In Your Backyard - February 26, 2008

Alabama
Business Groups Object to Immigration Bill
A sweeping immigration bill introduced in the Alabama Legislature last week has drawn concern from some business and industry groups who say it could place a burden on employers. The bill would prohibit Alabama employers from hiring anyone who doesn't produce one of three state-issued IDs. Employers could face fines ranging from $500 to $5,000 per employee and the loss of their business license. Contractors would also have to provide proof to the businesses they contract with that their employees are authorized to work. The bill is modeled after an Oklahoma law currently being challenged in court.
Source: The Birmingham News

 

Iowa
Advocacy Group Pushes for Close to Corporate Tax Loophole
Members of an advocacy group want state lawmakers to close a loophole in Iowa's corporate income tax law in which out-of-state corporations are not required to pay income taxes on profits they make in the state. Members say that closing the loophole will not only level the playing field for small businesses, but could raise tens of millions of dollars in revenue for the state budget. Democratic lawmakers have said they will not debate the issue this session.
Source: Radio Iowa

 

Tennessee
Employers Find Workers Still Lacking Needed Skills
Nearly two-thirds of Tennessee employers predict it will be difficult to find the qualified workers they need over the next decade, according to a recent survey. Among 618 business leaders surveyed by the Center for Business and Economic Research in Knoxville, 66% said it will be either "hard" or "much harder" to find skilled workers in the future. More than three of every 10 business respondents said they thought the quality of Tennessee's work force had declined in the past decade.
Source: Chattanooga Times Free Press

 

Utah
Lawmakers Rethink Immigration Bill After Initial Passage
Republican senators who initially voted for a measure aimed at creating barriers against undocumented immigrants obtaining jobs or public benefits are now raising questions on the bill. The bill gained preliminary Senate approval last week in a 21-8 vote. The bill includes multiple amendments--made at the request of business and religious groups--which seemed to strengthen support in the Senate and with business organizations, including the Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce.
Source: Deseret Morning News

 

Washington
Union Bill Passes House
A union-backed bill approved by the House last week could extend collective-bargaining rights to as many 12,000 child-care center owners and employees. Under the bill, centers that care for at least one state-subsidized child could be eligible to join collective-bargaining units and negotiate with the governor over state payments, training requirements and access to health care and other benefits. The bill is backed by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), the largest union in Washington, with more than 100,000 members statewide.
Source: The Seattle Times