QUICK UPDATE FROM THE VIRGINIA MAIN STREET ALLIANCE

1)  There is a new organizer for the Virginia Main Street Alliance.  Bob Becker started work on January 3 here in the commonwealth.  He is working for Virginia Organizing and may be reached at bob@virginia-organizing.org, by calling 804-937-0752 or by replying to this email. 

2)  The state of Virginia is beginning the process of setting up the health insurance exchanges called for in the new federal health care bill.  While the federal law sets guidelines for these exchanges, the state will have some latitude in how they are set up.   The state is setting up a study committee to recommend how the exchanges be set up.   We believe that effective small business input will be needed to make sure that the exchanges will benefit all Virginia Businesses. 

3)  The US Senate has voted to repeal the 1099 requirements that got added to the health care law.  The requirement would have meant that small businesses would have to file federal tax forms for all purchases of over $600 a year.  We expect that the House of Representatives will vote on this soon. 

4)  The Small Business Majority is presenting a one hour Webinar on how the new health care law impacts small businesses.  If you are interested in seeing this please contact Bob Becker at bob@virginia-organizing.org. 

5)  We learned yesterday that the Obama administration has asked the national Main Street Alliance to recommend small businesspeople to serve on the President’s Council on Jobs and Competitiveness.  The volunteer opportunity will involve travel to DC at least a couple of times but could be a great way for small businesses to be heard on an important issue.