Prism Group's Daily Summary

BICAMERAL RESOLUTION INTRODUCED TO OVERTURN INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR RULE... Yesterday, Rep. Kiley (R-CA) and Sen. Cassidy (R-LA) introduced a Congressional Review Act (CRA) Resolution in both the House and Senate, respectively, that would overturn the Department of Labor’s (DOL) final worker classification rule, which takes affect March 11. The final rule would implement a six-factor economic reality test that would make it harder for employers to classify workers as independent contractors. Passage would likely trigger a Presidential veto that could not be overturned as a 2/3 Congressional majority supporting the CRA does not exist. Thus, the rule’s fate will likely be determined in court as organizations start filing legal challenges.
LANDMARK COURT DECISION PRESENTS NEW IMPLICATIONS FOR MINORITY-OWNED BUSINESS AID... In a landmark decision, a Texas federal judge ruled that the Minority Business Development Agency must now serve businesses of all racial backgrounds. The MBDA is a federal entity established in 1969 to aid minority-owned businesses. The agency's focus on racial minorities is now being constitutionally challenged by the ruling, and could potentially affect numerous other government programs designed to address racial disparities.
THE STATE OF THE STATES
SESSIONS BY THE NUMBERS:
Forty-one state legislatures are in regular session.
WHAT WE'RE WATCHING:
Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont (D) and labor leaders have announced a tentative agreement to provide nearly 45,000 state employees a 2.5% raise and a step increase next fiscal year. The agreement is subject to approval by the legislature and the State Employees Bargaining Agents Coalition's bargaining units.
A new report by the National Association of State Chief Information Officers (NASCIO) details the critical need for data literacy training within state government, revealing that 84% of CIOs lack a formal program for it. According to the report, data literacy is essential for enhancing decision-making and operational efficiency as generative AI technologies are adapted.
LAWMAKERS... IN OR OUT?
The House... convenes today at 10:00 AM ET. The full schedule may be found here.
The Senate... convenes today at 10:00 AM ET. The full schedule may be found here.
HAPPENING ON THE HILL
The House...
Committee on Small Business will hold a hearing TODAY, 3/07 at 10:00 AM on “The Rare Earth Mineral Marketplace: Examining the Small Business Role in this Critical Supply Chain.”
Committee on Small Business will hold a hearing next Tuesday, 3/12 at 10:00 AM on “Navigating Regulations: Alternative Pathways to Investing in Small Businesses.”
Committee on Financial Services will hold a hearing TODAY, 3/07 at 10:00 AM on “Politicized Financial Regulation and Its Impact on Consumer Credit and Community Development and Its Impact on Consumer Credit and Community Development."
The Senate...
Special Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions will hold a hearing TODAY, 3/07 at 11:00 AM on “The Older Americans Act: Supporting Efforts to Meet the Needs of Seniors.”
BILLS OF INTEREST
Rep. Randy Weber (R-TX-14) introduced a bill to establish a working group to coordinate regulatory oversight of liquefied natural gas facilities, and for other purposes.
Rep. Claudia Tenney (R-NY-24) introduced a bill to amend part A of title IV of the Social Security Act to ensure that Federal funds provided under the program of block grants to States for temporary assistance for needy families are used to supplement State spending.
Rep. Carol Miller (R-WV-1) introduced a bill to direct the Administrator of General Services to establish a program to sell surplus Government motor vehicles to certain small businesses that provide ground transportation service.
AT THE AGENCIES
The US Department of Labor
The US Department of Labor announced that is has appointed 30 leaders to serve on the Advisory Committee on Apprenticeship and share expertise.
The US Department of the Treasury
The US Department of the Treasury announced it will target companies and vessels facilitating Quds Force and Houthi commodity shipments.
The US Department of Commerce
Check back Monday for possible updates.
The US Trade Representative
The Office of the US Trade Representative announced that it secured an extension on and E-Commerce Moratorium at MC13.
The US Small Business Administration
Check back Monday for possible updates.
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