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Public Policy News for the HR Professional
Employer-Provided Educational Assistance
Congress Will Decide Fate of Employee Tax Benefit
When Congress returns to Washington after Labor Day, we expect a decision on whether to extend an important tax provision for employees and employers alike. It’s Section 127 of the U.S. tax code, allowing employers to provide employees with up to $5,250 a year in tax-free educational assistance. If Congress doesn’t act, the provision expires at midnight on Dec. 31. [ More ]
Workplace Flexibility
SHRM Joins Work-Flex Business Campaign
Continuing its leadership in promoting workplace flexibility, SHRM has joined the Partner Coalition on Workplace Flexibility – a group of business organizations recognized for their research, thought leadership and public policy efforts in the work-life area. The coalition has launched a national campaign to broaden employer awareness of the mutual employer-employee benefits of workplace flexibility. [ More ]
SHRM Participates in White House Work-Flex Event
In recognition of SHRM’s growing reputation as a workplace flexibility thought leader, we were invited to participate in another White House event on work and family issues. It was hosted by Vice President Joe Biden, the Middle Class Task Force, and the White House Council on Women and Girls. Lisa Horn from our Government Affairs team participated, as did officials such as Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis and Senior Advisor to the President Valerie Jarrett. [ More ]
Member Advocacy
Interested in Joining the A-Team?
SHRM has embarked on an aggressive member advocacy effort. It’s built around what we call the SHRM Advocacy Team, or “A-Team.” The targets for 2010 are 11 states: Alabama, Arkansas, California, Florida, Kansas, Maine, Nebraska, New York, Rhode Island, Washington, and Wisconsin. The goal is to have a SHRM member serve as a key contact or “District Captain” in each of the 435 congressional districts for a five-year period. [ More ]
Pennsylvania, Maryland Members Hold DITB Events on Capitol Hill
SHRM members from the areas of York, Pa., and Prince George’s County, Md., recently traveled to Capitol Hill for separate Day Inside the Beltway (DITB) events. The goal of their meetings was to encourage permanent renewal of Section 127 [See related article]. The provision is scheduled to expire on December 31. [ More ]
Wall Street Reform
New Law Looks at More than Just Wall Street
When Congress and the Obama administration reached consensus on the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act last month, they agreed on a measure that goes far beyond reforming the way Wall Street does business. The new law will have implications for HR professionals on issues such as whistleblower protections, diversity in the workplace, and executive compensation. [ More ] |