U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently launched I-9 Central, a new plain language online resource center dedicated to making guidance about the Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, more accessible. Since 1987, all employers have been required to complete a Form I-9 every time they hire a new employee. That makes Form I-9 the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service’s most commonly used form.

I-9 Central, located at www.USCIS.gov/I-9Central, is the one online location for the information employers and employees need to properly complete Form I-9.   I-9 Central has sections about employer and employee rights and responsibilities, step-by-step instructions for completing Form I-9, and information on acceptable documents for establishing identity and employment authorization. I-9 Central includes a review of common mistakes, guidance on how to correct errors, and answers to recent and complex questions from employers.

The What’s New section keeps employer and employees up-to-date with emerging information related to Form I-9 processing. Not only does I-9 Central make accessing Form I-9 guidance easier for you, it also makes it easier for USCIS to provide quick and useful updates.

Other Resources

I-9 Central complements the current Form I-9 page of www.USCIS.gov and the Handbook for Employers (M-274). USCIS offers free live webinars about Form I-9. Visit I-9 Central to see the webinar schedule. I-9 Central also links you to related information in other federal agencies.

I-9 Central comes on the heels of other USCIS employment eligibility verification initiatives, such as Self Check (www.USCIS.gov/EVerifySelfCheck), a free online service from E-Verify that allows workers to verify their own employment eligibility and, if necessary, update their records before they meet their next employer.

You can also visit www.DHS.gov/E-Verify to access E-Verify information and enroll in the free, internet-based Department of Homeland Security (DHS) service that allows employers to electronically verify the employment eligibility of employees using information collected on Form I-9.

I-9 Central, E-Verify and Self Check work together to make employment eligibility verification easier for employers and employees alike. Please visit and bookmark www.USCIS.gov/I-9Central.  Subscribe to I-9 Central to get updates.

Joseph Vranich, a Pittsburgh native and 15-year California resident is a business relocation expert that specializes in business growth and relocation with clients located throughout the United States. We met with Vranich at coffee shop in Orange County in an effort to better understand why California companies are taking their business elsewhere.  The Irvine-based coach was recently interviewed for a series called “Saving the California Dream” that aired this week on KTTV News in Los Angeles (click here to view the video.)  In his interview, Vranich bluntly explains the business exodus from California calling it “the most regulated state in the United States” and goes on to give a list of reasons why companies are fleeing the Golden State for more business-friendly states like Texas.

The thing I appreciated most about Vranich was his honesty. While it may seem that he’s against businesses moving to or staying in California, he’s just stating facts. The fact remains that Texas is wide open for business. Come one, come all.

To learn more about Vranich, visit his website at www.businessrelocationcoach.com.

To view the “Saving the California Dream” series visit www.myfoxla.com/.

On behalf of the Dallas Regional Chamber, I am writing to urge you to voice opposition to a White House proposal to reduce the federal deficit by charging more taxes and fees to the U.S. airline industry and the traveling public.

Airlines lost fifty-five billion dollars over the last decade and will no doubt try to offset additional federal airline taxes by raising air fares or reducing service. Passengers will be left with fewer choices for when and where to fly. To many of our member companies, having the most service options and affordable pricing are imperative to the success of their businesses. They need these options to continue to keep and increase economic prosperity in our region.

Nearly eleven million U.S. jobs are tied to commercial aviation. U.S. airlines have already shed 160,000 jobs over the last decade. Further increasing federal airline taxes and fees would eliminate hundreds of thousands of additional good-paying airline jobs. Having two major airline companies headquartered in the DFW area means that many jobs would be lost here in our region, making this proposal of significant importance to Dallas Regional Chamber.

The airline industry, which is struggling in today’s economy, simply cannot take another round of new taxes without reducing service and losing jobs. I urge you to take all steps to ensure that this proposal is not included in any deficit reduction package that goes before Congress for a vote.

Thank you for your consideration, and please let me know if we can be helpful to your efforts.

Sincerely,

Amb. James C. Oberwetter
President and CEO
Dallas Regional Chamber

Have you registered for our upcoming Congressional Forum?  If not, here’s one more reason why you should! I was excited when I found out that Dallas area Congressman Jeb Hensarling, Chairman of the House Republican Conference, and one of our guests of honor at our upcoming Congressional Forum had just been appointed to the newly formed Join Deficit Reduction Committee.  With all the news surrounding the debt talks in previous weeks it will be interesting to hear an insiders perspective.  In preparation for our upcoming Forum, Congressman Hensarling shared the following thoughts with the Chamber about his new appointment…

“The Chamber’s Annual Congressional Forum provides an excellent opportunity for me to hear from job creators and entrepreneurs in the Dallas area on ways to address our nation’s debt crisis and create jobs. I’m looking forward to this year’s discussion.”

“Times are tough, and Texas families have had to make many sacrifices over the last few years. While they didn’t cause this debt crisis, they’ve learned how to make do by tightening their belts and living within their means. It’s time Washington did the same, and I’m honored that Speaker Boehner has entrusted me to work with our colleagues to tackle these challenges and help solve our spending‐driven debt crisis.”

“With the recent stock market fluctuations and historically high unemployment, confidence in our economy is at a low and the American people are understandably frightened about their economic future. Job creation and growth depends squarely on our confidence in the economy. As long as we keep borrowing 42 cents on the dollar and sending the bill to our children and grandchildren, our debt will grow and confidence will continue to shrink.”

“The debt crisis is a legitimate threat to our nation’s future, and the American people cannot afford to wait any longer. Everyone can agree that we must stop spending money we don’t have, and the time to act is now. This commission will not be able to solve the crisis in a matter of months, but we can work together to tackle these challenges in order to bring back jobs, hope, and opportunity for the American people.”

Note:  The Joint Select Committee on Deficit Reduction is a 12- member bipartisan, bicameral panel tasked with finding at least $1.5 trillion in deficit reduction over the next decade.

The Congressional Forum is August 25 at noon at the Hyatt Regency Dallas.  Join Congressman Hensarling with fellow Congressmen Joe Barton and Pete Sessions. Click here for more information and tickets.

The Dallas Regional Chamber (DRC) will host newly elected City Council Members Sandy Greyson and Scott Griggs at a luncheon tomorrow at the Tower Club Dallas.

Greyson previously served on the City Council and this is Griggs’ first elected public office post. 

Before running for the City Council, Greyson and Griggs had already established a solid record as community leaders and activists in their respective districts. Greyson represents District 12 and Griggs serves District 3.

The Thursday luncheon will provide Greyson and Griggs the opportunity to share their vision, goals, and objectives for Dallas with Chamber members, local elected officials, and business and community leaders.

For event registration information please click here.

Democrat and Republican leaders have met at the White House for the past few weekends with hopes to hammer out a deal to raise the debt ceiling, but the negotiations seem to have stalled. Republican Speaker of the House Boehner pulled out of the talks with the complaint that “Despite good-faith efforts to find common ground, the White House will not pursue a bigger debt reduction agreement without tax hikes.”

The Republican leadership has consistently maintained their position against any form of tax increase in spite of a compromise proposed by President Obama and Democratic negotiators. The compromise plan consists of roughly 83 percent spending cuts and 17percent tax revenue increases, which comes extremely close to the Joint Economic Committee Republicans proposal from earlier this year which called for a plan based on 85 percent spending cuts and 15% tax revenue increases. Yet the Republicans aren’t the only party unwilling to budge.

Social Security and Medicare, which take about roughly half of the federal budget, are still considered by many Democrats as the ‘third-rail’ of politics that is not to be touched, exemplified by Nancy Pelosi, Democratic Party Leader in the House, who recently stated “we are not going to balance the budget on the backs of America’s seniors, women and people with disabilities.” Many Democrats are unwilling to consider Social Security reform or Medicare cuts, furthering the gulf between Republican and Democratic positions.

Each side has their anchor, but something has to give. With less than two weeks left until the default date on the federal debt, it is increasingly clear that the head Congressional negotiators would be well served to take note of former U.S. Comptroller David Walker, founder of the Comeback America Initiative.

David Walker, former U.S. Comptroller under Presidents Clinton and Bush, and founder of the Comeback America Initiative, will be in Dallas to address members of the DRC’s Small Business community next month. Walker will address our members at 8 a.m., August 30, 2011 at the Park City Club.

Walker helps to re-focus the debate by providing the facts:

“Social Security is now negative cash flow and is adding to annual deficits. These deficits will increase in the future. In addition, Social Security has a $9 trillion funding gap in current dollar terms for the next 75-years of which about $2.6 trillion is backed by USG securities.”

If a compromise isn’t struck it could spur a global economic crisis. So what is to be done? For David Walker and the Comeback America Initiative, which he founded to promote fiscal responsibility and sustainability in order to achieve solutions to America’s fiscal imbalances, “the Debt Ceiling Limit offers the perfect catalyst for this discussion… [but] the Debt Ceiling will need to rise, and it will provide cover for Democrats and Republicans to make tough decisions in the name of compromise.”

If the plan were up to David Walker, he would create a plan that centers around “social insurance reforms, defense and other spending cuts and comprehensive tax reform that will raise more revenue.” Walker encourages negotiators to focus on “cutting more over a number of years and budgetary reforms instead of a shock therapy approach” and opposes any short-term fix. However, Walker is not in charge, and Speaker Boehner pulled out of the talks stating he could not get his conference to agree on anything other than a short-term solution.

Furthermore, Senate Minority Leader McConnell’s recent proposal received little support from the House, the ‘Cut, Cap and Balance’ bill proposed by House Majority Leader Eric Cantor doesn’t have the support to make it out of the House, and the White House negotiations have yet to produce any substantial legislation. There may still be hope in the new bill proposed by the bipartisan Senate “Gang of Six,” but the details are still vague and must be hammered out in negotiations. As Election year draws nearer and economic calamity looms, a ‘grand bargain’ seems increasingly unlikely and a short-term fix may be the only method of avoiding default.

To register for Walker’s address, part of the Small Business Initiative Speaker Series, contact Kelle Marsalis atkmarsalis@dallaschamber.org or CLICK HERE.

“While state leaders generally have opposed an increase in state taxes this session, many have set as a long-term goal the restructuring of the state tax system. In 1997, then-Gov. George W. Bush sought to revamp state taxes with a goal of enhancing fairness and efficiency.  That effort was unsuccessful, and dependable growth in state revenue has stalled and demands for state services such as education and health care have increased, new pressures have been placed on the state tax system.

Many cite Texas’ low rankings in generating revenue as a positive factor in promoting economic development and limiting the size of government.  Others say restricting state revenue prevents the state from meeting essential needs and shifts the spending burden to local governments such as cities and school districts.

Governing magazine ranked Texas’ tax system at the bottom in terms of adequacy and fairness, while giving the state higher marks for tax administration.  Texas is not alone in facing fiscal challenges.  Goverments at all levels across the nation are tightening their belts and seeking new revenues.”

Interesting stuff, right? Well, I didn’t write the above passage. I found it in a House Research Organization focus report dated FEBRUARY 26, 2003!  Enjoy your weekend. I’m going home to watch “Groundhog Day”…..

Much of the attention surrounding this year’s state legislative session has been about the budget, education and redistricting.   But did you know that Perry signed 1,458 bills into law and allowed 27 more measures to take effect without his signature?

Here’s a list of just some of the new laws for Texas, as posted today by Anna Tinsley at the Star-Telegram:

Lottery tickets : Texans buying the Veterans Cash $2 scratch-off ticket should know that the money they pay will still help veterans. This measure by Sen. Wendy Davis, D-Fort Worth, is in effect to ensure that money will not be diverted from the Texas Veterans Commission fund for veterans’ assistance. (SB1739)

Fishing : Texans can now legally fish for catfish using their hands rather than a pole — known as noodling. They just need the required license and freshwater-fishing stamp. A separate law lets Texans 75 and older fish without a license. (HB2189, HB550)

Driver’s ed : Driver’s education instructors will have to undergo background checks starting Sept. 1. The measure that Rep. Todd Smith, R-Euless, worked on lets the Texas Education Agency revoke licenses given to people who have been convicted of certain felonies, including sex offenses. (HB2678)

Power grids : During power shortages, a top priority is to maintain power at hospitals or restore it as quickly as possible if it is lost. As of Sept. 1, nursing homes, assisted-living facilities and hospice centers will also hold priority status. (SB937)

Corporal punishment : Many parents will be able to prevent school districts from paddling their children under this measure signed by several local lawmakers, including GOP Reps. Barbara Nash of Arlington, Diane Patrick of Arlington and Mark Shelton of Fort Worth. (HB359)

Dominoes : Anyone who plays the domino game of 42 is playing the official State Table Game of Texas. As the story goes, two boys who lived in North Texas more than 120 years ago had gotten in trouble for playing card games, because their families considered cards sinful. So William A. Thomas and Walter Earl came up with a similar game — using dominoes. From there, the game spread. Rep. Phil King, R-Weatherford, is among those who worked on this law. (House Concurrent Resolution 84)

Chemotherapy : Some oral medications, such as those for chemotherapy, will no longer be more expensive than the intravenous version for many Texans, as of Sept. 1. (HB438)

Missing Texans : Statewide Amber Alerts will continue calling attention to abducted children and missing senior citizens, and as of Sept. 1 they may also alert the public to missing adults with diagnosed intellectual developmental disabilities, under the measure by Davis and Reps. Vicki Truitt, R-Keller, and Bill Zedler, R-Arlington. (HB1075)

Toll fees : Administrative fees charged by a tollway operator such as the North Texas Tollway Authority will be reduced from $100 to $25 for the first notice. Other fees will also be capped or reduced as of Sept. 1, under the measure that Sens. Davis, Jane Nelson, R-Flower Mound, and Chris Harris, R-Arlington, worked on with Patrick. (SB469)

“Romeo and Juliet” : The “Romeo and Juliet” law aims to prevent teens and young adults who have consensual sex from becoming criminals. The measure by Smith and Sen. Royce West, D-Dallas, prevents a young defendant from having to register as a sex offender if he or she had consensual sex with someone 15 or older. It takes effect Sept. 1. (SB198)

Dating safety : To cut down on dating violence, the state will create a 12-week dating-violence court program for teens after Sept. 1. First-time offenders could receive deferred adjudication by participating in this program, which will provide counseling and explain the juvenile justice system to youths. (HB2496)

Rape kits : Authorities will have to move more quickly to test biological evidence collected from sexual assaults. As of Sept. 1, Davis’ measure requires police to give any evidence to a crime lab within 30 days of collection, and it must be tested within three months. (SB1636)

Speed limits : After Sept. 1, Texas highways will no longer have different speed limits during the day and at night. The new law also lets transportation officials raise limits to 75 mph in remote areas. Dozens of legislators signed on to this bill, including King, Nash, Patrick, Shelton, Smith, Zedler and Rep. Marc Veasey, D-Fort Worth. (HB1353)

Bad bars: Permits to sell alcohol will not be issued to or renewed for bar owners whose permits have been pulled or canceled because of violent acts on their premises. Several lawmakers, including Davis and Rep. Lon Burnam, D-Fort Worth, worked on this measure, known as Erick’s Law, which takes effect Sept. 1. (HB2707)

Protesting funerals: People picketing a Texas funeral can’t do so from three hours before the service starts until three hours after it is finished, as of Sept. 1. (HB718)

Clean water : For years, Texans have been warned not to mess with Texas roadways. Now that warning is being extended to waterways. As of Sept. 1, the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality will administer the “Don’t Mess With Texas Water” program, and signs at major highway water crossings will give a toll-free hotline to report illegal dumping. (HB451)

Hog hunting : Texas hunters may start shooting feral hogs from helicopters as of Sept. 1. Until now, Texans could do so only on their own land. Now, landowners may sell seats to others. (HB716)

Read more: http://www.star-telegram.com/2011/07/05/3201837/almost-1500-new-laws-are-taking.html#ixzz1RMNvdeLU

Fiscal year 2010 saw the largest two-year increase in federal contract dollars awarded to small business in over a decade, according to the Small Business Administration. Additionally, it was the second consecutive yearly increase after four years of decline.

Just because you run a small business doesn’t mean your company is not eligible for federal government contracts. In fact, the SBA set a goal in FY2010 for 23 percent of government contracting dollars to go to small businesses. The SBA recently reported nearly $100 billion in Prime Federal Contracts (22.7 percent) were awarded to small businesses and alike, our nations emerging enterprises won nearly 35 percent of federal sub-contracts.

These numbers are likely to be as high if not higher in FY 2011 as the federal government increases their small business contracting goals and more and more small businesses begin to take on federal contracts.

How do you find out more about federal government contracts for your business? The DRC has two suggestions.

The SBA offers free online training on how to apply for government contracts as well local counseling and training for small businesses. Visit the SBA website at www.sba.gov/category/navigation-structure/counseling-training/online-small-business-training/contracting.

Secondly, private enterprises can help your business get a head start securing government contracts. The International Association of U.S. Government Contractors, a new member of the DRC, offers a training course and one-on-one counseling to businesses. Visit the IAU.S.GC website, www.iausgc.org for more information.

The 82^nd Texas Legislature adjourned on Monday, May 30 without acting on several important issues including redistricting, healthcare containment costs, windstorm insurance, sanctuary cities, and public education.

Consequently, Governor Perry called a Special Session starting on May 31 and asked legislators to address the topics listed above.

So, what did our state legislators accomplish during their 140 days to earn the salary we pay them?

The Texas Tribune has produced a great timeline that shows what our state representatives and senators accomplished in 3,360 hours.

You may be surprised.

Click here to view the Tribune’s interactive timeline.

One more point, have you ever wondered what it cost us to have legislators in Austin acting on our behalf?

The answer ? : $27,000 dollars per day!

With the many financial challenges Texas families face every single day that is a lot of money!

Let’s hope they get the people’s business done quickly so they can return home!