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The Retail EmployerThe Latest Update on EFCA
(Employee Freedom of Choice Act)

There have been some reports both in the media, and by some members of Virginia's congressional delegation that EFCA is dead, but we know that this is simply not the case.  Senators are working right now on a "compromise" version of EFCA, and while details regarding the content of the compromise are unclear, it seems apparent that organized labor is pushing harder than ever for passage of a bill that will look very similar to the original EFCA bill that was offered a couple of months ago. Read more >>

State  Issues

The Virginia Retail Federation (VRF) is the advocacy arm of the Retail Alliance and the Retail Merchants Association representing retailers throughout the Commonwealth.

UI

The UI is an insurance program that pays defined benefits to individuals who become unemployed through no fault of their own. Find out what you need to know about UI, click here.

Plastic Bag Ban

The Virginia Retail Federation was successful, during the 2009 session of the General Assembly, in holding off legislation that would ban plastic bags by lobbying for funding for three pilot programs to enhance the recycling efforts in Virginia.  Pilot programs in Isle of Wight County, Henry County and the City of Alexandria are being developed and will kick off later this summer.  More information will follow as the pilot programs get underway.

Weights and Measures

The VRF will begin attending meeting this month with the Department of Agriculture to determine how the weights and measures program will be funding. Further information will be forward to RMA members impacted changes to the Weights and Measures program.

Smoking Ban

The smoking ban passed by the General Assembly will into effect December 31, 2009.  The VRF will be attending meeting during the summer hosted by the Virginia Department of Health and will offer input into the regulations being developed regarding the smoking ban.

Federal Issues

Lawmakers consider tax on sweetened drinks

A federal tax on sodas, sports drinks, energy drinks and other sweetened beverages to help pay for health care is under consideration in the U.S. Senate. The Congressional Budget Office says adding a 3-cent tax per 12-ounce serving would generate $24 billion in four years. The Wall Street Journal (5/12)

How proposed energy legislation will drive up retail costs

The White House, Capitol Hill and the EPA are all taking steps toward legislation that might cost retailers time and money. Greenhouse gas cap-and-trade systems, the Clean Air Act and other issues will have a direct effect on the retail industry. Join NRF for a webinar May 18 about what retailers should know, how they can make their voices heard in Washington, and what steps companies can take to save time and money. Learn more.

Obama seeks credit card reform

President Barack Obama is asking Congress to present him with a credit card reform bill he can sign by Memorial Day. "Abuses in our credit card industry have only multiplied in the midst of this recession, when Americans can least afford to bear an extra burden," he said. Reuters (5/9)

Retailers lobby against interchange fees

The Merchants Payments Coalition, which counts NRF as a member, is lobbying Democratic senators to support them in opposing the fees merchants are charged whenever a customer uses a debit or credit card. Retailers are seeking an amendment to a bill concerning credit card interest rates.

If you have any questions, or need additional information, please contact George Peyton, gpeyton@retailmerchants.com or call 804-662-5500.

DMV Implements New License Design & Issuance Process

Risk for Fraud and ID Theft Reduced

Virginians will soon have the safest, most secure driver’s licenses and ID cards in the U.S.  This year, the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) will implement newly designed driver’s licenses and ID cards and a new issuance process. 

The cards will have a new look bearing symbols of Virginia pride, the state capitol building and state flower, and will have state-of-the-art security features.   Cards will be issued from a central location using technology that is more advanced than printers in DMV offices. 

“The new driver's licenses and ID cards will be the most secure and trusted state-issued credentials in the nation,” said DMV Commissioner D.B. Smit.  “The enhanced security will reduce the risks for fraud and ID theft.”

The most notable of the security features is a clear window, containing a black and white photograph of the cardholder, visible from the front and back of the card. Virginia's will be the third such driver’s license worldwide and the first in the U.S. to carry this feature.

The newly designed cards will, however, maintain many of the current card features. DMV worked closely with law enforcement, retailers, hospitality representatives and others while designing the new licenses and IDs to ensure the cards meet their unique business needs.  Adult licenses will remain horizontal and cards for those under 21 will be vertical. Juvenile cards will show the dates that the individual turns 18 and 21, to assist retailers curb the illegal sale of tobacco and alcohol to minors.

Virginians who apply for a driver’s license at DMV customer service centers will receive temporary driving permits.  Licenses will be mailed to their home addresses.  

The new issuance process will be similar for Internet transactions. Online customers conduct a transaction, print a receipt and receive their cards through the mail. Eligible customers can continue to renew via Internet (www.dmvNOW.com), telephone and mail.

“Central issuance of driver’s licenses and ID cards will reduce the use of false addresses and eliminate the appeal of out-of-state residents to attempt to illegally obtain Virginia licenses,” Smit added.  “It is essential that customers provide DMV with their current addresses.”

Between March and July 2009, customers will begin experiencing the enhanced process and receiving the new secure credentials.  Currently issued driver’s licenses and ID cards will remain valid until expiration dates.

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The Retail Advocate is published the second week each month and whenever important issues affecting RMA members arise. Your comments and suggestions are welcome.

Contact:
George Peyton
(804) 662-5500
Fax: (804) 662-5507
e-mail

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