House Passes Regulatory Reform Legislation

December 13, 2011

House Passes Regulatory Reform Legislation;
Very Positive Movement for Small Business

The U.S. House of Representatives has passed a series of bills aimed at regulatory reform to assist in the nation’s economic recovery. The bills are designed to ease the burden of unnecessary regulations on job creators, particularly small businesses, by reforming how regulations are analyzed.

The Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny Act of 2011 holds special significance for PHCC members: it was the subject of a successful PHCC Legislative Alert last week that generated correspondence that reached over a quarter of the House of Representatives. Read more.

Congress Has Much on Holiday Menu
Before Congressional Recess

With Congressional Recess looming, Congress must fund the parts of the federal government it has not yet funded by this Friday or pass another short-term continuing Resolution (CR). Option B is that they pass a bill that funds most of the remaining agencies, and the controversial agencies are put on a short- or long-term CR.

Tax Relief Extension Also on Agenda

Congress is also trying to decide whether to extend the temporary 2 percent payroll tax relief that expires at the end of the year, for another year. The House leadership introduced a bill last week addressing the payroll tax cut extension that included many other legislative items, which will slow down the process. Be assured though that Congress will recess by the end of this week and that the payroll tax cut will be extended – with a possible painful budget agreement.

Webinar Review: Solving Problems and Keeping Them Solved

Did you miss last week’s webinar on problem-solving? Speaker Dennis Sowards of Quality Support Services, Inc. explained that though we all solve problems on a daily basis, we often don’t grapple with the root cause of those issues. As a result, we’re solving the same problems over and over. View talking points or access the webinar on-demand.

Get Your OSHA Training Now and Be Ready for 2012

PHCC members can save 10 percent in December on OSHA 10- and OSHA 30-hour outreach training program through the PHCC Educational Foundation’s Virtual University. Available as online courses, you and your employees can get training when it’s convenient for you. Click here to register today! Enter the code PHCC10 to save 10 percent.

DOE Report: Green Buildings
Less Expensive to Maintain

A Dept. of Energy report released this week indicates that, in addition to emitting less carbon dioxide, green buildings cost 19 percent less to maintain than standard commercial buildings. On average, these buildings also used 25 percent less energy and 11 percent less water.

Gas-Fracking Chemicals Detected
in Wyoming Aquifier

Last week, the EPA confirmed the presence of chemical contaminants associated with hydraulic fracturing in a Pavillion, Wyo. drinking-water aquifier. Hydraulic fracturing ("fracking") is the method by which the U.S. obtains approximately one-third of its natural gas. The finding has sparked debate and further investigation regarding the safety and impact of fracking practices.

Estate Planning and Tax Laws
Update from Federated Insurance

Don’t let uncertainty about the future of the estate tax keep you from taking care of your family’s future! A 2009 LIMRA survey found that only 35 percent of respondents reported having an estate plan in place. Finalize your estate plan now with the help of Federated’s skilled marketing representatives and estate planning attorneys. Learn more.

Plumbing Instructor of the Year Applications Available

Know of a great plumbing instructor in your local apprenticeship program, technical school, or community college? Nominate him or her for the 2012 Plumbing Instructor of the Year award, presented by CONTRACTOR Magazine at the HVACR & Mechanical Instructor Workshop in Colorado Springs, Colo., on March 14, 2012. Applications must be submitted by Jan. 21, 2012. Don’t delay! Click here for the application.

Nominate PHCC Members for
Tradesperson of the Year
Deadline: March 12, 2012

Recognize the contribution PHCC members make in their communities every day through volunteering—nominate them for the Rebuilding Together Tradesperson of the Year! The winner of this prestigious award will receive a free trip for two to Super Bowl XLVII in New Orleans and $15,000 in Sears tools and WD-40 products. Other prizes will be available for runner-ups and the people who nominate them! Learn more.

Save the Date! “Taking Care of Business”
PHCC’s 2012 National Legislative Conference
May 2–3, 2012, Washington, D.C.