Retail Advocate

• Local Issues
• State Issues
• Federal Issues
• State Government Links
• RMA Government Links

Local Issues

Candidates for Upcoming November 6th Elections

Click on the links below for the candidates for upcoming November 6th elections

• Chesterfield County
• Goochland County
• Hanover County
• Henrico County 
• Powhatan County
• Board of Supervisors elections throughout the Commonwealth
• House of Delegates (all districts)
• Senate of Virginia (all districts)

State Issues

• Energy Star Sales Tax Holiday—October 5, 6, 7, 8, 2007
• VA Secretary of Finance Presentation on Budget Deficit

Energy Star Sales Tax Holiday—October 5, 6, 7, 8, 2007

Energy Star qualified products with a sales price of $2,500 or less per product purchased for noncommercial home or personal use are exempt from Virginia Sales Tax October 5 - 8, 2007.

For the purposes of this exemption, an Energy Star qualified product is any dishwasher, clothes washer, air conditioner, ceiling fan, compact fluorescent light bulb, dehumidifier, programmable thermostat, or refrigerator, the energy efficiency of which has been designated by the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the United States Department of Energy as meeting or exceeding each such agency's requirements under the Energy Star program. The RMA successfully had the language from the original Sales Tax Holiday included in this legislation, so during the October event any retailer—jewelry, furniture, clothing, etc. may also participate in the Energy Star Tax Holiday if they absorb (pay) the tax for the consumer.

VA Secretary of Finance Presentation on Budget Deficit

Jody Wagner, Virginia Secretary of Finance, gave a presentation on the budget deficit at the Virginia FREE candidate interview forum on September 6. Click here for the presentation.

FEDERAL Issues*

*© 2007. NRF Enterprises, Inc. used with permission.

• Financial security will be central issue in '08 race
• Senate bill would extend Internet tax ban to 2011
• Many industries face challenges identifying illegal workers
• FDA weighs food-labeling requirements

Financial security will be central issue in '08 race

Financial security is emerging as a key issue in next year's presidential election. Besides general concerns about terrorism, health care and education, candidates will need to address layoffs, mortgage anxieties and financial markets, according to an AARP survey to be released today. The Politico (Washington)

Senate bill would extend Internet tax ban to 2011

By all accounts, it's fairly safe to say that Congress is not going to allow state and local taxes on Internet service, at least for the next several years. Click here for the full article.

Many industries face challenges identifying illegal workers

Differentiating between legal and illegal workers has created challenges for several industries in the Washington, D.C., area. A recent study found that about 35% of the construction work force and 21% of the food service work force are working illegally. Employers may face stiff fines if they hire an illegal worker, but if they refuse to hire foreigners, they may be accused of discrimination. Meanwhile, MicroManos, a staffing agency in Bethesda, Md., specializes in vetting immigrants' work statuses. The Washington Post

FDA weighs food-labeling requirements

The FDA will consider the pros and cons of instituting a food product labeling system that would make it easier for consumers to assess nutrition values during a two-day open hearing the agency is hosting on the subject. Forbes/Associated Press

Links

State Government Links

• 2007 Virginia General Assembly
• Legislative Meetings
• Virginia General Assembly
• Find a Bill
• Virginia State Code

RMA Government Links