No Tax on Tips and Overtime? Not in NYS and NYC.
Trump’s No federal Tax on Tips ($25,000) and Overtime ($12,500) is only for 3 years from 2025 through 2028. New York State and New York City are not doing it for state and local taxes.
Business
After bail reform was passed in 2019, shoplifting skyrocketed 64% to $4.4 billion in NYC alone!
In 2022, the total estimated loss to shops in the state was $4.4 billion, Governor Kathy Hochul said in February. Many of my moms and pops store friends have resorted to locking stores while waiting for customers.
Governor Hochul’s Solution to the Canabis Debacle: Anyone can apply for a license!
What?!!! Even that, the application process closes on December 4. Governor Hochul’s decision was a response to an existing lawsuit. The problem is illegal use, unregulated product, lack of enforcement that puts safety and health at risk. The law is bad, the policy is bad, the execution is flawed.
Starbucks Pick-Up Store: 1359 Broadway (near 37 Street)
Is this Starbucks’ solution against theft and homeless loitering in Midtown Manhattan? No public bathroom; no seating chairs and tables; no visible food nor coffee machines (located behind wall); no rack of packaged coffee or gifts; and no cash.
To qualify for Oscar’s Best Picture category, 2 diversity standards are required
Starting with the 96th Oscars in 2024, two out of four standards are required. The rule currently applies to Best Picture consideration. Artists and film makers intending to compete may now required to change the reality in their story line and their hiring practice.
Does higher minimum wage make a better society?
Hong Kong introduced the statutory minimum wage of HK$28 an hour in 2011 to provide protection for low-paid workers. Its Minimum Wage Commission just raised its minimum wage from HK$37.50 to HK$40 since 2019. New York State’s minimum wage is 3X that of Hong Kong’s. The financial struggles today as well as those in the … Read more
Environmental Justice won in NY: No more gas stoves in new construction!
In the approved NYS $229 billion budget, all new buildings under 7 stories are not allowed gas stoves starting in 2026. 2029 for those over 7 stories. More banning rules are expect to come. Laws should recommend, but not mandate.
Woke in Federal Housing Finance Agency?
Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac owns about 62% of all homebuyer conforming loans. FHFA founded and introduced it in 2008, Loan-Level Price Adjustment (LLPA) Matrix is used to calculate a higher rate for those with higher risk. Starting May 1, 2023, LLPA matrix is changed to give those with poor credit a better rate than … Read more
Real Estate licensing did not require continuing education. Now reciprocity is lost because of it.
New York State Real Property Law On December 21, 2021, New York Real Property Law section 442-h (rules of the Secretary of State relating to real estate brokers and salespersons) was amended to require, in part, that real estate brokers “institute standardized operating procedures for the prerequisites prospective homebuyers must meet prior to receiving any … Read more
Should Austin Street in Forest Hills be car free?
Pedro Rodriguez of “Neighbors for a Safer Austin Street” between Yellowstone Boulevard and Ascan Avenue submitted a petition before Community Board 6, which was adopted on February 23, 2023. President of the Forest Hills Chamber of Commerce, Leslie Brown, believes it would interrupt and hurt businesses and their customers.