Prism Group's Daily Summary
LOWE'S TO GIVE $2.5M TO SMALL BUSINESSES AFFECTED BY HURRICANE HELENE... Lowe’s plans to provide millions in financial support to small businesses in North Carolina that were hit hard by Hurricane Helene, helping them recover during the holiday season after federal relief temporarily dried up. The $2.5 million fund will provide grants directly to small businesses in the state. It will also provide support to local business development organizations in advancing their work to help businesses navigate disaster relief aid. The fund is part of the company's $12 million pledge to support relief and recovery efforts in the wake of Helene and Hurricane Milton.
NSBA PRESIDENT & CEO WEIGHS IN ON WHAT A TRUMP ADMINISTRATION COULD MEAN FOR SMALL BUSINESS... Small business owners are optimistic about growth opportunities under President-elect Donald Trump’s second term. Trump’s promises of regulatory rollbacks, tax cuts, and reduced energy costs resonate strongly within the small-business community. However, concerns remain about Trump’s immigration and trade policies, specifically focused on the labor market and increasing wage pressures, while proposed tariffs may exacerbate inflation and supply-chain disruptions.
“There has been frustration from small employers because there have been a number of new labor regulations,” says Todd McCracken, president and CEO of the NSBA. “All of this has been hitting at the same time as inflation, rising wages, and higher health insurance premiums [paid by companies].” These factors could dampen the optimism of small-business owners, who generate nearly half of U.S. jobs and play a pivotal role in the nation's economy.
THE STATE OF THE STATES
SESSIONS BY THE NUMBERS:
Six states are in regular session. Louisiana is in special session.
WHAT WE'RE WATCHING:
Mississippi State University launched a hands-on program to teach Mississippi high school students about AI and machine learning, supported by a $1.2 million NSF grant. Over the next three years, students will develop smart devices and explore AI fairness. The program hopes to create lasting resources for STEM educators nationwide.
Oregon is investing $42 million in workforce training through its third and final round of “Future Ready Oregon” grants, funding over 60 projects to address shortages in healthcare, manufacturing, and technology sectors. The grants prioritize underserved communities and work to build a diverse, skilled workforce for Oregon.
LAWMAKERS... IN OR OUT?
The House... convenes today at 9:00 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...
Check back next week for possible updates.
The Senate...
Committee on Judiciary will hold a hearing TODAY, 11/21 at 10:00 AM entitled “Executive Business Meeting."
BILLS OF INTEREST
Check back next week for possible updates.
AT THE AGENCIES
The U.S. Department of Labor
Check back next week for possible updates.
The U.S. Department of the Treasury
U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Janet L. Yellen is announcing $76 million in Technical Assistance (TA) awards for 256 Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) funds to build their capacity to provide financial products and services to low-income and underserved people and communities across America.
The U.S. Department of Commerce
The U.S. Artificial Intelligence Safety Institute at the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) announced the formation of the Testing Risks of AI for National Security (TRAINS) Taskforce, which brings together partners from across the U.S. Government to identify, measure, and manage the emerging national security and public safety implications of rapidly evolving AI technology.
The U.S. Trade Representative
Check back next week for possible updates.
The U.S. Small Business Administration
Check back next week for possible updates.
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