Why the U.S. Chamber Is Suing to Block FTC’s Noncompete Ban
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has issued a new rule that will ban the use of noncompete agreements in the United States. The FTC is acting outside its constitutional and statutory authority and instead is undermining well-established state laws that have long governed the use of noncompete agreements.
Noncompete agreements can serve vital procompetitive business and individual interests—like protecting investments in research and development, promoting workforce training, and reducing free-riding—that cannot be adequately protected through other mechanisms such as trade-secret suits or nondisclosure agreements.
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Small Businesses Think Cyberattacks Are Biggest Threat, Survey Shows
The MetLife & U.S. Chamber of Commerce Small Business Index for Q1 2024 surveyed respondents about future threats and crisis planning. The survey includes compelling findings on how small businesses perceive—and plan to respond to—those threats.
Small businesses say cybersecurity attacks are the threat they’re most concerned about—but supply chain disruptions and another pandemic round out the top three perceived threats.
A majority (60%) of small businesses say cybersecurity threats, including phishing, malware, and ransomware, are a top concern. A majority also say supply chain breakdowns (58%) and another pandemic (54%) are top concerns. Less than half of small businesses say they are concerned about inclement weather (45%), theft (42%), natural disasters (39%), or an act of terrorism (37%).
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Businesses Say, 'Stop Blame Game, Get to Work'
Ahead of President Biden's speech, and with the 2024 election in full swing, the Chamber calls on policymakers to stop the blame game and get to work to tackle our country’s most pressing challenges.
"Don’t hamstring American business and economic growth. Help us do what we do best.
Click here to read the full article by Neil Bradley, Executive Vice President, Chief Policy Officer, and Head of Strategic Advocacy at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
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April Policy Update
The legislature passed its statutory 100th day of session on Tuesday, April 16th, but those in the Capitol community know that Sine Die is not on the horizon shortly. The House and Senate have been convening on Wednesdays to handle outstanding bills via COW and 3rd reads with bated anticipation that the state’s revenue numbers would paint a less bleak picture. The FAC released its latest fiscal numbers, with the estimated shortfall being $1.8 billion (down from the original projection of $2.2 billion) for FY25. Budget negotiations have been moving at a slow pace so expect to see the legislature continue for at least the next month.
With the conclusion of committee meetings last month, the House and Senate have been sending numerous bills to Governor Hobb’s desk. The Governor signed chamber-championed HB 2297 (Commercial Buildings; Adaptive Reuse) this month, creating adaptive reuse practices in large counties and enabling Arizona’s communities to continue their growth through innovative housing solutions.
Arizona Voters Want Better Planning For Future Growth; Firm Against Cuts to Core Services
The 2024 Arizona Voters’ Agenda findings highlight a clear call for leadership and sustainable solutions.
Center for the Future of Arizona (CFA) today unveiled key findings on the views of voters regarding state spending issues as part of its ongoing reveal of the 2024 Arizona Voters’ Agenda. Through nonpartisan survey research of Republican, Democratic, and independent/unaffiliated voters of all ages, the Voters’ Agenda identifies what likely voters agree on and prioritize. The new findings demonstrate voter support for investments in key areas that can support growth, such as transportation infrastructure and childcare assistance. Additionally, voters are firmly against cuts to K-12 education, public safety, and healthcare in efforts to balance the state budget.
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House Committee Advances Small-Business Legislation
The Prove It Act is legislation meant to bolster small-business protections required under the RFA.
On March 21, the House Judiciary Committee favorably passed the bipartisan Prove It Act, which requires federal agencies to take into consideration the costs placed on small businesses through their regulations.
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What you need to know about big changes in employment law
April 23, 2024, marked a monumental day for the U.S. workforce. Between the Federal Trade Commission banning essentially all non-compete agreements and the U.S. Department of Labor significantly increasing the salary and compensation thresholds for overtime exemptions, employers should prepare to face these changes in employment law as early as this summer.
More Information Here.
Arizona’s 2023 Economic Performance Index
Arizona has grown rapidly in the past 10 years – household incomes are more than 50% higher today than they were in 2011, and the percentage of people in poverty is down 7 percentage points to 12.5%.
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