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Federal Issues

Congress Adopts 90-Day Extension of Transportation Funding

The extension will prevent the loss of $110 million per day in federal revenues for transportation programs.
Read more about this legislation _________________________________________________________________________

Internet Sales Tax Bill Introduced

A bi-partisan group of U.S. senators introduced legislation that would allow states to enforce the collection of state and local sales taxes on Internet and catalog sales.
Read more about the proposed legislation _________________________________________________________________________

Legislation Repealing 3 Percent Withholding Signed into Law

President Obama signed into law on Nov. 21 legislation that repeals Section 511 of the Tax Increase Prevention and Reconciliation Act of 2005 (P.L. 109-222), which would have required federal, state, and certain larger local governments to withhold 3 percent on payments made for most goods and services.
Read more about this legislation _________________________________________________________________________

Changes to Sign Retroreflectivity Requirements Proposed

Cities are still required to adopt an assessment or management method to maintain signs above minimum retroreflective levels, but the compliance date has been extended.
Read more about the changes to retroreflectivity requirements
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Federal Health Care Reform

The federal health care reform law leaves mostly intact the types of employee health insurance programs offered by most Minnesota cities. However, the law also contains provisions that may require changes in the way cities offer group health benefits or the options that will be available to cities.
Read more about the health care reform law
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The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act

While most of the funds allocated under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) have been awarded and many projects are underway, reporting requirements are ongoing.

Read about the latest ARRA reporting requirements and deadlines _________________________________________________________________________

National League of Cities advocates on federal issues

While the League of Minnesota Cities focuses primarily on state legislative issues, we also advocate on federal issues directly and through our partner organization, the National League of Cities (NLC).

NLC is a key advocacy and information resource for elected city officials. NLC keeps members apprised of federal regulations, solutions to problems, and challenges for the future.

In 1924, the League of Minnesota Cities and other state municipal leagues formed NLC to have a voice for city issues in Washington, D.C. Today, NLC continues its advocacy role and includes a wide variety of learning and leadership development opportunities.

Elected officials from League of Minnesota Cities member cities can attend NLC conferences and leadership training seminars, serve on policy committees, and access NLC’s information resources. Your city can also become an NLC Direct Member City, allowing you to receive additional discounts and strengthen your level of participation in NLC.

Learn more about the National League of Cities at www.nlc.org