Latest news with #AAPA
Yahoo
31-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Tax credit could boost competition among Gulf coast ports
WASHINGTON — New tax incentives proposed by Republican lawmakers aimed at protecting US supply chains from Chinese market power could also boost competition among Gulf Coast ports. The Port Crane Tax Credit of 2025, introduced recently by U.S. Reps. Mike Ezell, R-Miss., Jen Kiggans, R-Va., and Nicole Malliotakis, R-N.Y., would establish tax credits to incentivize the domestic production of port cranes, 'a critical step toward strengthening U.S. supply chain security and revitalizing American manufacturing,' according to the bill's sponsors. 'I'm deeply concerned that so many of our ports are forced to use cranes manufactured by Shanghai Zhenhua Heavy Industries [ZPMC], a Chinese state-owned company,' Kiggans said in a press statement. 'It makes no sense to let our top adversary build and maintain the very equipment that powers our supply chains. The work our ports do is imperative – we cannot afford to leave that in the hands of the Chinese Communist Party.' The American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) sees the incentive as a counter to levying tariffs on Chinese-built cranes to achieve economic and national security policy goals. Last year the Biden administration imposed a 25% tariff on Chinese cranes, and the Trump administration has proposed raising it to 100%. 'Instead of levying unfair taxes on port development, the Port Cranes Tax Credit Act is a tangible first step on the supply side towards incentivizing the reshoring of key [container handling equipment] in the coming years since there are currently no domestic STS [ship-to-shore] crane manufacturers,' said AAPA President and CEO Cary Davis. Gulf Coast ports have been particularly vocal about the cost increases they face due to existing and potential new tariffs on Chinese-made container cranes. The Port of Houston, Port Freeport in Texas, and the Port of New Orleans all have invested in the past several years in container cranes built in China, which dominates the U.S. and international container gantry crane markets. Their rivals in the Eastern part of the Gulf – the ports of Gulfport and Pascagoula in Mississippi, and Port Tampa – see the tax credit as a way to help compete for business as well as incentivizing domestic manufacturing. The proposed tax credit 'is exactly the kind of forward-thinking support Gulf Coast ports like ours need to stay competitive and meet the demands of a modern, American-made supply chain,' said Port Pascagoula Port Director Bo Ethridge. 'As manufacturing continues to return to U.S. shores, our port is experiencing increased demand and new growth opportunities. Yet we remain the only major Gulf Coast port without cargo cranes, which is an infrastructure gap that limits our ability to diversify commodities. This legislation is a vital step toward closing that gap.' Jon Nass, executive director at the Port of Gulfport, said the legislation 'creates a path to bring new skilled jobs to Mississippi and reinforces our ability to compete globally while supporting our maritime and port industries.' Port Tampa Bay, which installed Chinese-made cranes at its container terminal in 2016 to help compete for larger container ships, supports the tax credit because it 'addresses urgent national security concerns,' said Paul Anderson, the port's president, by incentivizing U.S-made port equipment. Supply chain pain may lurk in container crane bill US targets Chinese-made container cranes in spy crackdown Ports call out 'sensationalized' targeting of foreign container cranes Click for more FreightWaves articles by John Gallagher. The post Tax credit could boost competition among Gulf coast ports appeared first on FreightWaves. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Fibre2Fashion
17-07-2025
- Business
- Fibre2Fashion
SPACE Act aims to reform CBP funding at US Ports, AAPA welcomes bill
US representatives Laurel Lee (R-FL) and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (D-WA) have reintroduced the CBP Securing Ports and America's Commerce and Economy (SPACE) Act that seeks to curb Customs and Border Protection (CBP) overreach at US ports and establish a fair, transparent, and sustainable funding mechanism through existing user fees. The American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) has welcomed the move. The SPACE Act, first introduced in November 2023, also aims to improve accountability by enhancing transparency in CBP charges to local port partners. It has garnered bipartisan support, with original cosponsors including Representatives Vern Buchanan (R-FL), Julia Brownley (D-CA), and Troy Carter (D-LA). It is also backed by 27 organisations across the trade, logistics, and agriculture sectors. AAPA has welcomed the reintroduction of the bipartisan CBP SPACE Act by US lawmakers to address CBP overreach at ports and establish sustainable funding through existing user fees. Supported by 27 organisations, the act aims to boost transparency and accountability. Port leaders nationwide praised the move, citing strengthened CBP partnerships and improved port operations. 'CBP officers' work is crucial to the safety, health, and vitality of America's ports and we sincerely thank them,' Cary Davis, president and chief executive officer (CEO) at AAPA, said in a press release . 'However, the costs of government inspection operations are historically and constitutionally, a Federal government responsibility. Moreover, port commerce generates hundreds of millions of dollars in public tax revenue—taxpayers benefit when those funds are reinvested in the activities that generate future revenues in a virtuous cycle.' Port leaders nationwide echoed their support. Richard J Hendrick, CEO of the Port of Albany, emphasised the importance of efficient inter-agency collaboration, while Julianna Marler of the Port of Vancouver US noted the act would strengthen ports' roles as economic engines. Leaders from Port Everglades, Port Tampa Bay, Massport, and SeaPort Manatee also expressed gratitude for the legislation's focus on proper federal funding and reinforced partnerships with CBP. The AAPA viewed the SPACE Act as a decisive step towards reinforcing the security, efficiency, and financial clarity of US ports while aligning federal responsibilities with national economic goals, the release added. Fibre2Fashion News Desk (SG)
Medscape
27-06-2025
- Health
- Medscape
Pushing for PA Modernization
The US — as well as the world at large — is facing a growing healthcare provider shortage. Recent projections, in fact, suggest that the US will be short by more than 3 million healthcare workers by next year, which will have significant impact on the country's ability to provide timely and effective patient care. To help fill this gap, many states are pursuing new legislation to modernize physician associate (PA) practice, allowing PAs to work at the top of their knowledge, experience, and skillset. Medscape continually surveys physicians and other medical professionals about key practice challenges and current issues, creating high-impact analyses. For example, the Physician Assistant Burnout & Depression report found that A lack of control and autonomy contribute to burnout for 1 in 6 PAs. There is often a divide in burnout recognition and management by administrators. Fewer government regulations would help 12% of practicing PAs, and greater respect from admin, colleagues, and staff would help 38% with their burnout. 'Across the country, we are seeing a growing number of legislators express a stronger understanding of the critical role that PAs play in today's healthcare system,' said Chantell Taylor, chief of public affairs and advocacy at the American Academy of Physician Associates (AAPA). 'Today, an estimated 79 million Americans lack adequate access to primary care services. Even worse, 123 million Americans lack adequate access to mental health services…Modernizing PA practice laws aims to address the problem of too few healthcare providers and mounting patient care needs.' Over the past few years, PA organizations in various states have pushed for policy changes to make it easier for patients to access the care they need, including support for the PA Licensure Compact, PA title change, and the removal of unnecessary supervisory requirements. Going Where Providers are Needed Most Several states face greater provider shortages than others. Tennessee, New York, and Oregon, for example, are all expected to see future shortages. PAs could help — yet, moving between states, historically, has required these essential healthcare providers to apply to the state's licensing board, potentially take a required exam, and pay fees. This often makes it harder for PAs to relocate where they are most needed. Over the past two and a half years, however, 17 states have joined the PA Licensure Compact, which facilitates multi-state practice for PAs. Several other states, including North Carolina and Oregon, have filed legislation to join the compact. 'PAs with unencumbered licenses in one compact state will be able to provide care to patients in other compact states,' said Taylor. 'This can be especially beneficial for rural communities and/or areas where healthcare providers are few and far between.' A PA by Any Other Name In 2024, Oregon became the first state to legally change the title of 'physician assistant' to PA. In summer 2025, both Maine and New Hampshire also enacted new laws to promote a title change. Kathleen Moneghan, a PA from Maine, said this legislation was important to challenge ongoing misconceptions about what PAs do — and help facilitate future practice modernization efforts. 'I remember when I first graduated as a PA and I was seeing patients, they'd say, 'Oh, when am I going to see the doctor?'' she explained. 'They thought what we do is assist the doctor, when, in reality, we see patients on our own. We have our own patient panels, we treat, we diagnose, we prescribe. Having the right title creates a better understanding for patients about what we do — and also helps ensure they trust the care we give to them.' Removing Physician Supervision Taylor said that there is growing support across multiple states for new laws to remove supervision requirements for experienced PAs. Historically, PAs needed to sign a contract with a physician to 'supervise' their work or participate in a collaboration agreement. But Sarah Leslie, a PA in New Hampshire, said that such requirements are costly and onerous. Worse, they often led to PAs losing their jobs when doctors refused to do the paperwork because of liability concerns. 'Most of these doctors weren't even in the office with us, despite the fact they were tied to our license. They weren't even supervising,' she explained. 'And there are so many stories about PAs being let go. I know of literally an entire family practice office that got rid of all of their PAs because the doctor didn't want to sign the forms.' The need for a supervising physician could also be quite expensive for PAs who needed a supervising physician to keep their practice doors open. 'I was paying $1000 a month to a doctor who wasn't even in the practice to just sign a piece of paper,' Leslie said. 'Doctors and medical societies often say things like, 'Without supervision, PAs are going to start doing open heart surgery in the cafeteria,' but when we talked to legislators about what we really do and how we can improve access, they saw the value in us being able to practice without this kind of paperwork.' Now, the state of New Hampshire has enacted new legislation to remove those supervisory requirements. When a PA has reached 8000 postgraduate clinical hours, PAs can own and run their own practice. Other states, including Iowa, Montana, Wyoming, and Colorado, have done the same — and many have already seen tangible benefits from removing or relaxing supervisory requirements, said Taylor. 'Following supervision removal in Iowa, a PA operating a mental health clinic was able to drastically improve access to care for patients. She redirected funding that had been used on supervision to hire more providers,' Taylor said. 'In 2024 alone, her clinic saw more than 800 new patients, the vast majority of whom were able to get a mental health appointment within 2 weeks.' Pushing for Quality and Safety Both Moneghan and Leslie are continuing to push for PA practice modernization in their states. They see it as essential to helping provide the vital healthcare Americans will need in the years to come. And, as research thus far shows, these changes are enhancing care, not negatively affecting patient safety as some physician organizations have argued. Taylor hopes that more states will see the value in enacting laws that allow PAs to do their jobs. 'To date, there has been no research or evidence provided that shows that quality or safety of care declines, or malpractice rates increase, when PA supervision is removed,' Taylor said. 'What has been proven is that providers can practice in a manner consistent with their experience, training, and education, and patients can better access the high-quality healthcare they deserve.'
Yahoo
03-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Dirtier ports will hurt jobs, US maritime revival: AAPA
The American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) is urging the Senate to preserve funding for anti-pollution programs it says bolster U.S. manufacturing and maritime strength. In a letter Tuesday to Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., and Committee on Environment and Public Works Chair Shelley Moore Capito, the trade group emphasized the importance of preserving vital Environmental Protection Agency grant programs that it said support American ports and manufacturing. Currently, two critical EPA initiatives — the Clean Ports Program and the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act (DERA) grant programs — face elimination under the House of Representatives' version of President Donald Trump's budget legislation. The AAPA said that if these cuts proceed without Senate intervention, they would undermine Trump's strategy to counter Chinese dominance in the maritime sector. The programs are designed to strengthen America's competitive position by supporting ports in acquiring next-generation equipment while boosting American manufacturers at a critical juncture in the global maritime EPA has awarded 54 grants totaling $3 billion to fund zero-emission port equipment and infrastructure as well as climate and air quality planning at U.S. ports. DERA grants totaled $147 million in 2024. In the letter to Senate leadership, AAPA President and Chief Executive Cary Davis highlighted the significant manufacturing benefits of the Clean Ports Program. Davis stressed that the program 'is creating jobs in America and giving American manufacturers new life in a sector long dominated by China: port cargo-handling equipment.' This initiative serves as a dual-purpose tool, simultaneously modernizing American port infrastructure while revitalizing domestic manufacturing capabilities in an industry where China has maintained a strong foothold. The DERA grant program represents another critical resource for the maritime industry, providing essential funding for ports to upgrade to more fuel-efficient diesel engines. Like the Clean Ports Program, DERA adheres to strict Build America, Buy America standards, ensuring that federal funds support domestic manufacturing. The potential elimination of DERA's $60 million funding would have far-reaching consequences — not only limiting ports' ability to reduce fuel costs and mitigate local emissions but also reducing orders for American truck and cargo-handling equipment manufacturers. The AAPA's advocacy underscores the strategic importance of these seemingly modest programs in a larger economic and national security budget legislation has run into opposition from Republican members of Congress who say it doesn't do enough to cut federal spending. Find more articles by Stuart Chirls port completes $625M ship channel deepening project 'Fear and uncertainty' driving up China-US container rates CMA CGM developing $600M Vietnam container terminals Maersk, Hapag-Lloyd partner on new Asia-Long Beach serviceThe post Dirtier ports will hurt jobs, US maritime revival: AAPA appeared first on FreightWaves.
Time of India
30-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Indian aviation market outlook bullish; in talks with IndiGo for possible membership: AAPA
The outlook for the Indian aviation market is very bullish but there are supply chain issues being faced by airlines globally, the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines ( AAPA ) said on Friday. At a briefing in the national capital, AAPA Director General Subhas Menon said it is in talks with IndiGo to look at the airline becoming a member of the association. Currently, the grouping has 18 airlines as members, including Air India. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Elegant New Scooters For Seniors In 2024: The Prices May Surprise You Mobility Scooter | Search Ads Learn More Urging regulators across the Asia Pacific region to ensure harmonisation of rules to ensure predictability for airlines, Menon also said regulations should be put in place after discussions with airlines. The costs for airlines should not increase with regulations, he added. The Indian aviation market outlook is very bullish and the country's potential is amazing and air traffic rebounded after the coronavirus pandemic, he said. Live Events According to him, there is a supply chain crisis and no demand crisis while India is also doing well on airport expansion. India is one of the world's fastest-growing civil aviation markets. AAPA, a not-for-profit association, has a permanent secretariat based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. PTI
