Usher

Voters Rein in Honolulu City Council Pay Raises and Usher in New Amendments to Tackle Emergency Management and Climate Change

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Honolulu, Hawaii – A significant change in pay policy for Honolulu City Council members will take effect with the new year, following overwhelming voter support for a charter amendment that limits annual council raises to 5%. This decision comes after a controversial 64% salary increase approved in 2023, which propelled council salaries to over $113,000 from approximately $68,900. The approval for the charter amendment garnered an astonishing 90.6% of votes in the November general election. Under the new rules, any future raises for council members will now be aligned with the average salary increases of … Read more

New Slate of State Laws Usher in Sweeping Changes Across the US in 2025: From Childcare Credits in Alabama to Hollywood AI Regulations

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Across the United States, a swathe of new state laws will take effect in the new year, impacting everything from minimum wage rates to the use of artificial intelligence in Hollywood. These regulations reflect evolving societal norms and technological advancements, as well as the ongoing tug-of-war between consumer protection and industry interests. In Alabama, a notable measure aims to alleviate the financial burden of child care for working families. This legislation allows businesses to claim tax credits when they assist employees with child care costs. The program, which has an allocated $15 million in tax … Read more

Maryland to Usher in New Era with Multiple Legal Changes Starting January 2025

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ANNAPOLIS, Md. — Residents of Maryland can expect to see significant changes come January 2025 as a slew of new laws take effect. These legislative changes range from adjustments in taxes to new policies affecting worker benefits, signaling a proactive adjustment by state lawmakers to address both economic and social issues within the state. One notable shift is set to occur within the realm of tax adjustments. This includes reductions aimed at providing financial relief to specific groups of taxpayers. These revisions are designed not only to lessen the economic burden on these citizens but … Read more

Guernsey Considers Suspending Competition Law to Facilitate Major Telecom Merger and Usher in 5G Era

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Guernsey, a British crown dependency in the English Channel, is currently facing a pivotal decision that could reshape its telecommunications landscape. The island’s Committee for Economic Development has put forth a proposal to temporarily suspend Guernsey’s competition law to facilitate the acquisition of Airtel-Vodafone by Sure, a major telecom provider on the island. This marks the second time the committee has attempted to push through such a suspension, following an unsuccessful effort last year, the reasons for which were not disclosed. This proposed exemption from standard regulatory protocols, which generally require scrutiny of acquisitions involving … Read more