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More metal enforcement

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We first talked about metal thefts back in January. Because the thieves often target irrigation equipment, nurseries have been particularly hard hit. Here’s an update: legislation is moving forward (Capital Press | Salem Statesman-Journal). The good news? Law enforcement is likely to gain greater tools to go after the perpetrators. The bad news? Felony status […]

Obama speaks out on immigration

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During his visit to Southern California yesterday, President Barack Obama indicated he still supports comprehensive immigration reform, including a path to citizenship for those presently in the country. They would have to pay a significant fine, learn English (if they don’t already know it) and go to the back of the line. The position is […]

Supporting immigration reform

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The Oregonian published an editorial Saturday praising efforts among Oregon groups (including the nursery industry) to push for comprehensive immigration reform.

Armageddon down to business

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Armageddon, noun. 1 a: the site or time of a final and conclusive battle between the forces of good and evil b: the battle taking place at Armageddon 2: a usually vast decisive conflict or confrontation “This will be Armageddon,” Randel Johnson, vice president for labor policy at the United States Chamber of Commerce, told […]

More on the COBRA subsidy

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Last week we talked about new requirements being placed on employers as a result of President Obama’s economic stimulus package. Terminated employees are getting a 65 percent federal subsidy if they elect continuing health care coverage through their former employer under COBRA, but it’s the former employer that has to initially pay that portion of […]

Working together on immigration

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The issue of comprehensive federal immigration reform is bringing together business leaders, unions and the faith community, according to an article published in The Sunday Oregonian (Portland, Ore.). All three are working together because they sense the opportunity to get something done in the current Congress: “It’s very symbolic that we’ve decided to go in […]

Employer alert: COBRA changes

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The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, otherwise known as the “stimulus package,” includes a 65 percent health insurance premium subsidy for eligible workers who use the COBRA program after being involuntarily terminated. This federally-paid benefit, which lasts for up to nine months, is intended to help former employees avert a major drain on […]

Card check consequences

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Proposed card check legislation, also known as the Employee Free Choice Act, is one of the main concerns of business groups this year. Now the Law and Economics Consulting Group (LECG) has a report out concluding that if passed, the act would increase union membership, but it would also increase unemployment due to higher wage […]

‘The last thing employers need’

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The hot issue in Washington, D.C. right now is the much-discussed economic stimulus package, which has evolved and changed over the course of negotiations between Senate leaders, Obama administration officials and other involved parties. One of the provisions that could affect nursery owners would be the Kingston amendment, which is part of the House-approved version […]