Latest news with #HB11
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Yahoo
Louisiana House proposes habitual offender bill
LAFAYETTE, La. () — Last week, House Bill 11, also known as the Segus Jolivette Act, was introduced to legislators to implement harsher sentencing for repeat offenders. This comes after Sr. Cpl. Segus Jolivette was killed in the line of duty nearly a year ago. Louisiana State Representative Chad Boyer authored HB 11, saying 'It ensures that those with multiple violent felony convictions face real consequences.' Boyer, along with Sr. Cpl. Jolivette's family and law enforcement appeared in front of lawmakers, urging them to pass the bill to 'protect communities from repeat offenders.' HB 11 proposes that a repeat offender serve a minimum of 50% of the maximum sentence on the third conviction and 75% on the fourth or more conviction. Boyer says this bill is about accountability, justice for victims and preventing future tragedies. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Alexis Jolivette, the wife of Sr. Cpl. Jolivette gave her testimony in support of the bill. 'It was that day one person's fate being released early from prison stole the life of someone who was worth more than good behavior or time served,' she said. 'It was that day that I learned that this person had multiple convictions, which included a 10-year sentence and was released early each time.' Alexis says her goal is to spread awareness and show firsthand the effects of the current law in place. She tearfully shared how men and women like her husband are forced to face unknown threats when dealing with habitual offenders. 'The bullet that killed my husband did not come from Nyjal Hurst's weapon,' she said. 'That is my reality. I was torn, torn between the badge my husband stood for and the person who initiated it.' In addition to Jolivette's family sharing their testimony, law enforcement was also present to share their support of the bill. Duson Chief of Police Kip Judice asks that the committee forward the bill to the floor. Detective Charles Broussard Jr., with the and president of the Police Association of Lafayette, shares that the bill isn't about vengeance but public safety. 'It's about restoring credibility to our justice system and ensuring that dangerous repeat offenders, violent offenders, do not get another chance to harm our community and or our police officers,' said Broussard. At the request of Boyer, HB 11 was voluntarily deferred to be amended. Legislators will vote to either pass the bill or not at a later date. Watch: Man gets 20th impaired driving arrest while allegedly driving drunk in Ohio He disappeared after leaving his University of Utah dorm in 1973. His remains were just identified Americans purchasing more older homes than ever before Church Point police search for suspect in traffic and child safety case Louisiana House proposes habitual offender bill Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Miami Herald
30-04-2025
- Politics
- Miami Herald
North Miami Beach mayor: Our side of a water dispute with neighboring Miami Gardens
As mayor of North Miami Beach, it is my duty to set the record straight about the ongoing water dispute between our city and neighboring Miami Gardens. There's been a lot of emotion, plenty of speeches, a news story about possible rate hikes for water service, an opinion article published in the Miami Herald and even some political theater — but the truth still matters at the end of the day. For over 70 years, North Miami Beach has operated the Norwood Water Treatment Plant, which we purchased and maintained long before Miami Gardens became a city. Today, that plant serves more than 170,000 residents across the region, including parts of Miami Gardens, Aventura, Sunny Isles Beach, Golden Beach and unincorporated Miami-Dade areas like Biscayne Gardens. We charge a 25% surcharge to non-NMB resident customers — including approximately one-third of Miami Gardens— to ensure the cost of maintaining this infrastructure is shared equitably. That's not exploitation — it's responsible governance and reflects the reality of how a free-market utility model functions. You use a service, you pay your fair share. It's simple. Let's not forget: When the COVID-19 pandemic froze the economy and families were struggling, NMB stepped up. We absorbed delinquencies, halted shutoffs and kept our utility running smoothly for every customer — without compromising service or safety. While other systems faltered, not one household went without water on our watch. We didn't ask for a bailout; we sacrificed and honored our commitment to the community. Now, there's a push in Tallahassee to strip away the surcharge, through SB202/HB11 — but only for one city. Let me be clear: You can't rob Peter to pay Paul. A blessing for one group cannot become a burden for everyone else. If this legislation passes, the loss of roughly $5 million a year — including over $100,000 in annual surcharge revenue from the Hard Rock Stadium alone — will have to be covered by every other water customer. That's not justice. That's communism. And what's worse, we're being asked to accept this while Miami Gardens continues charging its own residents a 10% utility tax — on water they don't even treat or deliver. If this were truly about helping residents save, they could start there. But it's easier to pass the buck than to cut your tax. North Miami Beach has made every attempt to work this out neighbor-to-neighbor. We waived surcharges for government accounts. We invited discussion. We offered options. But instead of negotiation, Miami Gardens went to Tallahassee to flex political muscle. Nonetheless, Miami Gardens has real alternatives to choose from: transition fully to Miami-Dade Water and Sewer, which already serves two-thirds of their city; build and operate their own water utility or, if they want full control, buy out NMB water treatment plant. What they shouldn't do is try to legislate a shortcut that punishes an award-winning and successful utility to subsidize inefficiency and sidestep responsibility. If voted into law, SB202/HB11 would set a bad precedent for government overreach. It's an unnecessary burden — another cost compounded on the backs of working families at the worst possible time. It undermines the principles of local control, free enterprise and personal accountability. If we're going to talk about fairness, it has to be fairness for everyone — not just those with louder voices or better political connections. As we say in church, 'What's done in the dark will come to light,' and 'The truth shall set you free.' This issue deserves light, not shadows — truth, not politics. Michael Joseph is the mayor of North Miami Beach.
Yahoo
16-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Despite changes, paid worker leave bill voted down again
Mar. 15—SANTA FE — A renewed attempt to enact a state-run paid worker leave plan bit the dust Saturday in a Senate committee, as changes made to the bill in an attempt to get it across the Roundhouse finish line instead led to the measure's defeat. After a barrage of concerns from Democrats and Republicans, from a lack of funding to hurting businesses to the bill not going far enough, the Senate Finance Committee on Saturday voted 8-3 not to pass House Bill 11. "We'll just keep soldiering on until we get the bill through," bill sponsor Rep. Christine Chandler, D-Los Alamos, told the Journal after the committee vote. "I was hoping and expecting it was going to be this year, and that expectation was based on all the compromises we had made and all the listening we had done." Indeed, the measure was once a very different bill. First introduced in 2019 as the Paid Family and Medical Leave Act, the many iterations have explored different funding mechanisms, including scenarios where only employees pay into a leave fund to the state fully covering it. The approach to this year's bill, which sponsors ironed out last month to help it pass through a key House committee, came in two parts: $9,000 baby rebates for new, working parents and up to six weeks paid medical leave, covered by new premiums on workers and most employers. The legislation as introduced initially this year would've mandated higher premiums from employers and employees to pay for parental and medical leave and allowed for more medical time off. Bill sponsors made the changes to appease some more moderate Democrats and business leaders, and HB11 successfully passed the House for the first time — something bill sponsor Senate President Pro Tem Mimi Stewart, D-Albuquerque, has been urging the House to do. The Senate in the last two years has passed the Paid Family and Medical Leave Act. Stewart said on Saturday afternoon that HB11 wasn't the right solution, with its reduced medical leave timeframe and baby rebates. "The changes made this year resulted in a bill that no longer upholds many of the provisions we strongly supported in the original version. ... It just doesn't quite work for what families really need or when they need it," Stewart said in a statement. She added, "We're not done yet. We will continue working to find a solution that benefits both New Mexico families and the businesses that support our workforce." Bill sponsor Rep. Linda Serrato, D-Santa Fe, said the House sponsors did what they needed with the bill to get it through the chamber it's historically held up in. It passed with seven extra votes. "As legislators, we all realize perfection is the enemy of the good, and I think we have to do what we can to meet in the middle," Serrato told the Journal. Chandler said it's perplexing the Senate Finance Committee in the last two years has passed a more expansive Paid Family and Medical Leave Act but wouldn't let the slimmed-down version through this year. Three Democrats who voted for the bill in past years voted against it Saturday: Sens. Pete Campos of Las Vegas, Benny Shendo of Jemez Pueblo and Roberto "Bobby" Gonzales of Ranchos de Taos. Even the Democrats who voted in favor of the bill started the debate with a list of concerns and questions about it. Sen. Linda Trujillo, D-Santa Fe, said it doesn't go far enough, while Sen. Michael Padilla, D-Albuquerque, reiterated concerns he voiced earlier in the week about where money for the baby rebates would come from. The "no" vote from Senate Finance Chair George Muñoz, D-Gallup, wasn't a surprise, as he's consistently voted against the bill in the past. This year, he called it one of many unfunded mandates the House of Representatives wants the Senate to pass. On Saturday, he said the bill is too extreme. "We can never take a baby step," Muñoz said. "If you have just mothers with 12 weeks (leave) and families taking care of parents for medical assistance, I'd vote for this all day long." At the end of the day, not all once-supportive advocates backed the bill either. "We really do think that New Mexicans deserve full, comprehensive paid family and medical leave," said Tracy McDaniel, policy director at the Southwest Women's Law Center. She's been very involved in the bill's legislative progress in the past and acted as a bill expert earlier this year. However, she said bill sponsors didn't invite advocates to the table when overhauling the bill last month, and she was disappointed to see paid medical leave timeframes dialed down as well as being unsure of the proposed state-funded baby rebates. "We're going to have to be working with sponsors in the interim around how we create something that really works well for New Mexicans," McDaniel said. "The (paid family and medical leave) coalition continues to think that a contribution-based model works well. ... That's really the way that we create a solvent, sustainable fund." Republicans have for years vehemently opposed the measure, which they say would make it harder for New Mexico businesses to operate by not only having to find replacement employees for up to 12 weeks but also having to pay new premiums. The sentiments echo those of influential business leaders in New Mexico, as well as small-town employers. Rita Chaparro owns Rope's Western and Casual Wear in Clayton, a town of about 2,500 people in northeastern New Mexico. She learned about the paid leave proposal from the Journal. "It will literally kill our small businesses," Chaparro said. "We cannot add another tax." Her own store wouldn't be affected, as it only has two employees — the legislation would only tax employers with five or more workers. But Chaparro said she's concerned about the other shops and restaurants in the town that are struggling to stay open. "We're really having a hard time. So no more adding anything to our plate, please," she said. Republican members of the Senate Finance Committee on Saturday also had issues with the lack of details in the 36-page bill. "It just sounds like an absolute employment nightmare," said Sen. Nicole Tobiassen, R-Albuquerque. "And I can see the lawsuits." While it may be the end of the line this year for a Paid Family and Medical Leave Act, bill sponsors and advocates say they'll be back. "If you're asking if the House will stop fighting for working families? Never," Serrato said.
Yahoo
11-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
House committee moves bill to exempt tax on tipped wages
A North Carolina House bill would reduce income taxes on bartenders and other workers who rely on tipped wages. (Photo: Moe Clark/Colorado Newsline) A bill to eliminate taxes on tipped wages received a favorable report Tuesday in the state House Commerce and Economic Development Committee. House Bill 11 would also eliminate taxes on overtime pay and bonuses of up to $2,500. It was referred to the House Finance Committee. 'There are at least 20 other states with bills filed to do exactly the same thing and there's a couple of bills — one by a Republican and one by a Democrat in the U.S. Congress,' said State Rep. Harry Warren, a Republican from Rowan County and one of the bill's sponsors. State Rep. Timothy Reeder, a Pitt County Republican, asked if HB 11 comes with a fiscal note — a document that outlines the potential impact on state revenues. Warren responded that one is being prepared for Finance Committee. HB 11 appears to have bipartisan support. State Rep. Carla Cunningham, a Democrat from Mecklenburg County, thanked Warren for bringing the bill forward. Cunningham is concerned that some people with intellectual or developmental disabilities are still being taxed on tipped wages. 'They already do not make that much money as the average wage (earner) does,' said Cunningham, referring to federal law allowing employers to pay people with disabilities sub-minimum wages. In North Carolina, the minimum wage for tipped employees is $2.13 per hour compared to $7.25 per hour for most minimum wage workers. California has the highest minimum wage for tipped employees at $16.50 per hour, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Click here to see a U.S. Department of Labor table showing minimum hourly wages for tipped employees by state. HB 11 falls in line with President Donald Trump's campaign pledge to eliminate the federal income tax on tipped wages. In late January, Trump told a crowd attending a rally in Las Vegas that he planned to keep that promise, NPR reported. 'In the coming weeks, I'll be working with Congress to get a bill on my desk that cuts taxes for workers, families, small businesses, and very importantly, keeps my promise,' Trump said. 'We're gonna get it for you — no tax on tips.' Estimates from the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget report that Trump's proposal would cost $150 billion to $250 billion over 10 years. The Economic Policy Institute (EPI) and other critics of eliminating federal taxes on tipped wages contend its bad policy. The EPI said the eliminating the tax would: Help very few workers and undermine pay increases for many more. Expand the use of tipped work—a system rife with discrimination and worker abuse— potentially leading to consumers being asked to tip on virtually every purchase. Deplete state and federal budgets and create new avenues of tax avoidance, especially for high earners.
Yahoo
11-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
House committee moves bill to exempt tax on tipped wages
A North Carolina House bill would reduce income taxes on bartenders and other workers who rely on tipped wages. (Photo: Moe Clark/Colorado Newsline) A bill to eliminate taxes on tipped wages received a favorable report Tuesday in the state House Commerce and Economic Development Committee. House Bill 11 would also eliminate taxes on overtime pay and bonuses of up to $2,500. It was referred to the House Finance Committee. 'There are at least 20 other states with bills filed to do exactly the same thing and there's a couple of bills — one by a Republican and one by a Democrat in the U.S. Congress,' said State Rep. Harry Warren, a Republican from Rowan County and one of the bill's sponsors. State Rep. Timothy Reeder, a Pitt County Republican, asked if HB 11 comes with a fiscal note — a document that outlines the potential impact on state revenues. Warren responded that one is being prepared for Finance Committee. HB 11 appears to have bipartisan support. State Rep. Carla Cunningham, a Democrat from Mecklenburg County, thanked Warren for bringing the bill forward. Cunningham is concerned that some people with intellectual or developmental disabilities are still being taxed on tipped wages. 'They already do not make that much money as the average wage (earner) does,' said Cunningham, referring to federal law allowing employers to pay people with disabilities sub-minimum wages. In North Carolina, the minimum wage for tipped employees is $2.13 per hour compared to $7.25 per hour for most minimum wage workers. California has the highest minimum wage for tipped employees at $16.50 per hour, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Click here to see a U.S. Department of Labor table showing minimum hourly wages for tipped employees by state. HB 11 falls in line with President Donald Trump's campaign pledge to eliminate the federal income tax on tipped wages. In late January, Trump told a crowd attending a rally in Las Vegas that he planned to keep that promise, NPR reported. 'In the coming weeks, I'll be working with Congress to get a bill on my desk that cuts taxes for workers, families, small businesses, and very importantly, keeps my promise,' Trump said. 'We're gonna get it for you — no tax on tips.' Estimates from the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget report that Trump's proposal would cost $150 billion to $250 billion over 10 years. The Economic Policy Institute (EPI) and other critics of eliminating federal taxes on tipped wages contend its bad policy. The EPI said the eliminating the tax would: Help very few workers and undermine pay increases for many more. Expand the use of tipped work—a system rife with discrimination and worker abuse— potentially leading to consumers being asked to tip on virtually every purchase. Deplete state and federal budgets and create new avenues of tax avoidance, especially for high earners.
