Daily Report for Executives Index-Summary

EARNED INCOME TAX CREDIT (EITC)

– Inflationary adjustment, CRS report describes changes for 2010, 204:G–4 (10/26/09)

ECONOMIC INDICATORS

– Business inventories

See INVENTORIES

– Construction

See CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

– Consumer confidence

See CONSUMER CONFIDENCE

– Consumer credit

See CONSUMER CREDIT

– Consumer prices

See CONSUMER PRICE INDEX (CPI)

– Employment

See EMPLOYMENT AND UNEMPLOYMENT

– Gross domestic product

See GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT (GDP)

– Household expenditures, 2008, BLS report, 192:EE–8 (10/7/09); half of households used tax rebates in 2008 mostly to pay debts, BLS says, 199:EE–14 (10/19/09)
– Housing

See HOUSING

– Import-export prices

See INTERNATIONAL TRADE

– Leading economic indicators, Sept., Conference Bd. report, 203:EE–1 (10/23/09)
– Manufacturing

See MANUFACTURING

– Producer prices

See PRODUCER PRICE INDEX (PPI)

– Productivity

See PRODUCTIVITY

– Retail sales

See RETAIL INDUSTRY

– Trade deficit

See BALANCE OF TRADE

– Wages and salaries

See COMPENSATION

ECONOMIC OUTLOOK

– Beige book, mid-Sept.-mid Oct., Fed report, 202:EE–2 (10/22/09)
– Blue Chip Economic Indicators survey, 195:EE–10 (10/13/09)
– CEA Chair Romer tells Congressional Joint Economic Comm. job creation will continue to be weak and unemployment will stay at elevated levels for some time, 203:EE–4 (10/23/09); Romer optimistic on upcoming third-quarter economic growth report, 205:EE–12 (10/27/09)
– Chamber of Commerce launches ad and public education campaign to promote system of free enterprise and entrepreneurship, which it says is vital to economic growth and job creation, 197:A–31 (10/15/09)
– Chicago FRBank Natl. Activity Index, Sept., 205:EE–1 (10/27/09)
– Chief financial officer survey, third quarter, compiled by Baruch College and Financial Executives Intl., 188:EE–14 (10/1/09)
– Declining use of Fed loans and liquidity provisions signals improved economy, BNA Special Report, 195:C–1 (10/13/09)
– Developing countries, World Bank President Zoellick calls for new crisis facility, 190:EE–4 (10/5/09)
– Fed's Kohn not optimistic about strong recovery, says low interest rates to remain in place, 196:EE–1 (10/14/09)
– Global economy expected to grow 3.1 percent in 2010 after contracting 1.1 percent in 2009, IMF says, 189:EE–4 (10/2/09); IMF's Strauss-Kahn says unemployment will cast long shadow on recovery, 190:EE–5 (10/5/09); G-7 finance ministers note signs of recovery, pledge to keep support measures in place, 191:EE–3 (10/6/09); IMF policy panel cites signs of recovery, agrees its time to review IMF mandate, 191:EE–5 (10/6/09); H1N1 flu pandemic could cut global GDP between 0.7 and 3.0 percent, World Bank says, 191:EE–7 (10/6/09); world may be emerging from recession, but problems of developing countries continue, chiefs of World Bank and IMF say, 192:EE–1 (10/7/09); Fed Chrm. Bernanke says Asian economies leading global recovery, U.S. policymakers should develop strategy to help ensure against return to imbalanced growth, 200:EE–1 (10/20/09)
– Gross domestic product

See GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT (GDP)

– Manufacturing

See MANUFACTURING

– NABE economists declare recession ended, but predict slow return to growth, 196:EE–3 (10/14/09); third quarter survey, 205:EE–1 (10/27/09)
– N.Y. FRBank President Dudley notes positive trends, but negatives mean “mixed” assessment, 191:EE–18 (10/6/09)
– OECD says new data show recovery continues, but warns about interpretation, 195:EE–2 (10/13/09); OECD says governments need to reevaluate rapport with private sector in wake of economic crisis, 204:EE–4 (10/26/09); OECD conference to consider new ways of measuring global progress and wellbeing, 205:EE–4 (10/27/09)
– Payroll job growth expected by some economists by end of 2009, while others less optimistic, 188:EE–1 (10/1/09)
– Services sector, June, ISM report, 191:EE–1 (10/6/09)
– Sound national manufacturing policy, including investments in infrastructure projects, workforce development, and fair trade, key to rebuilding economy, speakers say, 208:EE–12 (10/30/09)
– Treasury Sec'y Geithner says recovery under way, economy faces “long period of adjustment,” 198:EE–15 (10/16/09)

ECONOMIC STIMULUS

– Bonus depreciation, NOL carryback should extend to 2010, House Speaker Pelosi (D-Cal) says, 202:G–8 (10/22/09)
– Businesses urge Congress to pass extenders package, 194:G–6 (10/9/09); U.S. Chamber of Commerce-coordinated letter signed by 507 firms, 194:TaxCore (10/9/09)
– Construction industry proposes tax incentives, policy changes to promote economic recovery, AGC blueprint, 188:G–3 (10/1/09)
– Economists and lawmakers clash during hearing over importance of various government stimulus programs in easing job losses and helping bring about recovery, 208:EE–14 (10/30/09)
– House Speaker Pelosi (D-Cal) says separate stimulus unlikely, support measures will be added to existing legislation, 202:G–9 (10/22/09)
– Job creation credit

– – Economic Policy Inst. says 2-year credit would create 5M jobs, 201:G–3 (10/21/09)
– – Partisan split seen in support for credit in new House stimulus, 193:G–4 (10/8/09); lawmakers discuss job creation options, 194:G–6 (10/9/09)
– – Ways-Means members not sold on White House proposal, 206:G–5 (10/28/09)

– NOL carrybacks

See LEGISLATION, FEDERAL, HR 2452, HR 3548

– Social Security, retiree payments of $250, administration proposal moving forward, 197:G–16 (10/15/09)
– Tax incentives, policy changes to promote economic recovery, AGC blueprint, 188:G–3 (10/1/09)
– Treasury Sec'y Geithner says no need for immediate decision on additional stimulus package, 206:EE–13 (10/28/09)
– 2008 rebate errors, IRS should distribute corrected stimulus payments, TIGTA says, 192:G–4 (10/7/09)
– 2009 package

See AMERICAN RECOVERY AND REINVESTMENT ACT (ARRA)

– Ways-Means Chrm. Rangel (D-NY) planning separate estate tax, jobs creation, tax extenders measures, 197:G–11 (10/15/09)
– White House economic advisory panel schedules open meeting Nov. 2, webcast, 198:G–5 (10/16/09); Treasury notice, 198:TaxCore (10/16/09)

ECUADOR

– Hazardous waste, Ecuadorian court case against Chevron for dumping billions of gallons of oil waste into Amazon River, human rights advocate calls on Chevron to clean up polluted sites, 199:A–11 (10/19/09)

EDUCATION

See also COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES
– E-rate program to connect schools and libraries to internet, Rockefeller (D-WVa) seeks FCC rule change to increase funding, 195:A–23 (10/13/09)
– Employment, White House report says stimulus package created or saved over 250,000 jobs, 200:EE–9 (10/20/09)
– Private school scholarships, Ga. explains tax credit limits, procedure for claims, 195:H–4 (10/13/09)

ELECTION REFORM

– Online voter registration

See LEGISLATION, FEDERAL, HR 1719

ELECTRONIC COMMERCE

– Ed. Note: This heading covers electronic sales of goods and services and their regulation. All other references to the web or the internet are found at INTERNET.
– Antitrust, counterclaims by internet service that collects information from Facebook conclusory and lack specificity (N.D. Cal.), 207:A–8 (10/29/09)
– Banner ads not subject to N.Y. sales tax, 208:H–2 (10/30/09)
– Behavioral marketing, FTC considering privacy enforcement action, official says, 194:A–23 (10/9/09)
– Cigarette sales, RICO's application on Supreme Ct. docket, BNA Analysis & Perspective, 190:J–1 (10/5/09)
– Cybersecurity

– – DHS authorized to hire up to 1,000 professionals over next 3 years to assist agency in protecting U.S. computer networks, 190:A–8 (10/5/09)
– – Electric power grid security

See LEGISLATION, FEDERAL, HR 2165, HR 2195

– – Governments need to improve cooperation at international level to heighten security, experts at forum say, 192:A–1 (10/7/09)
– – Reform of U.S. approach should not be rushed, Clarke (D-NY) says, 199:A–22 (10/19/09)

– Domain names, ICANN and NTIA agreement promises to improve accountability in maintenance of space, 188:A–17 (10/1/09)
– eBay, Canadian court orders company to provide data on high-volume sellers, 194:I–2 (10/9/09)
– Gambling online, House lawmakers urge Obama admin. to delay enforcing federal rules that make financial firms responsible for blocking “illegal” internet gambling payments, 190:A–22 (10/5/09)
– Indecency, craigslist receives favorable ruling, dismissal of prostitution ad claim (N.D. Ill.), 202:A–10 (10/22/09)
– Product reviews posted on blogs are advertisements governed by FTC's product endorsement policy, FTC announces, 191:A–2 (10/6/09); state attorney general actions raise non-compliance risks with FTC guidance, 194:A–5 (10/9/09); FTC updated guides target hidden sponsored marketing relationships, not traditional reviews online, official says, 197:A–25 (10/15/09)
– Sales tax simplification

– – Breakfast cereals and bars, SSUTA panel forwards interpretation on request, 207:H–1 (10/29/09)
– – Exemptions administration, SSUTA panel forwards amendment to governing board, 199:H–1 (10/19/09)
– – Governing board announces new officers, 188:H–1 (10/1/09)
– – Member state recertification, SSUTA panel gives preliminary approval to revised process, 194:H–1 (10/9/09); panel sends revisions to recertification rule to board, 203:H–1 (10/23/09)
– – Membership types, SSUTA governing board adopts amendment, tables measure on noncompliance sanctions, 188:H–1 (10/1/09)
– – Origin-based sourcing, SSUTA board adopts amendment, 188:H–1 (10/1/09)
– – Wis. adopts conforming amendments by emergency rule, 192:H–3 (10/7/09)

ELECTRONIC FILING

– Information returns, IRS corrects e-filing specifications, 195:G–7 (10/13/09)
– Mass. mandates e-filing by combined groups, some passthrough entities, 201:H–2 (10/21/09)
– Return preparer mandate expected to aid IRS meet e-filing goal, ETA Dir. says, 197:G–7 (10/15/09)
– Tip reporting, employer e-filing instructions updated, 199:G–10 (10/19/09)

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

– Cafeteria plans, final rules will be delayed, Treasury official says, 200:G–7 (10/20/09)
– EBSA projects, DOL announces that Asst. Sec'y Borzi will provide update to ERISA Advisory Council, 198:EE–10 (10/16/09)
– Form 5500, further guidance coming on Schedule C reporting, DOL official says, 194:G–7 (10/9/09); guidance provides direction to group health, retirement plans, 204:G–2 (10/26/09); DOL sponsors webcast on changes, 206:EE–6 (10/28/09)
– Health coverage

See HEALTH INSURANCE

– Pension plans

See PENSIONS

– Voluntary benefits would grow in popularity if more employers reduce employer-provided coverage, survey finds, 196:EE–9 (10/14/09)

EMPLOYMENT AND UNEMPLOYMENT

– Assistance to unemployed, several state officials and nonprofit groups recommend changes in federal “safety net” programs, 194:A–32 (10/9/09)
– CEA Chair Romer tells Congressional Joint Economic Comm. job creation will continue to be weak and unemployment will stay at elevated levels for some time, 203:EE–4 (10/23/09)
– Chamber of Commerce launches ad and public education campaign to promote system of free enterprise and entrepreneurship, which it says is vital to economic growth and job creation, 197:A–31 (10/15/09)
– Clean energy investments could create 4.5 million jobs by 2030, report says, 203:EE–17 (10/23/09)
– Economic outlook

– – IMF's Strauss-Kahn says unemployment will cast long shadow on recovery, 190:EE–5 (10/5/09)
– – Payroll job growth expected by some economists by end of 2009, while others less optimistic, 188:EE–1 (10/1/09)

– Energy retrofitting U.S. homes, VP Biden unveils proposal to create jobs, 200:A–12 (10/20/09)
– Foreign workers

See ALIENS

– Holiday seasonal employment expected to be week in final 3 months of 2009, BLS report, 202:EE–22 (10/22/09)
– Job openings and labor turnover survey (JOLTS), Aug., BLS report, 195:EE–10 (10/13/09)
– Layoffs, Sept., Challenger, Gray & Christmas report, 189:EE–9 (10/2/09)
– Mass layoffs, Sept., BLS report, 203:EE–2 (10/23/09); text of Sept. data, 203:E–3 (10/23/09)
– New America Foundation conference discusses actions needed to spur employment growth, infrastructure emphasized, 201:EE–18 (10/21/09)
– New hires, first 9 months of 2009, Challenger, Gray & Christmas report, 196:EE–5 (10/14/09)
– Obama admin. economists Krueger and Blank say high unemployment and uncertain jobs outlook pose challenge, 204:EE–11 (10/26/09)
– OECD countries, Aug., 196:EE–2 (10/14/09)
– Payroll employment, Sept., BLS report, 190:EE–1 (10/5/09); text of Sept. data, 190:E–1 (10/5/09); critics of stimulus package cite Sept. unemployment rate of 9.8 percent as need for course change, 190:EE–14 (10/5/09); text of Sept. state data, 202:E–1 (10/22/09); state data, Sept., 202:EE–1 (10/22/09)
– UI benefit funds

See UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE

– Worker classification

See EMPLOYMENT TAXES

EMPLOYMENT TAXES

– Annual returns, IRS sets procedures for eligible employers to opt in or out of filing Form 944, 205:G–1 (10/27/09); Rev. Proc. 2009-51, 205:TaxCore (10/27/09)
– FICA wage base adjustment unlikely in 2010, SSA actuary tells congressional staff, admin. officials, 188:G–8 (10/1/09); maximum tax remains static at 2009 level of $106,800, 198:G–1 (10/16/09)
– IRS processing mistake prompts notice to resubmit Form 941, Schedule B, 189:G–1 (10/2/09)
– Responsible persons, corporation's manager held liable for tax (U.S., rev den), 196:K–1 (10/14/09)
– Unemployment taxes

See UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE

– Worker classification

– – Detecting misclassification, GAO makes new recommendations, practitioner offers advice, Viewpoint, 195:J–1 (10/13/09)
– – FedEx drivers, 3 states propose suit over alleged employee misclassification, 202:K–1 (10/22/09); letter from N.Y., N.J., Mont. Atty. Gens., 202:TaxCore (10/22/09)

ENDANGERED SPECIES

– Klamath River dams, Dep't of Interior, states of Or. and Cal., and Pacific Corp. utility announce draft agreement on possible removal of 4 to protect coho salmon, 188:A–20 (10/1/09)
– Peninsula bighorn sheep, environmental groups file lawsuit challenging Fish and Wildlife Service's critical habitat designation (S.D. Cal.), 194:A–25 (10/9/09)
– Polar bears, Fish and Wildlife Service proposes to designate 200.541 square miles of critical habitat, 203:A–19 (10/23/09)
– Savage Rapids Dam on Rogue River in southern Or. removed, allowing access to 500 miles of salmon spawning and rearing habitat, 196:A–14 (10/14/09)
– Seal species affected by loss of sea ice, NOAA to decide by Oct. 15 whether to grant ESA protections (D.D.C.), 190:A–19 (10/5/09)
– Spotted seals in and near Alaska, 2 of 3 populations currently not in danger, NOAA Fisheries Service determines, 200:A–8 (10/20/09)
– Steelhead trout in mid-Columbia River, Natl. Marine Fisheries Service issues recovery plan that could cost $1B over next 50 years, 190:A–16 (10/5/09)

ENERGY

– Biofuels

See ALTERNATIVE FUELS

– Carbon emissions

See CLIMATE CHANGE

– Comprehensive reform

See LEGISLATION, FEDERAL, S 1462

– Efficiency

– – Delivery of energy resources

See LEGISLATION, FEDERAL, HR 3598

– – Gas furnaces, Mass. officials petition DOE for authority to enforce standard that significantly exceeds federal standard, 190:A–22 (10/5/09)
– – Heating and cooling, manufacturers and environmental advocates agree on rules, 196:A–25 (10/14/09)
– – Inefficient products get Energy Star labels because DOE has failed to make oversight and control improvements to program, internal audit finds, 200:A–8 (10/20/09)
– – Midwestern Governors Ass'n urged by advisory panel to adopt measures to improve efficiency, 190:A–27 (10/5/09)
– – Stricter enforcement of rules includes random compliance reviews of manufacturers' certification reports for consumer products, DOE says, 196:A–22 (10/14/09)
– – Water efficiency standards for residential clothes washers, DOE decision denying Cal preemption waiver to implement overturned (9th Cir.), 208:A–26 (10/30/09)

– Electric utilities

See UTILITIES

– Federal agencies, FERC asserts its authority to enforce mandatory reliability standards, 198:A–18 (10/16/09)
– FY2010 program funding

See LEGISLATION, FEDERAL, HR 3183*

– Home improvements

See HOUSING

– Indirect costs to health, environment, and economy of producing and using energy in U.S. amounted to about $120B in 2005, Natl. Research Council report, 200:A–23 (10/20/09)
– Petroleum industry

See OIL AND GAS

– Renewable sources

See RENEWABLE ENERGY

– Retrofitting U.S. homes, VP Biden unveils proposal to create jobs, 200:A–12 (10/20/09)

ENERGY DEPARTMENT (DOE)

– Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy, director nominee Majumdar touts advanced energy projects amid little opposition at Senate hearing, 194:A–10 (10/9/09); Senate Energy and Natural Resource Comm. approves nomination, 197:A–7 (10/15/09)

ENVIRONMENT

See also AIR POLLUTION; WATER POLLUTION
– Biodiversity and ecosystem protection, negotiators differ over new global platform to address, 200:A–6 (10/20/09)
– Brownfields redevelopment

– – HUD programs, Natl. Brownfields Coalition urges Senate to follow House lead in providing $31M in FY2010, 202:A–33 (10/22/09)
– – Job-training grants, EPA announces applications to be accepted until Dec. 1, 2009, 190:A–24 (10/5/09)
– – Residential use, HUD policy change allows multifamily units on less-than-pristine sites, 203:A–20 (10/23/09)

– Cal., Obama admin. to provide heightened leadership on water crisis in Central Valley and its associated environmental problems, 188:A–30 (10/1/09)
– Fla. beach erosion control plan constitutes illegal taking of private property (U.S., oral arg), 201:A–14 (10/21/09)
– Global warming

See CLIMATE CHANGE

– International trade, environmental goods and services agreement critical to lowering tariff and nontariff barriers, Commerce Dep't official says, 193:A–16 (10/8/09)
– Klamath River dams, Dep't of Interior, states of Or. and Cal., and Pacific Corp. utility announce draft agreement on possible removal of 4 to protect coho salmon, 188:A–20 (10/1/09)
– Land conservation easements

See LEGISLATION, FEDERAL, HR 1831, S 812

– Nanotechnology

See NANOTECHNOLOGY

– Radioactive waste

See NUCLEAR WASTE

– Regulation based on law first, policy goals second called for by appeals court Judge Tatel, 192:A–33 (10/7/09)
– Savage Rapids Dam on Rogue River in southern Or. removed, allowing access to 500 miles of salmon spawning and rearing habitat, 196:A–14 (10/14/09)
– Snowmobiles in Yellowstone Natl. Park, 318 to be allowed per day during winter of 2009-2010, Natl. Park Service announces, 199:A–26 (10/19/09)
– Spanish speakers, EPA Adm'r Jackson promises to better address environmental concerns, 205:A–11 (10/27/09)
– Superfund sites

See SUPERFUND

– Water resources

See WATER RESOURCES

– Wetlands

See WETLANDS

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY (EPA)

– FY2010 budget

See LEGISLATION, FEDERAL, HR 2996*

ERISA

– Insurance, Mont. Insurance Comm'r can prohibit insurers in state from including discretionary clauses in employee benefit plans governed by ERISA (9th Cir.), 206:EE–5 (10/28/09)
– Pensions

– – Breach of fiduciary duties, dismissal of Citigroup stock drop case criticized by DOL associate solicitor (S.D.N.Y.), 188:EE–10 (10/1/09)
– – Cash balance plans, Citigroup did not violate ERISA's minimum benefit accrual rules by using “fractional test” to compute minimum accruals when participants severed their employment (2d Cir.), 200:EE–4 (10/20/09)

ESTATE TAX

– Expenses, outstanding claims against estate, IRS issues final rules on deductions under §2053, provides limited exception, 199:GG–1 (10/19/09); text of TD 9468, 199:L–1 (10/19/09); Notice 2009-84 on exception for IRS to examine Form 706, 199:L–15 (10/19/09)
– IRS audit focus, SBSE counsel discusses at AICPA forum, 205:G–1 (10/27/09)
– Loans to family business are not interests for estate tax purposes (8th Cir.), 194:K–1 (10/9/09); decision text, 194:TaxCore (10/9/09)
– Relief

– – Bipartisan Ways-Means members' bill, 204:G–2 (10/26/09)
– – Coalition of business groups supports compromise, AFBI critical, 192:G–5 (10/7/09); letter from Family Business Estate Tax Coalition, 192:TaxCore (10/7/09)
– – Ways-Means Chrm. Rangel (D-NY) planning measure, offsets not required, 197:G–11 (10/15/09); Rangel drafting bill to make 2009 tax rate permanent, statutory pay-go language possible, 203:G–5 (10/23/09); Dem member meet on estate tax, 206:G–5 (10/28/09)

ETHANOL

See ALTERNATIVE FUELS

EUROPEAN UNION (EU)

See also specific member nations
– Agriculture

– – Dairy farmers accused by Comm'r Fischer-Boel of perpetuating wasteful, trade-distorting, subsidy-bloated image by dumping millions of gallons of milk in fields as part of demands for aid, 191:A–6 (10/6/09); EC caves in, offers new subsidies, 200:A–4 (10/20/09)
– – Food prices, EU takes steps to lower by increasing efficiency of food chain, 207:A–19 (10/29/09)
– – Poultry, U.S. producers ask USTR to request WTO panel to rule on EU sanitary restrictions, 189:A–1 (10/2/09); U.S. calls on WTO to establish panel, 194:A–1 (10/9/09); EU blocks WTO panel, 204:A–3 (10/26/09)

– Air pollution, industry slowdown could help EU countries stay within limits, Environment Agency says, 191:A–3 (10/6/09)
– Alcoholic beverages, EU drops threat of WTO challenge as Uruguay revamps tax scheme for imports, 191:I–3 (10/6/09)
– Antidumping, China seeks WTO panel ruling on EU regulation affecting imports of iron and steel fasteners, 196:A–6 (10/14/09); WTO sets up panel to rule on case, 204:A–3 (10/26/09)
– Antitrust

– – Airlines, regulator challenges trans-Atlantic alliance proposed by American Airlines, British Airways, and Iberia Airlines, 190:A–2 (10/5/09)
– – Drugs and pharmaceuticals, EC must reconsider request by GlaxoSmithKline for exemption to EU competition rules over “parallel” drug exports (ECJ), 192:A–11 (10/7/09)
– – Electric power, EC approves German utility E.ON's bid to acquire 2 power plants, 197:A–3 (10/15/09); EC approves reverse half of asset swap between E.ON and Belgian power company Electrabel, 199:A–7 (10/19/09)
– – Energy transmission market, Svenska Kraftnat, Swedish electrical grid system operator, agrees to open network to neighboring countries, 192:A–3 (10/7/09)
– – Internet browsers, antitrust regulator agrees to market test Microsoft proposal to give consumers ballot screen browser choice, 193:A–4 (10/8/09)
– – Mobile electronics and transportation systems, EC authorizes proposed acquisition of Delphi by GM, 191:A–18 (10/6/09)
– – Telecommunication operators' legal challenge to EU roaming regulations should be dismissed (ECJ), 190:A–3 (10/5/09)

– Banking

– – Dutch bank ING selling off insurance and investment management divisions as well as its U.S.-based internet banking division, under pressure from EC, 205:EE–8 (10/27/09)
– – German government aid to HSH Nordbanken, EU antitrust regulator launches probe, 204:EE–5 (10/26/09)
– – Sector declared sound after stress tests on 22 large banks, finance ministers and central bank governors say, 189:EE–6 (10/2/09)
– – Toxic assets, EC approves first financial institution in Germany to unload as much as $128B, 194:EE–3 (10/9/09)
– – UK credit guarantee and recapitalization scheme extension approved by EC as meeting EU state-aid limitations, 196:EE–4 (10/14/09)

– Budget deficits, EC targets 9 member states for violating Stability and Growth Pact, 194:EE–4 (10/9/09); EC alerts 13 members their high levels of public spending not viable long term, 197:EE–6 (10/15/09)
– Chemical regulatory framework REACH

– – Amendment to legislation not being delayed by internal disagreement, despite delay, EC official says, 202:A–9 (10/22/09)
– – “Very high concern” substances, Germany calls for improved criteria for identifying, 195:A–16 (10/13/09)

– China trade deficit risks becoming “unsustainable” unless Beijing addresses barriers hindering foreign firms from exporting to, and investing in, Chinese market, EU trade official warns, 205:A–14 (10/27/09)
– Climate change

– – Climate action commissioner to be appointed by EC to push worldwide for implementation of strong policies to tackle global warming, 203:A–4 (10/23/09)
– – EC to propose making carbon tax part of energy directive in 2010, 190:I–1 (10/5/09)
– – UN talks

See CLIMATE CHANGE

– – Vans sold in EU should be subject to mandatory carbon dioxide emissions limits, EC says, 207:A–17 (10/29/09)

– Corporate relocations, EC challenges Spain, Portugal on exit taxes, 195:I–1 (10/13/09)
– Cross-border investment, EC proposes simplifying tax relief on securities income, 200:I–2 (10/20/09)
– Cross-border savings, EC says Luxembourg, Austria backtrack on withholding commitment, 201:I–2 (10/21/09)
– Derivatives, EC outlines legislative plan to impose regulatory regime, increase swap fees, 201:EE–3 (10/21/09)
– Economic outlook, IMF says recession ending, but conditions vary widely across region, 191:EE–6 (10/6/09); global crisis reverses growth and poverty gains in Eastern Europe, IMF says, 191:EE–7 (10/6/09)
– Economic Sentiment Indicator, Oct, EC report, 208:EE–6 (10/30/09)
– Enlargement of union, Croatia may finish entry talks in 2010, while Macedonia could start membership negotiations, 197:A–23 (10/15/09)
– Euro zone

– – Budget deficit average of euro zone countries triples in 2008, Eurostat reports, 203:EE–6 (10/23/09)
– – Consumer prices, Sept., Eurostat report, 188:EE–6 (10/1/09)
– – Economic stimulus packages should be phased out beginning in 2011, finance ministers say, 189:EE–7 (10/2/09)
– – Inflation, Sept. Eurostat report, 198:EE–5 (10/16/09)

– Hazardous waste, environment ministers approve adoption of Intl. Maritime Org. convention on shipbreaking, 202:A–7 (10/22/09)
– Intellectual property

– – Global patent system, EU and U.S. must work together to promote innovation and help global economy recover, EU Patent Office president says, 204:A–7 (10/26/09)
– – Online digital book distribution, EC considers collective copyright licensing to promote, 202:A–6 (10/22/09)
– – Online distribution of music, films and video games, EC launches consultation period to solicit views for legislation it will propose in 2010, 203:A–5 (10/23/09)

– Interest rates kept steady by Central Bank, 194:EE–2 (10/9/09)
– Internet, EP backs off from demands that court order be required before any EU citizen's access cut off for repeated illegal downloading of copyrighted material, 205:A–4 (10/27/09)
– Lobby registry financial reporting, EC wants tighter rules, 206:A–5 (10/28/09)
– Mining industry restrictions in Indonesia, U.S. and EU raise concerns on compatibility of law with WTO rules, 197:A–8 (10/15/09)
– Monetary policy, member states agree on terms for establishing macroeconomic supervision body called European Systemic Risk Bd., 202:EE–5 (10/22/09); EC proposes further technical measures, 205:EE–7 (10/27/09)
– Money laundering, French capital market authority calls for comments on draft changes to regulation transposing Third EU AML Directive, 190:EE–11 (10/5/09)
– Money market funds, French capital market authority publishes EU classification criteria, 190:EE–11 (10/5/09)
– Motor vehicles, GM to sign Opel-Magna deal soon, German ministry spokesman says, 197:EE–7 (10/15/09); talks on deal still ongoing, German Economics Minister says, 199:EE–7 (10/19/09); EC reiterates concerns over German state aid for new Opel owner, 200:EE–2 (10/20/09)
– Political advertising on behalf of parties subject to VAT, ECJ rules, 193:I–3 (10/8/09)
– Privacy

– – Data transfers from EU to U.S., FTC settles with 6 U.S. firms accused of deceiving consumers by falsely claiming they were complying with privacy requirements, 192:A–32 (10/7/09)
– – Lisbon Treaty, Irish approval will likely result in stronger data protection in EU, 191:A–5 (10/6/09); Irish approval puts spotlight on Czech Republic and Poland for ratification, 191:EE–11 (10/6/09); EC President Barroso cautions against obstacles to Czech ratification, 196:A–11 (10/14/09)
– – Online privacy threats, EC urges action to fight, cites inconsistent efforts, 195:A–2 (10/13/09)
– – Online profiling, Council of Europe seeks comment on draft data protection principles and safeguards, 191:A–8 (10/6/09)

– Renewable energy, Spain to use upcoming EU presidency to push use of electric cars and solar power, 192:A–9 (10/7/09)
– South Korea, EC commits to sign off on free trade agreement, 193:A–3 (10/8/09); EU and South Korea sign FTA, 198:A–14 (10/16/09); Korean officials say U.S. goods would be at major disadvantage without U.S. FTA, 198:A–29 (10/16/09); USTR comparison of Korea-EU FTA to U.S.-Korea pact shows differences, 201:A–4 (10/21/09)
– Tire efficiency and labeling scheme agreed to by EP and member states, 190:A–4 (10/5/09)
– Trade deficit, Aug., 199:EE–9 (10/19/09)
– Transatlantic Economic Council to focus on regulatory cooperation, not trade disputes, sources say, 198:A–19 (10/16/09); meeting identifies areas for possible cooperation on regulation, 206:A–21 (10/28/09)
– U.S. and EU to hold summit meeting focusing on strategic issues of mutual concern, 199:A–1 (10/19/09)
– U.S.-EU free trade agreement proposed, Swedish Trade Minister Bjorling expresses frustration with slow pace of Doha Round of WTO talks, 205:A–20 (10/27/09)
– VAT violations alleged, EC takes legal action against member states, 195:I–2 (10/13/09)

EXCISE TAXES

– Air travel

See AIR TRANSPORTATION

– Cigarettes

See TOBACCO INDUSTRY

– Guns and ammunition

See FIREARMS

– Health insurance, Cadillac plans

See HEALTH CARE REFORM

– Imports, proposed TTB rules clarify link between tax payment under Code, drawback of tax, 197:G–1 (10/15/09)
– Liquor

See ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE INDUSTRY

– Phone service

See TELECOMMUNICATIONS

– Single-owner disregarded entities treated as corporations for tax purposes, IRS corrects rules, 196:G–6 (10/14/09)
– TTB forms

See TAX FORMS

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

– Banking, weaknesses in risk management include executive pay, report says, 202:EE–19 (10/22/09)
– Bonus “clawback,” SEC suit shifts calculus on financial restatements, BNA Analysis & Perspective, 191:J–1 (10/6/09)
– Deferred compensation plans

See DEFERRED COMPENSATION

– Health care industry, Senate Finance Comm. votes to curb deductions of insurance firms, 190:GG–1 (10/5/09); Grassley (R-Iowa) does not offer amendments on safe harbor for hospital executives, 190:GG–3 (10/5/09)
– Performance-based pay

– – Companies have time to amend plans to comply with §162(m) and §409A, attorney says, 199:G–7 (10/19/09)
– – Performance shares, large U.S. companies turning in greater numbers to granting as part of long-term incentive compensation plans, report says, 194:EE–6 (10/9/09)
– – Treasury and G-20 statements, practitioners cite discrepancies with current rules, 205:G–8 (10/27/09)

– Proxy disclosure rules, no date set for SEC to consider proposed enhancements, official says, 207:EE–14 (10/29/09)
– TARP recipients

– – Bank of America CEO to return 2009 pay after talks with Treasury's Feinberg, 199:EE–10 (10/19/09)
– – Limits on pay packages for financial firms and other business issued on multiple fronts, as Fed proposes broader probe of bonuses, 203:EE–16 (10/23/09)
– – Perceptions between Wall Street and Main Street present challenge to Treasury's Feinberg, 201:EE–10 (10/21/09)
– – Plan to align pay with long-term interests said challenging but not insurmountable, 192:EE–6 (10/7/09)
– – Treasury's Feinberg against extension of authority, says others should follow his model, 207:EE–8 (10/29/09); Feinberg to offer tax suggestions to curb abuses, 207:G–10 (10/29/09)

EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT

– Policy czars, Feingold (D-Wis) signals interest in legislation to curb use, 192:A–26 (10/7/09)

EXEMPT ORGANIZATIONS

– Accounting, FASB to establish not-for-profit advisory committee, 203:G–1 (10/23/09)
– ACORN

– – Defunding

See LEGISLATION, FEDERAL, HR 2918*

– – Federal employee donations, OPM has no basis for barring affiliate from CFC, 206:G–7 (10/28/09); Dir. Berry's response to Grassley (R-Iowa), 206:TaxCore (10/28/09)

– Charitable donations

See CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTIONS

– Churches

– – Parsonages, foundation files complaint against tax benefits ministers receive (E.D. Cal.), 200:K–1 (10/20/09); text of complaint, 200:TaxCore (10/20/09)
– – Tax inquiries, commenters say proposed rule inconsistent with statute, 199:G–9 (10/19/09)

– Form 990

– – Foreign activity reporting, IRS plans changes for 2009, 200:G–1 (10/20/09)
– – IRS launches video series, 197:G–18 (10/15/09)

– Health care reform, Senate Finance Comm. bill would create nonprofit firms to sell insurance, reinsure, 196:GG–3 (10/14/09)
– Investigations, Treasury exempts certain records from Privacy Act rules, 193:G–3 (10/8/09); final rules, 193:TaxCore (10/8/09)
– Lobbying, IRS issues ruling on public charity support of groups that lobby, 190:G–4 (10/5/09); Alliance for Justice analysis of ruling, 190:TaxCore (10/5/09); unnumbered PLR on public foundations, charities under §501(h), 190:TaxCore (10/5/09); AFJ official says public charities freer to make grants related to lobbying under PLR, 201:G–9 (10/21/09)
– Political organizations may need to update browsers to file with IRS, 205:G–9 (10/27/09)
– Regional health information, IRS approves 30 applications for RHIOs, testing criteria continues, 196:G–5 (10/14/09)
– S.D. governor calls for review of sales tax exemptions, 189:H–2 (10/2/09)
– Supporting organizations

– – Functionally integrated Type III organizations, IRS releases memo on criteria for determinations, 194:G–6 (10/9/09)
– – Payout rate, attentiveness test focus of nonfunctionally integrated proposal, Treasury official says, 204:G–3 (10/26/09)
– – Proposed rules tighten links between charities, say IRS officials, 203:G–5 (10/23/09)
– – Responsiveness test, practitioner says removal of charitable trust alternative test follows law, will impede abuse, 195:G–3 (10/13/09)

EXEMPTIONS

– Bonds

See BONDS, EXEMPT

– IRS ruling summaries released, 195:K–3 (10/13/09)
– Nonprofit groups

See EXEMPT ORGANIZATIONS

EXPATRIATES

– AMT statute takes precedence over U.S.-Canada tax treaty (D.C. Cir.), 199:K–1 (10/19/09); decision text, 199:TaxCore (10/19/09)
– Companies

See INVERSION TRANSACTIONS

– “Exit tax,” IRS releases HEART Act guidance, 198:G–3 (10/16/09); Notice 2009-85, 198:TaxCore (10/16/09)

EXPORT CONTROLS

– Business groups offer series of proposals to revamp existing control regime, 190:A–15 (10/5/09)
– High-tech products

– – China trade lost to EU and Japan because of “discriminatory” U.S. export controls, Chinese government officials say, 188:A–11 (10/1/09)
– – Closest allies, Commerce Sec'y Locke considers lifting controls on exports, 189:A–15 (10/2/09); Shelby (R-Ala) voices concern over plan, 192:A–16 (10/7/09)

– Reform

– – House Foreign Affairs bill would provide Executive Branch with “broad and flexible” authority over controls, 191:A–20 (10/6/09)
– – Obama admin. to use Scowcroft study in updating controls, Sec'y of State Clinton says, 199:A–13 (10/19/09)

EXPORT-IMPORT BANK

– FY2009, bank authorized more than $21B in support to U.S. exports, 196:A–20 (10/14/09)
– Programs have been expanded to respond to financial crisis, OIG report, 199:A–16 (10/19/09)