Latest News
Restaurant industry leaders advocate for preserving tip credit at congressional hearing
By A. A. Sanchez | Sep 18, 2024
Washington D.C. – During a Committee on Education & the Workforce, Subcommittee on Workforce Protections hearing titled “Examining the Biden-Harris Attacks on Tipped Workers,” several industry experts expressed their support for the tip credit.
National Restaurant Association responds to TIPS Act proposal
By C. D. McHugh | Sep 17, 2024
Washington, D.C. – Sean Kennedy, executive vice president for Public Policy at the National Restaurant Association, released a statement on the introduction of the TIPS Act. The proposed legislation aims to end taxes on tips while also eliminating the tipped wage for servers and bartenders.
Construction sector adds thousands of jobs amid record low unemployment
By J. D. Suayan | Sep 6, 2024
The construction sector added 34,000 jobs in August while the industry’s unemployment rate fell to 3.2 percent, the lowest August rate in the 25-year history of the data, according to an analysis of new government data released by the Associated General Contractors of America today. Association officials noted that the unemployment rate and results from a recently released workforce survey conducted by the association and Arcoro indicate that firms would likely have hired more workers if they could find qualified candidates.
Edward R.Roybal award ceremony honors Sen.Cortez Masto with tributes from Sen.Lujan,Mary Beth Sewald
By K. R. Nelson | Sep 5, 2024
Senator Luján and Ms. Sewald will provide tribute remarks as U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto is honored with the 2024 Edward R. Roybal Award for Outstanding Public Service.
Nevada NFIB state director: Rising costs causing ‘toughest environment that small business owners have experienced in a very long time’
By C. D. McHugh | Sep 4, 2024
Tray Abney, the Nevada state director of the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), stated in an August 14 statement that rising costs, particularly in insurance, are putting a strain on the state’s small business owners.
Worker shortages contribute significantly as US construction spending drops by $2 billion
By A. A. Sanchez | Sep 3, 2024
Construction spending slid 0.3 percent from June to July, pulled down by declines in private residential and nonresidential construction, according to an analysis of a new government report that the Associated General Contractors of America released today. Association officials said their newly released workforce survey indicates the decreases are attributable in part to a shortage of skilled workers, and they called on the federal government to increase support for programs to prepare more workers for construction careers.
Construction industry urges better federal policies amid severe worker shortage
By A. A. Sanchez | Aug 28, 2024
The nation’s failure to invest in construction workforce education and training programs is having a measurable impact on the country’s ability to build infrastructure and other projects, according to a workforce survey conducted by the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) and Arcoro, an HR technology company supporting the construction industry. The survey revealed that 94 percent of contractors report difficulties filling open positions, prompting calls for better federal workforce policies.
Vegas Chamber announces general election endorsements across various races
By C. D. McHugh | Aug 27, 2024
Las Vegas, NV – The Vegas Chamber has announced its list of endorsements for the upcoming General Election. The endorsements cover various races including the Nevada State Senate, State Assembly, Board of Regents, State Board of Education, Clark County Commission, Clark County Board of School Trustees, and City Council. Additionally, recommendations for two state ballot questions were provided.
Construction employment increases across majority of US metro areas from July '23-'24
By M. N. Tirado | Aug 27, 2024
Construction employment increased in 232, or 65 percent, of 358 metro areas between July 2023 and July 2024, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) of new government employment data. Association officials noted that their latest workforce survey shows contractors are still eager to hire more employees but face difficulty finding qualified workers.
National Restaurant Association emphasizes importance of planning against foodborne illnesses
By J. D. Suayan | Aug 22, 2024
Washington, D.C. – In over one million restaurants across the United States, employees are responsible for ensuring both a delightful dining experience and adherence to food safety protocols. Consistent food safety practices, such as those outlined in ServSafe® training, significantly reduce the likelihood of foodborne illness incidents.
Construction employment rises across majority of US states
By C. D. McHugh | Aug 16, 2024
Construction employment increased in 39 states in July from a year earlier, while 29 states and the District of Columbia added construction jobs between June and July, according to a new analysis of federal employment data released by the Associated General Contractors of America today. Association officials noted that demand for projects—and the workers to execute them—remains robust in most states but there is a pressing need to prepare more people for careers in construction.
Increases in motor vehicle insurance higher than average inflation
By A. I. Benavidez | Aug 15, 2024
Motor vehicle insurance rates increased by 1.2% in July, higher than the national average inflation rate of 0.2%, according to the latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) summary from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Utah AG candidate signs transparency pledge; opponent yet to respond
By K. R. Nelson | Aug 8, 2024
The American Tort Reform Association (ATRA) announced today that Utah attorney general candidate Rudy Bautista (D) has signed ATRA’s 2024 Attorney General Transparency Code pledge. This move is seen as a commitment to transparency and accountability should he be elected.
National Restaurant Association joins American Beverage Licensees as platinum member
By C. D. McHugh | Aug 6, 2024
American Beverage Licensees (ABL) announced today that the National Restaurant Association has joined its associate membership program as a platinum member. This partnership will focus on issues such as food safety and responsible alcohol service education and training.
Construction spending declines as industry calls for regulatory relief
By J. D. Suayan | Aug 1, 2024
Construction spending decreased by 0.3 percent from May to June, reaching a seasonally adjusted annual rate of $2.148 trillion, according to a new government report analyzed by the Associated General Contractors of America. The decline was driven by drops in single-family homebuilding and major public project types, which outweighed gains in certain private nonresidential categories. Association officials have called on the Biden administration to ease regulatory barriers hindering infrastructure projects.
National Restaurant Association wins dual honors at 2024 ASAE awards
By A. D. Bamburg | Jul 31, 2024
The National Restaurant Association and National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation have been honored with two 2024 American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) Power of Associations Awards.
ATRA labels Missouri 'Lawsuit Inferno' due to stalled tort reform
By C. D. McHugh | Jul 31, 2024
The American Tort Reform Association (ATRA) announced today that Missouri has been labeled a "Lawsuit Inferno" in its new Legislative HeatCheck report. The report highlights the state legislature's failure to address bills aimed at curbing lawsuit abuse.
American Tort Reform Association labels New York 'lawsuit inferno' amid liability expansion
By J. D. Suayan | Jul 31, 2024
The American Tort Reform Association (ATRA) has designated New York as a “Lawsuit Inferno” in its latest Legislative HeatCheck report, citing the state legislature’s ongoing efforts to expand liability.
ATRA recognizes Indiana's efforts with 'Tort Reform Trailblazer' title
By J. D. Suayan | Jul 31, 2024
The American Tort Reform Association (ATRA) has recognized Indiana as a “Tort Reform Trailblazer” in its latest Legislative HeatCheck report, commending the state for enacting two significant legal reforms during this year’s legislative session.
West Virginia praised for key legal reforms amid ongoing tort cost concerns
By R. B. Pepalis | Jul 31, 2024
The American Tort Reform Association (ATRA) has recognized West Virginia as a “Tort Reform Trailblazer” in its latest Legislative HeatCheck report, commending the state for enacting two significant pieces of litigation reform this year.