Advanced search    Help

Clear all search criteria

Only 2/3! You are seeing results from the Public Collection, not the complete Full Collection. Sign in to search everything (see eligibility).

• SBA Veterans Assistance Programs: An Analysis of Contemporary Issues [September 4, 2012]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  "Several federal agencies, including the Small Business Administration (SBA), provide training and other assistance to veterans seeking civilian employment. For example, the Department of Labor, in cooperation with the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs, operates the Transition Assistance Program (TAP) and the Disabled Transition Assistance Program (DTAP). Both programs provide employment information and training to service members within 180 days of their separation from military service, or retirement, to assist them in transitioning from the military to the civilian labor force. […] This report opens with an examination of the current economic circumstances of veteran-owned businesses drawn from the Bureau of the Census 2007 Survey of Business Owners, which was administered in 2008 and 2009, and released on the Internet on May 17, 2011. It then provides a brief overview of veteran employment experiences, comparing unemployment and labor force participation rates for veterans, veterans who have left the military since September 2001, and non-veterans. The report then describes the employment assistance programs offered by several federal agencies to assist veterans in their transition from the military to the civilian labor force, and examines, in greater detail, the SBA's veteran business development programs, the SBA's Patriot Express loan guarantee program, and veteran contracting programs. The SBA's Military Reservist Economic Injury Disaster Loan program is also discussed."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Dilger, Robert Jay, 1954-; Lowry, Sean

  2012-09-04
• Employment for Veterans: Trends and Programs [January 10, 2013]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  "Veterans' employment outcomes in the civilian sector are an issue of ongoing congressional interest that has received particular attention during the current period of relatively high unemployment. A number of programs currently exist to assist veterans in obtaining or training for civilian employment. There is regular congressional debate about expanding or otherwise amending these programs to better serve veterans. This report discusses veterans' employment trends and programs. The first section presents data on veterans' employment outcomes, identifying recent trends, and discussing issues to consider when interpreting veterans' employment data. The following sections present brief discussions of existing programs that provide employment-related services to veterans. These services are divided into (1) general programs that are broadly available to veterans, (2) programs that target veterans with service-connected disabilities, and (3) competitive grant programs that provide additional employment-related services to veterans but may be limited in scope or availability."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Collins, Benjamin; Bradley, David H.; Dilger, Robert Jay, 1954- . . .

  2013-01-10
• Distributional Effects of Taxes on Corporate Profits, Investment Income, and Estates [December 27, 2012]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  "Tax reductions enacted in 2001-2004 reduce the effective tax rate on capital income in several different ways. Taxes on capital arise from individual taxes on dividends, interest, capital gains, and income from non-corporate businesses (proprietorships and partnerships). Reductions in marginal tax rates, as well as some tax benefits for business, reduce these taxes. Taxes on capital income also arise from corporate profits taxes, which are affected not only by rate reductions but also by changes to provisions affecting depreciation, interest deductions, other deductions and credits. Finally, taxes can be imposed on capital income through the estate and gift tax. Tax cuts on capital income through capital gains rate reductions, estate and gift tax reductions, and dividend relief are estimated to cost about $57 billion per year, with about half that amount attributable to the estate and gift tax. Lower ordinary tax rates also affect income from unincorporated businesses. These tax cuts are temporary and proposals to make some or all of them permanent are expected. Bonus depreciation appears less likely to be extended. While there are many factors used to evaluate the effects of these tax revisions, one of them is the distributional effect. This report addresses those distributional issues, in the context of behavioral responses."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Gravelle, Jane; Lowry, Sean

  2012-12-27
• Tax Deductions for Individuals: A Summary [December 20, 2012]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  "Every tax filer has the option to claim deductions when filing their income tax return. Deductions serve four main purposes in the tax code: (1) to account for large, unusual, and necessary personal expenditures, such as extraordinary medical expenses; (2) to encourage certain types of activities, such as homeownership and charitable contributions; (3) to ease the burden of taxes paid to state and local governments; and (4) to adjust for the expenses of earning income, such as unreimbursed employee expenses. Some tax deductions can be taken by individuals even if they do not itemize. These deductions are commonly referred to as above-the-line deductions, because they reduce a tax filer's adjusted gross income (AGI, or the line). In contrast, itemized and standard deductions are referred to as below-the-line deductions, because they are applied after AGI is calculated to arrive at taxable income."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Lowry, Sean

  2012-12-20
• SBA Veterans Assistance Programs: An Analysis of Contemporary Issues [January 9, 2013]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  "Several federal agencies, including the Small Business Administration (SBA), provide training and other assistance to veterans seeking civilian employment. For example, the Department of Labor, in cooperation with the Department of Defense and the Department of Veterans Affairs, operates the Transition Assistance Program (TAP) and the Disabled Transition Assistance Program (DTAP). Both programs provide optional employment information and training to service members within 180 days of their separation from military service, or retirement, to assist them in transitioning from the military to the civilian labor force. […] This report opens with an examination of the current economic circumstances of veteran-owned businesses drawn from the Bureau of the Census 2007 Survey of Business Owners, which was administered in 2008 and 2009, and released on May 17, 2011. It then provides a brief overview of veteran employment experiences, comparing unemployment and labor force participation rates for veterans, veterans who have left the military since September 2001, and non-veterans. The report then describes the employment assistance programs offered by several federal agencies to assist veterans in their transition from the military to the civilian labor force, and examines, in greater detail, the SBA's veteran business development programs, the SBA's Patriot Express loan guarantee program, and veteran contracting programs. The SBA's Military Reservist Economic Injury Disaster Loan program is also discussed."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Dilger, Robert Jay, 1954-; Lowry, Sean

  2013-01-09
• Tax Deductions for Individuals: A Summary [January 10, 2013]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  "This report provides an overview of income tax deductions for individuals. A tax deduction reduces the amount of a tax filer's income that is subject to taxation, ultimately reducing the tax filer's tax liability. Every tax filer has the option to claim deductions when filing their income tax return. However, some tax filers and policymakers may not have detailed knowledge of tax deductions, including future changes in the requirements to claim certain deductions. In addition, tax deductions may be of interest to Congress from a budgetary perspective, as some deductions are classified as tax expenditures, and result in losses in federal revenue. This report first describes what tax deductions are, how they vary in their effects on reducing taxable income, and how they differ from other provisions (e.g., exclusions or credits). Next, it discusses the rationale for deductions as part of the tax code. The final section includes tables that summarize each individual tax deduction, under current law. This report focuses on the standard treatment of tax deductions for individuals under the individual income tax code."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Lowry, Sean

  2013-01-10
• Restrictions on Itemized Tax Deductions: Policy Options and Analysis [May 21, 2013]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  "The President and leading Members of Congress have indicated that income tax reform is a major policy objective. Some itemized deductions are visible candidates for 'broadening the base' of the individual income tax and cutting back on tax expenditures and primarily consist of deductions for mortgage interest, state and local taxes, and charitable contributions. The benefits of itemized deductions are concentrated among higher-income individuals, and that is particularly the case for state and local income tax deductions and charitable deductions. Proposals for addressing these provisions fall into two general classes. One approach could include repealing or restricting all itemized deductions. A different approach would consider each type of deduction and tailor a reform to the particular objectives and merits of the deductions, such as a lower ceiling on home mortgage interest deduction and a floor for charitable contributions. This report analyzes various proposals to restrict itemized deductions--both across-the-board and individually tailored--using standard economic criteria of economic efficiency, distribution, simplicity, and estimated revenue effects. In particular, this report estimates each proposal's potential to contribute to revenue-neutral reductions in income tax rates and the consequences for economic behavior."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Lowry, Sean; Gravelle, Jane

  2013-05-21
• Small Business Administration: A Primer on Programs [March 7, 2013]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  "The Small Business Administration (SBA) administers several types of programs to support small businesses, including loan guarantee programs to enhance small business access to capital; contracting programs to increase small business opportunities in federal contracting; direct loan programs for businesses, homeowners, and renters to assist their recovery from natural disasters; and small business management and technical assistance training programs to assist business formation and expansion. Congressional interest in the SBA's loan and contracting programs has increased in recent years, primarily because small businesses are viewed as a means to stimulate economic activity, create jobs, and assist in the national economic recovery. Many Members of Congress also regularly receive constituent inquiries about SBA disaster loans, the loan guarantee programs, and contracting programs. This report provides an overview of these programs, including changes made by P.L. 111-5, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, P.L. 111-240, the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010, and P.L. 112-239, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013. It also provides an overview of the SBA's budget."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Dilger, Robert Jay, 1954-; Lowry, Sean

  2013-03-07
• SBA Veterans Assistance Programs: An Analysis of Contemporary Issues [July 17, 2013]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  "Several federal agencies, including the Small Business Administration (SBA), provide training and other assistance to veterans seeking civilian employment. For example, the Department of Defense, in cooperation with the Department of Labor, Department of Veterans Affairs, and several other federal agencies, including the SBA, operates the Transition Assistance Program (TAP) and the Disabled Transition Assistance Program (DTAP). Both programs provide optional employment information and training to service members within 180 days of their separation from military service, or retirement, to assist them in transitioning from the military to the civilian labor force. […] This report opens with an examination of the current economic circumstances of veteran-owned businesses drawn from the Bureau of the Census 2007 Survey of Business Owners, which was administered in 2008 and 2009, and released on May 17, 2011. It then provides a brief overview of veteran employment experiences, comparing unemployment and labor force participation rates for veterans, veterans who have left the military since September 2001, and non-veterans. The report describes the employment assistance programs offered by several federal agencies to assist veterans in their transition from the military to the civilian labor force, and examines, in greater detail, the SBA's veteran business development programs, the SBA's Patriot Express loan guarantee program, and veteran contracting programs. The SBA's Military Reservist Economic Injury Disaster Loan program is also discussed."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Dilger, Robert Jay, 1954-; Lowry, Sean

  2013-07-17
• Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Fund: Programs and Policy Issues [March 13, 2014]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  "As communities face a variety of economic challenges, some are looking to local banks and financial institutions for solutions that address the specific development needs of low-income and distressed communities. Community development financial institutions (CDFIs) provide financial products and services, such as mortgage financing for homebuyers and not-for-profit developers, underwriting and risk capital for community facilities; technical assistance; and commercial loans and investments to small, start-up, or expanding businesses. CDFIs include regulated institutions, such as community development banks and credit unions, and nonregulated institutions, such as loan and venture capital funds. The Community Development Financial Institutions Fund (the Fund), an agency within the Department of the Treasury, administers several programs that encourage the role of CDFIs, and similar organizations, in community development. Nearly 1,000 financial institutions located throughout all 50 states and the District of Columbia are eligible for the Fund's programs to provide financial and technical assistance to meet the needs of businesses, homebuyers, community developers, and investors in distressed communities. In addition, the Fund allocates the New Markets Tax Credit to more than 5,000 eligible investment vehicles in low-income communities (LICs). This report begins by describing the Fund's history, current appropriations, and each of its programs. A description of the Fund's process of certifying certain financial institutions to be eligible for the Fund's program awards follows. The next section provides an overview of each program's purpose, use of award proceeds, eligibility criteria, and relevant issues for Congress."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Lowry, Sean

  2014-03-13
• SBA Veterans Assistance Programs: An Analysis of Contemporary Issues [June 5, 2014]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  "Several federal agencies, including the Small Business Administration (SBA), provide training and other assistance to veterans seeking civilian employment. For example, the Department of Defense, in cooperation with the Department of Labor, Department of Veterans Affairs, and several other federal agencies, including the SBA, operates the Transition Goals Plans Success program (Transition GPS), which provides employment information and entrepreneurship training to exiting military servicemembers to assist them in transitioning from the military to the civilian labor force.[…] This report opens with an examination of the current economic circumstances of veteran-owned businesses drawn from the Bureau of the Census 2007 Survey of Business Owners, which was administered in 2008 and 2009, and released on May 17, 2011. It then provides a brief overview of veteran employment experiences, comparing unemployment and labor force participation rates for veterans, veterans who have left the military since September 2001, and non-veterans. The report describes the employment assistance programs offered by several federal agencies to assist veterans in their transition from the military to the civilian labor force, and examines, in greater detail, the SBA's veteran business development programs, the SBA's efforts to assist veterans' access to capital, and the SBA's veteran contracting programs. The SBA's Military Reservist Economic Injury Disaster Loan program is also discussed."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Dilger, Robert Jay, 1954-; Lowry, Sean

  2014-06-05
• Recently Expired Community Assistance Related Tax Provisions ('Tax Extenders'): In Brief [May 22, 2014]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  "On April 3, 2014, the Senate Finance Committee passed the Expiring Provisions Improvement Reform and Efficiency (EXPIRE) Act (S. 2260), which would extend most expired and soon-toexpire tax provisions through 2015. Subsequently, the House Ways and Means Committee considered proposals to make permanent certain expired provisions and could reauthorize additional provisions. These and other tax provisions that are regularly extended for one or two years are often referred to as 'tax extenders.' This report briefly summarizes four community assistance-related tax provisions included in the EXPIRE Act, which are (1) the New Markets Tax Credit, (2) Empowerment Zone Tax Incentives, (3) allocation of bond limitations for Qualified Zone Academy Bonds, and (4) the American Samoa Economic Development Credit. The EXPIRE Act would extend each of these provisions for two years (through 2015). A discussion of their economic impact and related extension bills in the 113th Congress is also included."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Lowry, Sean

  2014-05-22
• Small Business Administration Trade and Export Promotion Programs [April 2, 2014]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  "According to Census data, approximately 1% of small businesses in the United States currently export. With roughly three-quarters of world purchasing power and almost 95% of world consumers living outside of U.S. borders, more attention is being paid to the potential of small business export promotion programs to grow small businesses and contribute to the national economic recovery. In addition, some Members of Congress believe that the contributions of small businesses to commercial innovation and economic growth could be enhanced through greater access to growing international markets. Consistent with these policy goals, the Small Business Administration (SBA) provides export promotion and financing services to small businesses through its loan guarantee programs, management and training programs, and other initiatives. SBA's Office of International Trade (OIT) coordinates these activities as it assists with four stages of export promotion: (1) identifying small businesses interested in export promotion; (2) preparing small businesses to export; (3) connecting small businesses to export opportunities; and (4) supporting small businesses once they find export opportunities."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Lowry, Sean

  2014-04-02
• Medical Device Excise Tax: Economic Analysis [November 3, 2014]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  "The 2.3% medical device tax imposed by the Affordable Care Act (ACA; P.L. 111-148) in 2010 was one of a number of additional revenue-raising provisions to finance health reform. This tax, which took effect in January 2013, is projected to collect approximately $38 billion of excise tax revenues over the next 10 years, resulting in $29 billion of net revenues, after accounting for offsets from other taxes. Some have called for a repeal of the medical device tax since enactment in 2010. Repeal of the tax has become such a high priority for some Members of Congress that it was one of the provisions discussed in the October 2013 negotiations over ending the federal government shutdown and increases in the federal debt ceiling. The Jobs for America Act (H.R. 4), passed in the House on September 18, 2014, included a repeal of the tax along with the permanent extension of a number of expiring provisions. The major justification offered for the medical device tax is its revenue, which helps offset the cost of the ACA. Although the tax is relatively small, no revenue replacement has been proposed and it may be difficult to find. There is also a concern among some that eliminating the medical device tax would lead to proposals to eliminate similar fees and taxes on other industries, the sum of which, including the device tax, totals $165 billion over 10 years. The tax was justified partly because the medical device industry was among the commercial interests that stood to benefit from unanticipated profits as more individuals enroll in health care insurance, post-ACA."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Lowry, Sean; Gravelle, Jane

  2014-11-03
• Recently Expired Community Assistance Related Tax Provisions ('Tax Extenders'): In Brief [October 21, 2014]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  "The Expiring Provisions Improvement Reform and Efficiency (EXPIRE) Act (S. 2260), which would extend most expired and soon-to-expire tax provisions (commonly referred to as 'Tax extenders') through 2015, was reported on April 28, and subsequently became an amendment to H.R. 3474. The bill did not advance in the Senate, as a motion to end debate on H.R. 3474, the legislative vehicle for the tax extenders package, was voted down on May 15, 2014. This report briefly summarizes four community assistance-related tax provisions included in the EXPIRE Act, which are (1) the New Markets Tax Credit, (2) Empowerment Zone Tax Incentives, (3) allocation of bond limitations for Qualified Zone Academy Bonds, and (4) the American Samoa Economic Development Credit. The EXPIRE Act would extend each of these provisions for two years (through 2015).1 A discussion of their economic impact and related extension bills in the 113th Congress is also included."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Lowry, Sean

  2014-10-21
• SBA Veterans Assistance Programs: An Analysis of Contemporary Issues [October 23, 2014]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  "Several federal agencies, including the Small Business Administration (SBA), provide training and other assistance to veterans seeking civilian employment. For example, the Department of Defense, in cooperation with the Department of Labor, Department of Veterans Affairs, and several other federal agencies, including the SBA, operates the Transition Goals Plans Success program (Transition GPS), which provides employment information and entrepreneurship training to exiting military servicemembers to assist them in transitioning from the military to the civilian labor force. […] This report opens with an examination of the current economic circumstances of veteran-owned businesses drawn from the Bureau of the Census's 2007 Survey of Business Owners, which was administered in 2008 and 2009 and released on May 17, 2011. It then provides a brief overview of veterans' employment experiences, comparing unemployment and labor force participation rates for veterans, veterans who have left the military since September 2001, and nonveterans. The report describes the employment assistance programs offered by several federal agencies to assist veterans in their transition from the military to the civilian labor force and examines, in greater detail, the SBA's veteran business development programs, the SBA's efforts to assist veterans' access to capital, and the SBA's veteran contracting programs. It also discusses the SBA's Military Reservist Economic Injury Disaster Loan program."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Dilger, Robert Jay, 1954-; Lowry, Sean

  2014-10-23
• Small Business Administration: A Primer on Programs and Funding [October 9, 2014]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  "The Small Business Administration (SBA) administers several types of programs to support small businesses, including loan guaranty and venture capital programs to enhance small business access to capital; contracting programs to increase small business opportunities in federal contracting; direct loan programs for businesses, homeowners, and renters to assist their recovery from natural disasters; and small business management and technical assistance training programs to assist business formation and expansion. Congressional interest in the SBA's loan, venture capital, training, and contracting programs has increased in recent years, primarily because small businesses are viewed as a means to stimulate economic activity, create jobs, and assist in the national economic recovery. Many Members of Congress also regularly receive constituent inquiries about the SBA's programs. This report provides an overview of the SBA's business loan guaranty programs (including the 7(a) loan guaranty program, the 504/Certified Development Company (CDC) program, International Trade and Export Promotion Loan programs, and the Microloan program); venture capital programs (including the Small Business Investment Company program and the New Markets Venture Capital program); entrepreneurial development programs (including Small Business Development Centers, Women's Business Centers, and SCORE); government contracting and business development programs (including the 8(a) Minority Small Business and Capital Ownership Development Program, the Historically Underutilized Business Zones (HUBZones) program, the Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Program, and the Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Federal Contract program); and capital access programs (including the Surety Bond Guarantee Program). The report also discusses programmatic changes resulting from the enactment of P.L. 111-5, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, P.L. 111-240, the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010, P.L. 112-239, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013, and P.L. 113-76, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2014,. In addition, it provides an overview of the SBA's budget and references other CRS reports that examine these programs in greater detail."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Dilger, Robert Jay, 1954-; Lowry, Sean

  2014-10-09
• Small Business Administration Trade and Export Promotion Programs [October 31, 2014]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  "According to Census Bureau data, approximately 1% of small businesses in the United States currently export. With roughly three-quarters of world purchasing power and almost 95% of world consumers living outside U.S. borders, more attention is being paid to the potential of small business export promotion programs to grow small businesses and contribute to the national economic recovery. In addition, some Members of Congress believe the contributions of small businesses to commercial innovation and economic growth could be enhanced through greater access to growing international markets. Consistent with these policy goals, the Small Business Administration (SBA) provides export promotion and financing services to small businesses through its loan guaranty programs, management and training programs, and other initiatives. SBA's Office of International Trade (OIT) coordinates these activities as it assists with four stages of export promotion: (1) identifying small businesses interested in export promotion; (2) preparing small businesses to export; (3) connecting small businesses to export opportunities; and (4) supporting small businesses once they find export opportunities. The Small Business Jobs Act of 2010 (P.L. 111-240) elevated trade within SBA by establishing an assistant administrator to lead OIT and report directly to the SBA administrator. The act also authorized SBA to establish a three-year State Trade and Export Promotion (STEP) pilot grant initiative. Under the STEP initiative, which was appropriated $30 million both in FY2011 and FY2012, SBA awarded grants to states with the goal of assisting eligible 'small business concerns' with exporting."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Lowry, Sean

  2014-10-31
• Federal Proposals to Tax Marijuana: An Economic Analysis [November 13, 2014]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  "The combination of state policy and general public opinion favoring the legalizing of marijuana has led some in Congress to advocate for legalization and taxation of marijuana at the federal level. The Marijuana Tax Equity Act of 2013 (H.R. 501) would impose a federal excise tax of 50% on the producer and importer price of marijuana. The National Commission on Federal Marijuana Policy Act of 2013 (H.R. 1635) proposes establishing a National Commission on Federal Marijuana Policy that would review the potential revenue generated by taxing marijuana, among other things. This report focuses solely on issues surrounding a potential federal marijuana tax. First, it provides a brief overview of marijuana production. Second, it presents possible justifications for taxes and, in some cases, estimates the level of tax suggested by that rationale. Third, it analyzes possible marijuana tax designs. The report also discusses various tax administration and enforcement issues, such as labeling and tracking. […] Although previous studies of marijuana demand largely examine consumers willing to engage in illegal activities, it appears that higher tax rates would have a minor effect on reducing demand. With this said, tax policy, coupled with adequate law enforcement, could be an effective tool to limit marijuana consumption among youth, as empirical studies indicate that their demand is more sensitive to price than non-youth. Excise taxes on marijuana could also be levied primarily to raise revenue, as has been historically the case with tobacco and alcohol. […] The choices in administrative design could affect consumer behavior, production methods, evasion rates, or the tax base of a federal marijuana excise tax. Some of the more significant choices include whether to exempt medicinal uses or homegrown marijuana from tax."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Gravelle, Jane; Lowry, Sean

  2014-11-13
• Affordable Care Act and Small Business: Economic Issues [August 15, 2013]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  "The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA; P.L. [Public Law] 111-148 and P.L. 111-152) contains several provisions to encourage employer-sponsored health coverage, particularly among small businesses. The provisions that most directly relate to small businesses are (1) an employer penalty for not providing health insurance, (2) a tax credit to increase the affordability of health care for the smallest firms, and (3) small business health insurance exchanges designed to increase plan options and lower plan costs. Several events have altered ACA's implementation since its enactment in 2010. Most notably, the Obama administration delayed the implementation of the employer penalty and part of the small business health exchanges from 2014 to 2015 to allow for more time for developing these provisions and allowing firms to come into compliance. These delays have added to uncertainty over the potential effects of ACA on small businesses. First, this report explains how employer-sponsored insurance can be used to address concerns about health insurance coverage and cost. Second, it summarizes the three ACA provisions most relevant to small businesses, listed above. Next, it analyzes these provisions for their potential effects on small businesses. Last, this report presents several approaches that could address some concerns associated with these provisions (particularly the employer penalty)."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Lowry, Sean; Gravelle, Jane

  2013-08-15
• Employment for Veterans: Trends and Programs [February 20, 2014]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  "Veterans' employment outcomes in the civilian labor market are an issue of ongoing congressional interest. This report offers introductory data on veterans' performance in the civilian labor market as well as a discussion of veteran-targeted federal programs that provide employment-related benefits and services. According to federal data, the unemployment rate for veterans who served after September 2001 is higher than the unemployment rate for non-veterans. Conversely, the unemployment rate for veterans from prior service periods (a much larger population than post-9/11 veterans) is lower than the non-veteran unemployment rate. The varied demographic factors of each of these populations likely contribute to these variations, though their degree of influence is unclear. There are a number of federal programs to assist veterans in developing job skills and securing civilian employment. Broadly speaking, these programs can be divided into (1) general veterans' programs, (2) programs that target veterans with service-connected disabilities, and (3) competitive grant programs that offer supplemental services but may not be available to veterans in all areas. General veterans' programs begin with transition programs that are provided to exiting members of the Armed Forces. These transition programs cover a variety of topics including information on identifying occupations that align with military skills and specializations, conducting job searches, applying for employment, and navigating veterans' benefits. One of the most common veterans' benefits is educational funding through the GI Bill. The GI Bill programs typically provide funding for tuition, fees, housing, books, and other educational costs while the veteran is enrolled."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Collins, Benjamin; Dilger, Robert Jay, 1954-; Dortch, Cassandria . . .

  2014-02-20
• Small Business Administration: A Primer on Programs [January 22, 2014]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  "According to Census data, approximately 1% of small businesses in the United States currently export. With roughly three-quarters of world purchasing power and almost 95% of world consumers living outside of U.S. borders, more attention is being paid to the potential of small business export promotion programs to grow small businesses and contribute to the national economic recovery. […] Consistent with these policy goals, the Small Business Administration (SBA) provides export promotion and financing services to small businesses through its loan guarantee programs, management and training programs, and other initiatives. SBA's Office of International Trade (OIT) coordinates these activities as it assists with four stages of export promotion: (1) identifying small businesses interested in export promotion; (2) preparing small businesses to export; (3) connecting small businesses to export opportunities; and (4) supporting small businesses once they find export opportunities. The Small Business Jobs Act of 2010 (P.L. [Public Law] 111-240) elevated trade within SBA by establishing an Assistant Administrator to lead OIT and report directly to the SBA Administrator. […] On January 17, 2014, the President signed into law the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2014 (H.R. 3547), which appropriated $8 million for the STEP [State Trade and Export Promotion] program in FY2014. SBA's export-related loans amounted to approximately $1.2 billion (comprising approximately 5.0% of SBA's annual loan portfolio) in FY2013. […] In the 113th Congress, several bills have been introduced to improve efficiencies among small business export promotion programs […]."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Lowry, Sean

  2014-01-22
• Affordable Care Act and Small Business: Economic Issues [February 25, 2014]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  "First, this report explains how employer-sponsored insurance can be used to address concerns about health insurance coverage and cost. Second, it summarizes the three ACA [ Affordable Care Act] provisions most relevant to small businesses, listed above. Next, it analyzes these provisions for their potential effects on small businesses. Last, this report presents several approaches that could address some concerns associated with these provisions (particularly the employer penalty). According to analysis of the most recent employer size and insurance coverage data, ACA's employer penalty is structured so that it could exempt approximately 96.2% of employer firms simply because they would be too small, and thus fall below the employer penalty threshold of 50 FTE [Full-time Equivalents] employees. These exempt firms account for approximately 27.6% of all workers. After accounting for firms that already provide insurance, less than 1% of employer firms could be subject to the employer penalty. Although 72.4% of all employees work for firms that are large enough to be potentially subject to the penalty, only about 1.8% of employees work in firms that do not already offer health insurance. Less than 4% of small businesses that could have been eligible for the small business health care tax credit in 2010 actually claimed it. According to a report by the Government Accountability Office (GAO), many business owners felt that (1) the credit was too small of an incentive to begin offering insurance; (2) even if these small employers offered health insurance, some employees declined coverage because they could not afford their share of the premium; and (3) the rules were too complex. President Obama has proposed simplifying and expanding the credit."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Lowry, Sean; Gravelle, Jane

  2014-02-25
• Small Business Administration: A Primer on Programs and Funding [March 20, 2014]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  "The Small Business Administration (SBA) administers several types of programs to support small businesses, including loan guaranty and venture capital programs to enhance small business access to capital; contracting programs to increase small business opportunities in federal contracting; direct loan programs for businesses, homeowners, and renters to assist their recovery from natural disasters; and small business management and technical assistance training programs to assist business formation and expansion. Congressional interest in the SBA's loan, venture capital, training, and contracting programs has increased in recent years, primarily because small businesses are viewed as a means to stimulate economic activity, create jobs, and assist in the national economic recovery. Many Members of Congress also regularly receive constituent inquiries about the SBA's programs. This report provides an overview of the SBA's business loan guaranty programs (including the 7(a) loan guaranty program, the 504/Certified Development Company program, International Trade and Export Promotion Loan programs, and the Microloan program); venture capital programs (including the Small Business Investment Company program and the New Markets Venture Capital program); entrepreneurial development programs (including Small Business Development Centers, Women's Business Centers, and SCORE, among others); government contracting and business development programs (including the 8(a) Minority Small Business and Capital Ownership Development Program, the Historically Underutilized Business Zones (HUBZones) program, the Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Program, and the Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Federal Contract program); and capital access programs (including the Surety Bond Guarantee Program)."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Dilger, Robert Jay, 1954-; Lowry, Sean

  2014-03-20
• Restrictions on Itemized Tax Deductions: Policy Options and Analysis [March 10, 2014]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  "The President and leading Members of Congress have indicated that income tax reform is a major policy objective. Some itemized deductions are visible candidates for 'broadening the base' of the individual income tax and cutting back on tax expenditures and primarily consist of deductions for mortgage interest, state and local taxes, and charitable contributions. The benefits of itemized deductions are concentrated among higher-income individuals, and that is particularly the case for state and local income tax deductions and charitable deductions. Proposals for addressing these provisions fall into two general classes. One approach could include repealing or restricting all itemized deductions. A different approach would consider each type of deduction and tailor a reform to the particular objectives and merits of the deductions, such as a lower ceiling on home mortgage interest deduction and a floor for charitable contributions. This report analyzes various proposals to restrict itemized deductions--both across-the-board and individually tailored--using standard economic criteria of economic efficiency, distribution, simplicity, and estimated revenue effects. In particular, this report estimates each proposal's potential to contribute to revenue-neutral reductions in income tax rates and the consequences for economic behavior. For an introduction to tax deductions, see CRS Report R42872, 'Tax Deductions for Individuals: A Summary,' by Sean Lowry. For general tax data analysis on itemized tax deductions, see CRS Report R43012, 'Itemized Tax Deductions for Individuals: Data Analysis, by Sean Lowry.'"

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Gravelle, Jane; Lowry, Sean

  2014-03-10
• Itemized Tax Deductions for Individuals: Data Analysis [February 12, 2014]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  "Reforming or limiting itemized tax deductions for individuals has gained the interest of policy makers as one way to increase federal tax revenue, increase the share of taxes paid by higher income tax filers, simplify the tax code, or reduce incentives that might lead to inefficient economic behavior. However, limits on deductions could cause adverse economic effects or changes in the distributional burden of the federal income tax code. This report is intended to identify who claims itemized deductions, for how much, and for which provisions. This report analyzes data to inform the policy debate about reforming itemized tax deductions for individuals. In 2011, 32% of all tax filers chose to itemize their deductions rather than claim the standard deduction. In addition, the data indicate that both the share of tax filers who itemize their deductions and the amount claimed by each tax filer increase as adjusted gross income (AGI) increases. AGI is the basic measure of income under the federal income tax and is the income measurement before itemized deductions and personal exemptions are taken into account. Although higher-income tax filers are more likely to itemize their deductions and claim a larger amount of itemized deductions than lower-income tax filers, the majority of itemizers (63.6%) have incomes below $100,000, and 90.3% of itemizers have an AGI below $200,000."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Lowry, Sean

  2014-02-12
• Potential Policy Implications of the House Reconciliation Bill (H.R. 3762) [November 10, 2015]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  From the Introduction: "On October 23, 2015, the House passed a reconciliation bill containing provisions submitted by three committees--Ways and Means, Energy and Commerce, and Education and Workforce--pursuant to reconciliation instructions included in the FY2016 budget resolution (S.Con.Res. 11). The bill, the Restoring Americans' Healthcare Freedom Reconciliation Act of 2015 (H.R. 3762), would repeal several provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA; P.L. 111-148, as amended). It would also restrict federal funding for the Planned Parenthood Federation of America (PPFA) and its affiliates and clinics for a period of one year. This report provides background on the reconciliation process and summarizes the provisions in H.R. 3762, including their projected budgetary impact. It then briefly examines the bill's policy implications. The report will be updated as necessary to reflect key legislative developments."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Mach, Annie L.; Heisler, Elayne J., 1976-; Lister, Sarah A. . . .

  2015-11-10
• Small Business Administration: A Primer on Programs and Funding [June 29, 2015]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  "The Small Business Administration (SBA) administers several types of programs to support small businesses, including loan guaranty and venture capital programs to enhance small business access to capital; contracting programs to increase small business opportunities in federal contracting; direct loan programs for businesses, homeowners, and renters to assist their recovery from natural disasters; and small business management and technical assistance training programs to assist business formation and expansion. Congressional interest in the SBA's loan, venture capital, training, and contracting programs has increased in recent years, primarily because small businesses are viewed as a means to stimulate economic activity, create jobs, and assist in the national economic recovery. Many Members of Congress also regularly receive constituent inquiries about the SBA's programs. This report provides an overview of the SBA's business loan guaranty programs […]. The report also discusses programmatic changes resulting from the enactment of P.L. 111-5, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2 009, P.L. 111-240, the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010, P.L. 112-239, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013, and P.L. 113- 235, the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2015. In addition, it provides an overview of the SBA's budget and references other CRS reports that examine these programs in greater detail."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Dilger, Robert Jay, 1954-; Lowry, Sean

  2015-06-29
• Affordable Care Act and Small Business: Economic Issues [January 15, 2015]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  "The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA; P.L. 111-148 and P.L. 111-152) contains several provisions to encourage employer-sponsored health coverage, particularly among small businesses. The provisions that most directly relate to small businesses are (1) an employer penalty for not providing health insurance, (2) a tax credit to increase the affordability of health care for the smallest firms, and (3) small business health insurance exchanges designed to increase plan options and lower plan costs. Several events have altered the ACA's implementation since its enactment in 2010. Most notably, the Obama Administration delayed the implementation of the employer penalty and part of the small business health exchanges from 2014 to 2015 to allow more time for developing these provisions and allowing firms to come into compliance. […] Small business health exchanges could help to reduce some barriers to accessing relatively affordable health coverage in the small-group market. By pooling risk among multiple businesses and reducing administrative costs, average insurance costs could reduce costs for these firms. Firms with relatively healthier employees, however, could see a rise in insurance costs. One issue of concern is the incentive for firms to reduce part-time employee hours below the 30 hours that define full-time employment (under the ACA) as a means to exclude these employees from coverage. The Save American Workers Act of 2015 (H.R. 30, approved by the House on January 8, 2015) would increase the definition of full-time to at least 40 hours per week. This change would reduce the incentive at 30 hours per week, but it also would introduce an incentive to reduce hours among those who work around 40 hours (a larger share of all workers)."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Lowry, Sean; Gravelle, Jane

  2015-01-15
• Small Business Administration: A Primer on Programs and Funding [February 3, 2015]

  Show summary     Open resource [pdf]     (open full abstract)

  "The Small Business Administration (SBA) administers several types of programs to support small businesses, including loan guaranty and venture capital programs to enhance small business access to capital; contracting programs to increase small business opportunities in federal contracting; direct loan programs for businesses, homeowners, and renters to assist their recovery from natural disasters; and small business management and technical assistance training programs to assist business formation and expansion. […] This report provides an overview of the SBA's business loan guaranty programs (including the 7(a) loan guaranty program, the 504/Certified Development Company (CDC) program, International Trade and Export Promotion Loan programs, and the Microloan program); venture capital programs (including the Small Business Investment Company program and the New Markets Venture Capital program); entrepreneurial development programs (including Small Business Development Centers, Women's Business Centers, and SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives)); government contracting and business development programs (including the 8(a) Minority Small Business and Capital Ownership Development Program, the Historically Underutilized Business Zones (HUBZones) program, the Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business Program, and the Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Federal Contract program); and capital access programs (including the Surety Bond Guarantee Program). The report also discusses programmatic changes resulting from the enactment of P.L. 111-5, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, P.L. 111-240, the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010, P.L. 112-239, the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013, and P.L. 113- 235, the Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2015. In addition, it provides an overview of the SBA's budget and references other CRS reports that examine these programs in greater detail."

  Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

  Dilger, Robert Jay, 1954-; Lowry, Sean

  2015-02-03