Hike

Michigan Lawmakers Criticize $9 Million UPPCO Rate Hike Prompted by Controversial Green Energy Legislation

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LANSING, Mich. — Energy costs in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula are set to see a significant spike as the Upper Peninsula Power Company (UPPCO) implements a $9 million rate increase necessitated by new state energy regulations. These regulations, which were enacted last year and aimed at enhancing green energy production while attempting to neutralize carbon emissions, have now led to increased utility expenses for many residents. The recent legislation, championed by Rep. Jenn Hill, D-Marquette, bypassed traditional bipartisan support and passed by a narrow margin. It allows for the implementation of solar projects that may circumvent … Read more

Charlotte Faces Rent Hike Allegations Amid Federal Price-Fixing Lawsuit Against Software Giant RealPage

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Charlotte, N.C. — In an innovative legal challenge highlighting the evolving intersection of technology and antitrust laws, the U.S. Justice Department has filed a lawsuit against RealPage, a software company accused of artificially inflating apartment rents through its advanced data algorithms. This suit, alleging price fixing, claims the company has violated antitrust laws by manipulating rental price recommendations across several U.S. metropolitan areas, including Charlotte. The federal suit contends that RealPage’s software collects sensitive rental data from apartment managers and uses this to set higher rental prices than the market would typically dictate. This is … Read more

Hillsborough Showdown: County Commissioners vs. School Board Over Proposed Tax Hike for Teacher Raises

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Tampa, Fla. — In what has emerged as an unexpected legal showdown, the Hillsborough County School Board finds itself at odds with the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners over a proposed tax increase aimed at boosting the pay of teachers and other school staff. The escalating dispute has captured the local community’s attention, focusing on the fate of the planned ballot measure set for November. Earlier this year, the school board made a pivotal decision to propose a tax initiative designed to increase revenue for educators’ salaries. This move came in response to growing … Read more

New York State Implements Sweeping Workplace Legislation: Minimum Wage Hike, Non-Disclosure Agreement Restrictions, and More in 2023 and Beyond

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NEW YORK (AP) — New York State and New York City have implemented a wave of new workplace legislation that will impact employers in the coming year. These new laws include minimum wage increases, new compensation-related laws, expanded protections against discrimination, and employer compliance mandates. Let’s take a closer look at the key legislation implemented in 2023 and the laws set to take effect in 2024. Starting with minimum wage increases, the minimum wage rate in New York State has increased from $15 to $16 for workers in New York City, Long Island, and Westchester, … Read more