In Your Backyard

 

Florida
State Passes Tough IP Law-The Florida Legislature passed anti-counterfeiting legislation providing enhanced penalties for those who manufacture, distribute, or possess counterfeit goods with the intent to sell them. The bill is based on model legislation drafted by the U.S. Chamber.
Source: Office of the Attorney General of Florida

 

Oregon
Tourism Industry Suffers-The leisure and hospitality industry--which accounts for 10% of the state's nonfarm employment-added only about half the jobs the sector normally gains in April. High gas and food prices and unseasonably cold weather are being blamed for the low numbers.
Source: The Oregonian

 

Rhode Island
Court Dismisses Asbestos Cases-The state Supreme Court is ordering the dismissal of 39 asbestos cases that Canadian residents had filed in Rhode Island. Though the defendants conduct business in the state, they are not incorporated there, nor is the state their principal place of business. All of the plaintiffs were Canadians.
Source: The Providence Journal

 

Tennessee
Family Business Tax Break Saved-Despite a tight budget, state lawmakers saved a $15 million tax break for family businesses. An estimated 8,600 businesses benefit from the tax break, which exempts family businesses that collect commercial rent from franchise and excise taxes.
Source: The Tennessean

 

Vermont
State Reviews Pension Funds-The state is considering investing a portion of its $3.2 billion state employee pension fund in businesses that promise to strengthen the state's economy. The new policy could help local businesses that might otherwise have trouble finding capital.
Source: Associated Press