Two new tax benefits for employers hiring previously unemployed workers
Two new tax benefits are now available to employers hiring workers who were previously unemployed or only working part time. These provisions are part of the Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment (HIRE) Act enacted into law March 18, 2010.
Retail cigarette and smokeless tobacco rules followup
AFPD provides this follow-up information regarding the cigarette and smokeless tobacco rules and regulations that the FDA made effective on June 22, 2010. It contains a number of provisions important to retailers, including:
Country of Origin Labeling Regulations Expected in July
Now that Congress has passed the Farm Bill USDA officials have begun work on finalizing regulations that will require retailers to provide country of origin labeling of beef, pork, lamb, chicken, fruits and vegetables to take effect on September 30, 2008. It is expected that USDA will issue the regulations in July, but allow the industry a six month implementation period before beginning any enforcement similar to what was done when seafood country of origin rules took effect. N.G.A. will provide members with compliance guidance when the regulations are issued.
USDA Food Stamp Program Changes
USDA officials reported the Farm Bill made a number of changes in the food stamp program, which will now be officially called the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). This is primarily because food stamp benefits in recent years have transitioned from paper to electronic benefits.
