Tougher fines ahead for immigration violations
Effective March 27, employers who violate federal immigration laws now face fines up to $16,000. That's a $5,000 increase from previous fines. Under the Immigration and Nationality Act, employers may be fined for knowingly employing unauthorized aliens. Other violations include failure to comply with the requirements relating to employment eligibility verification forms; wrongful discrimination against job applicants or employees on the basis of nationality or citizenship; and immigration-related document fraud. The civil penalties were adjusted about 25% for inflation. The min. penalty for knowing employment of an unauthorized alien increases by $100, from $275 to $375. Some of the higher civil penalties are increased by $1,000; for example, the maximum penalty for a first violation increases from $2,200 to $3,200. The biggest increase under the rounding mechanism raises the maximum civil penalty for multiple violations from the current $11,000 to $16,000. These penalties are assessed on a per-alien basis.
N.J. governor calls for Dept. of Ag. elimination
N.J. Gov. Jon Corzine's state budget plan includes eliminating the Dept. of Ag. and assigning some functions to other state agencies. N.J. Farm Bureau and N.J. Nursery & Landscape Assoc. are lobbying to keep the department intact. Both groups estimate the savings from eliminating the dept. would total only $300,000 to $400,000. "We need to retain the Dept. of Ag. to market, advocate and provide essential services to our industry," said Carl Nordstrom, exec. dir. of NJNLA. Some of the major divisions in the dept. include: Div. of Plant Industry; Div. of Marketing and Development; Div. of Ag. and Nat'l. Resources; and the State Ag. Development Committee.
P. ramorum confirmed at 3 California sites
California had 3 Phytophthora ramorum-positive nursery confirmations in February, according to Calif. Oak Mortality Task Force. A Los Angeles County production nursery had a P. ramorum-positive Camellia sinensis during a compliance agreement renewal inspection. The nursery's compliance agreement has been suspended. A production/retail nursery in Los Angeles County had 1 positive Camellia japonica 'Kramer's Supreme' plant confirmed as a result of a compliance agreement renewal inspection. The nursery's compliance agreement has been suspended. A retail nursery in Humboldt County had soil samples confirmed positive for P. ramorum as a result of a soil delimitation sampling following a 2007 positive test. Since the nursery does not ship plants, it is not under a compliance agreement. Soil samples have been collected to determine where treatments (paving) should be focused.
Conn. may exempt edible plants from sales tax
The Conn. Legislature may exempt edible plants, including potted herbs, from sales tax. The Legislature's Environment Committee heard testimony Feb. 29 on Senate Bill 450. Sal Gilbertie, owner of Gilbertie's Herb Gardens in Easton, testified in front of the committee. The grower is the state's largest herb grower. The state already exempts most foods from the sales tax, "so exempting herbs which are grown to be eaten or to be used as medicinal supplements makes sense," said Bob Heffernan, exec. sec. of Conn. Nursery and Landscape Assoc.
Growers can apply for low-interest drought assistance
The U.S. Small Business Admin. is offering low-interest loans for qualifying small businesses affected by drought. Eligible business may qualify for up to $1.5 million. Rates are as low as 4%. The application deadline differs in each state. Contact the SBA customer service center Mon.-Fri. at (800) 659-2955.
House action could force electronic employee verification
Republicans in the House are attempting to force a floor vote on the "SAVE" Act (H.R. 4088). The SAVE Act would require employers to use the electronic verification system to verify Social Security numbers of all current workers as well as of new hires. Some business interests question whether the electronic verification system is ready for that load. Republicans filed a discharge petition, which is available on the House floor for all House members to sign. Once the discharge petition receives 217 signatures (a majority of House membership), House rules require that it be brought to the floor for an up-or-down vote. This strategy is dangerous for supporters of immigration reform because it could force members to vote for the bill or appear to be against enforcement.
Discovering the world of sustainability
Is daylight-saving time actually an energy waster? Project: Green Industry
GreenBeam.com upgrades to GreenBeamPro.com
GreenBeam.com has changed its location and its name. The new GreenBeamPro.com is even deeper, wider and more accessible than ever, completely redesigned with you in mind. Besides a new story every day, you'll find the most recent postings from our blogs and our daily news. Search past articles. Refer to past e-newsletters. Find products. Hurry on over to GreenBeamPro.com and see what's new.
|
Each cultivar selected for the Chicagoland Grows® Plant Introduction Program has proven performance under Northern growing conditions after a rigorous, independent evaluation by the region's top horticultural experts.
Emerald Coast Growers produces superior starter plants in a variety of
cell sizes; specializing in ornamental grasses and perennial plants.
Since 1910, Dayton Bag & Burlap has served the nursery industry with the highest quality products from 4 locations nationwide. Visit www.daybag.com for more information!
Mavrik Aquaflow® Insecticide/Miticide provides immediate and long term, broad-spectrum insect control for use on all greenhouse and nursery crops. For more information contact your local distributor, call 1-800-248-7763 or visit us online at www.mavrikaquaflow.com.
|
