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The Retail EmployerJune 2008
State Issues
Transportation funding
The General Assembly will convene on June 23rd to undertake the issue of Transportation funding. Below are a number of links that provide information on the Governor’s proposed transportation funding and various responses to his plans.
Governor’s transportation plan
- Transportation Plan - PowerPoint (112kb) | PDF (1.81Mb)
- Transportation Plan Funding - Excel (19kb) | PDF (201kb)
- Overview of Taxes in Virginia - PowerPoint (2.99Mb) | PDF (1Mb)
- Video: Watch video of the press conference
- Republican Leaders Say They Can Fix Transportation Funding Problem
- Tax Increases Are Wrong Fix for Congestion Woes
- McDonnell - Apply Breaks to the Rush for New Transportation Taxes
- 2008 Virginia General Assembly Calendar
- Legislative Meetings
- Virginia General Assembly
- 2008 Legislative Session
- Virginia State Code
- Chesterfield County
- Board of Supervisors
- Board Agenda
- Code of Ordinances
- County Departments
- Enterprise Zones
- Henrico County
- Board of Supervisors
- Board Agenda
- Code of Ordinances
- Enterprise Zones
- County Manager, Staff
Responses to the Governor’s plan
Federal Issues*
* © 2007. NRF Enterprises, Inc. used with permission.
Canadian stores must hide cigarettes
New Canadian rules mandate that store owners in Ontario, Quebec and some other provinces must remove tobacco products from customer view. The rules, designed to curb smoking among young people, will cover most of Canada by the end of the year. Scientific American/Reuters (6/9)
Back to topFMI supports new bill to allow retailers to negotiate competitive credit card transaction fees
FMI has lauded the Senate for introducing a bill against hidden credit card transaction fees that acts as a companion to a similar bill in the House of Representatives. The Credit Card Fair Fee Act of 2008 -- S. 3086 -- would enable retailers to negotiate fair, competitive and transparent interchange and related fees with Visa, MasterCard and financial institutions. Progressive Grocer (6/9)
Back to topSalmonella warning now nationwide
Salmonella poisoning linked to uncooked tomatoes has now hit 16 states after initially being reported in Texas and New Mexico, according to FDA officials. The agency has not been able to determine the source of the contamination, but a preliminary investigation suggests that raw red plum, red Roma or round red tomatoes could be the source of the problem. USA TODAY (6/8) , Detroit Free Press/Associated Press (6/8)
Back to topWill more states push to collect online sales tax?
New York is so far the only state to collect sales tax from out-of-state e-retailers, even when they have no "physical presence" in the state. With 29 states predicting revenue shortfalls next year, experts say other states could follow New York's lead. BusinessWeek (6/4)
States consider calorie-count bills
California and New York are considering requiring restaurants to post calorie counts, marking the first time that states could follow the lead of some cities and counties. The bills under consideration could have national implications if other states follow suit. The Wall Street Journal (subscription required) (6/11)
Back to topLinks
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Contact:
George Peyton
(804) 662-5500
Fax: (804) 662-5507
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