An Idaho appeals court May 22 sent a lawsuit related to project labor agreements (PLAs) and job targeting back to a district court in order to allow the union groups who filed the lawsuit to add defendants and to give both sides a chance to revise arguments.

On May 23, the Senate Judiciary Committee passed the Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act (S. 744), which addresses many of the key elements needed for immigration reform. It includes a template for a new lesser-skilled temporary worker program; a mechanism for the undocumented population to earn legal status after being screened and paying a penalty; and a mandatory employment verification system for all employers.

As part of the H-2B Workforce Coalition and in conjunction with Immigration Works, ABC is encouraging members that use H-2B visas to participate in a survey on how developments related to the visas are affecting their bottom line.

The U.S. House of Representatives May 16 voted 229 –195 to pass H.R. 45, which would repeal the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. 

ABC May 14 responded to the Senate Judiciary Committee mark-up of a section of the Border Security, Economic Opportunity and Immigration Modernization Act (S. 744) by supporting an amendment that would allow all industries, including construction, equal access to temporary worker visas.

The U.S. House of Representatives May 8 voted 223-204 to pass the Working Families Flexibility Act (H.R.1406), which would amend the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) to provide compensatory time for employees in the private sector.

ABC May 9 joined 87 other organizations and businesses in supporting the Auto Enroll Repeal Act of 2013 (H.R. 1254) that would repeal a provision in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act requiring employers of 200 or more full-time employees to automatically enroll employees in a health plan should coverage not be chosen by the employee.

Rep. Dave Camp (R-Mich.) and Sen. Max Baucus (D-Mont.) May 9 launched a new website, taxreform.gov, and a Twitter feed,@simplertaxes, to gather feedback from the public on tax reform. 

ABC is honored to have ABC member and freshman congressman representing Oklahoma's 2nd Congressional District Markwayne Mullin speak at the 2013 Legislative Conference, June 12 in Washington, D.C.  The early bird rate expires on May 17. 

The Joint Committee on Taxation May 6 released a report summarizing the findings and comments obtained from 11 working groups that were formed by the tax-writing Ways and Means Committee related to tax reform. The report is a part of an effort to overhaul the U.S. tax code.