Georgia Implements Structurally Sound Tax Changes
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp signed bills into law that lower the flat individual income tax rate and align the corporate income tax rate with the individual income tax rate.
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp signed bills into law that lower the flat individual income tax rate and align the corporate income tax rate with the individual income tax rate.
Law enforcement officers gathered at the University of California at Los Angeles to clear out a pro-Palestinian protest camp that was attacked by pro-Israel supporters the night before. The police were met with jeers and chants from hundreds of pro-Palestinian activists as they moved in to remove the encampment. Similar protests and arrests of pro-Palestinian activists have been reported at other universities across the United States in response to the conflict between Hamas and Israel.
Jeremiah Manele was selected as the new Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands in a secret ballot, winning 31 votes. The election followed a national election that did not deliver a majority to any political party. Manele, who has pledged to continue the nation’s foreign policy favoring China, received support from the incumbent Prime Minister’s party. The election was closely watched by China, the U.S., and Australia due to its potential impact on regional security. Manele’s party won 15 seats and formed a coalition with two micro parties to gain majority support in the 50-seat parliament.
Global investors are looking at European and emerging market assets to protect themselves from turbulence in US stocks and bonds due to stubborn inflation.
President Joe Biden’s 2025 budget blueprint, if implemented, would result in record spending, soaring debt, trillion-dollar deficits, and higher taxes, particularly on corporations. Despite Biden’s promise not to increase taxes on those earning less than 0,000 a year, the proposed corporate tax hikes would ultimately impact all Americans, including middle-class families. The plan mirrors Bernie Sanders’ approach of targeting corporations, but experts argue that these taxes are ultimately passed on to consumers, employees, and investors, including those with pension plans and retirement accounts. Republicans may use these economic realities to challenge Biden’s proposals in the upcoming campaign.
The business community in New Jersey is upset with Gov. Phil Murphy’s proposed Fiscal Year 2025 budget, which includes a Corporate Transit Fee, a “Buck-a-Truck” proposal, and cuts to various economic development agencies. The Chamber Alliance, representing a significant percentage of state employers, sent a letter to legislators expressing serious opposition to these measures. They believe the proposed budget would damage the state’s business climate, corporate recruiting efforts, and jeopardize good-paying jobs.
Walmart is closing all 51 of its health clinics and shutting its virtual health care operations due to lack of profitability and unsustainable business model.
The U.S. Justice Department is moving to make marijuana use a less serious federal crime by recommending it be reclassified as a schedule three drug with lower penalties. This shift could bridge the gap between state and federal cannabis laws, leading to more research, medical use, lighter criminal penalties, and increased private investment in the cannabis sector. President Joe Biden initiated a review of the drug’s classification, and public support for marijuana legalization has significantly increased. Reclassifying marijuana could also benefit cannabis businesses by allowing their shares to be listed on major stock exchanges, receiving more generous tax deductions, and facing fewer restrictions from banks.
Wave is a Toronto-based company that offers user-friendly and affordable financial services for freelancers, contractors, and small business owners. Their latest feature is Wave Payroll, which allows users to pay employees and contractors via direct deposit, generate tax forms, and offers a self-service employee portal. Wave does not offer benefits administration, but promises more capabilities in the future. The platform is ideal for seasonal businesses and offers a free invoicing plan. Users praise Wave for its ease of use and affordability, but criticize its lack of customization options and limited features for larger companies.