader economic consequences of such policies.
The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) has recognized 22 employers for their exceptional efforts in hiring and supporting veterans and their families, awarding them the Vets Ready Employer designation for 2024. These employers have gone above and beyond what is required to provide meaningful employment opportunities for veterans.
In the wake of Hurricane Helene, which killed 103 people and caused an estimated $53 billion in damages, North Carolina has received significant aid for recovery efforts, including over $1.1 billion in state relief and billions more in federal requests. The storm, considered the state’s worst natural disaster, has prompted both state and federal governments to take action, though criticism has followed regarding the adequacy of those efforts.
Inflation rose in November at the fastest pace in four months, marking the second straight month of acceleration. The Department of Labor reported Wednesday that the consumer price index (CPI) increased by 2.7% over the past year, matching economists' forecasts. Core inflation, which excludes food and energy prices, climbed 3.3% year-over-year.
Small business owners’ optimism has soared to its highest level since June 2021 after President Donald Trump’s White House victory and Republican control of Congress, according to the latest survey from the National Federation of Independent Businesses (NFIB).
