Category: DJF

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: One incoming passenger convicted and jailed for possession of duty-not-paid tobacco (with photo)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    One incoming passenger was sentenced to four months’ imprisonment and fined $1,000 at the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts today (June 27) for possessing duty-not-paid tobacco and failing to declare it to Customs Officers, in contravention of the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (DCO).

    Customs officers intercepted a 28-year-old incoming female passenger at Hong Kong International Airport on May 2. About 21 kilograms of duty-not-paid cigars, with an estimated market value of about $246,000 and a duty potential of about $90,000 in total, were seized from her personal baggage. She was subsequently arrested.

    Customs welcomes the sentence. The custodial sentence has imposed a considerable deterrent effect and reflects the seriousness of the offences.

    Customs reminds members of the public that under the DCO, tobacco products are dutiable goods to which the DCO applies. Any person who deals with, possesses, sells or buys duty-not-paid tobacco commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $1 million and imprisonment for two years.

    Members of the public may report any suspected illicit cigarette activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002/en).

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Special traffic arrangements for flag raising ceremonies to celebrate 28th anniversary of establishment of HKSAR

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Special traffic arrangements for flag raising ceremonies to celebrate 28th anniversary of establishment of HKSAR

         Police announced today (June 27) that it will implement the following special traffic arrangements in phases from June 29 to July 1 to facilitate the holding of the flag raising ceremonies in Central, Wan Chai North and Tin Hau to mark the celebration of the 28th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.- Expo Drive Central;
    – Expo Drive East; and
    – The slip road leading from the Central-Wan Chai Bypass Tunnel (CWBT) to Expo Drive.- Lung Tat Path.- Traffic turning right from northbound Lung Hop Street can only enter eastbound CWBT via eastbound Lung Wo Road.- Traffic along westbound Lung Wo Road will be diverted via southbound Tim Wa Avenue.- All metered, motorcycle and disabled parking spaces on Tung Lo Wan Road between Causeway Road and Lin Fa Kung Street West will be suspended from 10pm on June 29 to 8am on June 30.Issued at HKT 17:54

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Cheapest Summer Gas Prices in Four Years

    US Senate News:

    Source: US Whitehouse
    Americans are seeing the cheapest summertime gas prices since 2021 — more than 20 cents lower than one year ago — as President Donald J. Trump delivers on his promises of lower prices, stable inflation, and higher wages.
    The Fake News was wrong (again).
    From The New York Times: “Summer road trips appear to be safe from a big spike in gasoline prices. The national average price of gasoline has hovered around $3.20 a gallon this week after Israel and Iran agreed to a cease-fire … And it is more than 20 cents lower than a year ago. The last time the cost for drivers was lower in late June was in 2021.”
    From The Wall Street Journal: “Hitting the road this summer won’t bring as big of a hit to your wallet. The national average for a gallon of regular gasoline, $3.21, is about 23 cents cheaper than this time last year … Reduced prices would be a boon for consumers during the warmer months when Americans drive more. Low energy prices so far this year have already contributed to the economy’s resilience and helped keep inflation in check.”
    From NBC News: “Looking at gas prices that are the best in four years — and this is so important for all of those millions of people who will be hitting the roads … 20 cents less than it was a year ago, so that’s six or seven bucks extra when you fill up. That’s real money.”

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ricketts Hosts Mobile Office Hours in all 93 Counties

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Pete Ricketts (Nebraska)

    June 27, 2025

    Omaha, NE – Today, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) announced his constituent casework staff have hosted Mobile Office Hours in each of Nebraska’s 93 counties this year.

    “I am in Washington to serve Nebraskans and renew opportunity,” said Ricketts.  “I know that rural and hard-working Nebraskans might not be able to take the time to drive to one of our district offices if they need assistance from their senator.  That’s why my team is committed to traveling to every part of the state to ensure every Nebraskan has a chance to seek help from my office.”

    At Mobile Office Hours, Ricketts’ staff are available on-site to assist Nebraskans with their casework needs.  If Nebraskans can’t get an answer in a timely manner from federal offices, Ricketts and his staff may be able to help resolve the issue or help them get in touch with the correct people.

    For more information about Ricketts’ constituent services, please visithttps://www.ricketts.senate.gov/services. 

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    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: US Department of Labor awards more than $23M in new grants to help homeless, at-risk veterans reenter workforce

    Source: US Department of Labor

    Categories24/7 OSI, labor, MIL-OSI, United States Government, US Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor

    Alethieia House Inc.

    Birmingham

    AL

    AL: Autauga, Bullock, Elmore, Lowndes, Montgomery

    $358,996

    Teens Empowerment Awareness with Resolutions Inc.

    Tuskegee

    AL

    AL: Macon, Lee, Russell

    $300,000

    St. Francis House Inc.

    Little Rock

    AR

    AR: Pulaski

    $183,965

    Valley of the Sun Young Men’s Christian Association

    Phoenix

    AZ

    AZ: Maricopa

    $500,000

    United States Veterans Initiative

    Prescott

    AZ

    AZ: Yavapai

    $320,000

    WestCare California Inc.

    Fresno

    CA

    CA: San Joaquin

    $300,000

    WestCare California Inc.

    Fresno

    CA

    CA: Fresno, Madera

    $400,000

    Emmanuel’s House Inc.

    Hesperia

    CA

    CA: San Bernardino, Riverside 

    $500,000

    United States Veterans Initiative

    Inglewood

    CA

    CA: Los Angeles

    $240,000

    Managed Career Solutions Spc.

    Los Angeles

    CA

    CA: Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, Ventura

    $500,000

    Volunteers of America of Los Angeles

    Los Angeles

    CA

    CA: Los Angeles

    $500,000

    Vocational Rehabilitation Specialists Inc. 

    Marina

    CA

    CA: Monterey, Santa Cruz, San Benito

    $336,000

    Vocational Rehabilitation Specialists Inc. 

    Marina

    CA

    CA: Fresno, Madera

    $396,000

    Vocational Rehabilitation Specialists Inc. 

    Marina

    CA

    CA: Amador, San Joaquin, Calaveras, Stanislaus

    $440,000

    Vocational Rehabilitation Specialists Inc. 

    Marina

    CA

    FL: Hillsborough, Polk, Hardee

    $400,000

    Vocational Rehabilitation Specialists Inc. 

    Marina

    CA

    CA: Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Ventura

    $408,000

    Vocational Rehabilitation Specialists Inc. 

    Marina

    CA

    WA: Island, Jefferson, King, Kitsap, Mason, Pierce, Thurston

    $499,999

    Vocational Rehabilitation Specialists Inc. 

    Marina

    CA

    FL: Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Brevard

    $500,000

    Vocational Rehabilitation Specialists Inc. 

    Marina

    CA

    FL: Pinellas, Manatee, Sarasota

    $392,000

    Vocational Rehabilitation Specialists Inc. 

    Marina

    CA

    MN: Benton, Carlton, Lake, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Sherburne, St. Louis, Stearns, Todd, Wright

    WI: Barron, Buffalo, Chippewa, 
    Clark, Crawford, Douglas, Dunn, Eau Claire, Jackson, La Crosse, Monroe, Pepin, Pierce, Polk, Rusk, St. Croix, Trempealeau, Vernon

    $304,000

    Vocational Rehabilitation Specialists Inc. 

    Marina

    CA

    WI: Columbia, Dane, Dodge, Green, Iowa, Jefferson, Lafayette, Rock, Sauk

    $320,000

    Vocational Rehabilitation Specialists Inc. 

    Marina

    CA

    NC: Bladen, Brunswick, Chatham, Columbus, Cumberland, Duplin, Harnett, Hoke, Johnston, Lee, Moore, New Hanover, Onslow, Pender, Richmond, Robeson, Sampson, Scotland

    $496,000

    Vocational Rehabilitation Specialists Inc. 

    Marina

    CA

    NE: Burt, Cass, Dodge, Douglas, Lancaster, Otoe, Sarpy, Saunders, Washington

    $272,000

    The Salvation Army

    Rancho Palos Verdes

    CA

    CA: Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara

    $500,000

    The Salvation Army

    Rancho Palos Verdes

    CA

    CA: Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino

    $500,000

    Vietnam Veterans of San Diego

    San Diego

    CA

    CA: Imperial

    $237,070

    Goodwill Of Silicon Valley

    San Jose

    CA

    CA: Santa Clara

    $500,000

    Goodwill Industries of Orange County California

    Santa Ana

    CA

    CA: Orange

    $240,000

    The Arapahoe/Douglas Workforce Development Board

    Centennial

    CO

    CO: Arapahoe, Douglas

    $165,000

    Volunteers of America Colorado

    Denver

    CO

    CO: Adams, Arapahoe, Broomfield, Boulder, Denver, Douglas, Jefferson

    $445,473

    Goodwill of Western and Northern Connecticut, Inc.

    Bridgeport

    CT

    CT: Fairfield

    $260,000

    PowerTechs Incorporated

    Wilmington

    DE

    TN: Davidson

    $483,112

    Abilities Inc. of Florida

    Clearwater

    FL

    FL: Pinellas

    $300,000

    Salt Outreach, Inc.

    Orlando

    FL

    FL: Orange, Osceola, Seminole

    $350,000

    Atlanta Center for Self Sufficiency, Inc.

    Atlanta

    GA

    GA: Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett

    $475,000

    Get to Work Foundation Inc.

    Villa Rica

    GA

    NC:  Iredell, Mecklenburg, Union, Rowan, Cabarrus

    $500,000

    Get to Work Foundation Inc.

    Villa Rica

    GA

    GA: Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Douglas, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry, Rockdale

    $500,000

    Workforce Alliance of South Central Kansas

    Wichita

    KS

    KS: Sedgwick

    $500,000

    Vietnam Veterans Workshop Inc.

    Boston

    MA

    MA: Bristol, Essex, Middlesex, Norfolk, Plymouth, Suffolk

    $500,000

    AMVETS National Service Foundation

    Hyattsville

    MD

    AZ: Maricopa

    $500,000

    AMVETS National Service Foundation

    Hyattsville

    MD

    UT: Salt Lake

    $500,000

    Southwest Economic Solutions Corporation

    Detroit

    MI

    MI: Wayne

    $160,000

    Volunteers of America Michigan Inc.

    Southfield

    MI

    MI: Allegan, Calhoun, Kalamazoo, Kent, Muskegon, Ottawa

    $256,761

    Connections to Success Inc.

    St. Charles

    MO

    MO: Boone

    $152,000

    Harbor Homes Inc.

    Nashua

    NH

    NH: Belknap, Carroll, Cheshire, Coos, Grafton, Hillsborough, Merrimack, Rockingham, Strafford, Sullivan

    $200,000

    Center For Family Services Inc.

    Camden

    NJ

    NJ: Camden

    $220,000

    WestCare Nevada Inc.

    Reno

    NV

    NV: Washoe 

    $500,000

    Black Veterans for Social Justice Inc.

    Brooklyn

    NY

    NY: Bronx, New York, Westchester

    $500,000

    Services for the UnderServed Inc.

    New York

    NY

    NY:  Bronx, Kings, Queens, Richmond, New York

    $178,459

    Volunteers of America Ohio & Indiana

    Columbus

    OH

    IN: Lake, Jasper, La Porte

    $290,240

    Easter Seals Oregon

    Portland

    OR

    OR: Jackson, Josephine

    $300,000

    Easter Seals Oregon

    Portland

    OR

    OR: Crook, Deschutes

    $320,000

    Veterans Multi-Service Center Inc.

    Philadelphia

    PA

    PA: Centre, Clinton. Dauphin, Franklin, Fulton, Juniata, Lebanon, Mifflin, Northumberland, Snyder, Union

    $278,632

    America Works of Tennessee Inc.

    Memphis

    TN

    TN: Shelby, Jackson
    AR: Crittenden

    $360,000

    Volunteers of America Texas Inc.

    Euless

    TX

    TX: Dallas, Tarrant

    $500,000

    SER-Jobs for Progress of the Texas Gulf Coast Inc.

    Houston

    TX

    TX: Fort Bend, Harris, Montgomery

    $312,000

    American GI Forum National Veterans Outreach Program Inc.

    San Antonio

    TX

    TX: Bexar

    $500,000

    Family Endeavors Inc., dba Endeavors

    San Antonio

    TX

    AZ: Cochise

    $399,999

    River City Comprehensive Counseling Services

    Henrico

    VA

    VA: Richmond city

    $405,516

    United States Veterans Initiative

    Richmond

    VA

    DC: District of Columbia
    MD: Montgomery

    $260,000

    Opportunities Industrialization Center of Washington

    Yakima

    WA

    WA: Adams, Benton, Chelan, Douglas, Franklin, Grant, Kittitas, Walla Walla, Yakima

    $500,000

    Eastern West Virginia Community Action Agency Inc.

    Petersburg

    WV

    WV: Barbour, Berkeley, Braxton, Brooke, Calhoun, Doddridge, Gilmer, Grant, Greenbrier, Hampshire, Hancock, Hardy, Harrison, Jefferson, Lewis, Marion, Marshall, Mineral, Monongalia, Monroe, Morgan, Ohio, Pendleton, Pleasants, Pocahontas, Preston, Randolph, Ritchie, Taylor, Tucker, Tyler, Upshur, Webster, Wetzel, Wirt, Wood

    $500,000

    Volunteers Of America Northern Rockies

    Sheridan

    WY

    MT: Custer, Dawson, Prairie, Rosebud, Treasure, Wibaux, Yellowstone

    $200,000

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: US Department of Labor awards more than $23M in new grants to help homeless, at-risk veterans reenter workforce

    Source: US Department of Labor

    Categories24/7 OSI, labor, MIL-OSI, United States Government, US Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor

    Alethieia House Inc.

    Birmingham

    AL

    AL: Autauga, Bullock, Elmore, Lowndes, Montgomery

    $358,996

    Teens Empowerment Awareness with Resolutions Inc.

    Tuskegee

    AL

    AL: Macon, Lee, Russell

    $300,000

    St. Francis House Inc.

    Little Rock

    AR

    AR: Pulaski

    $183,965

    Valley of the Sun Young Men’s Christian Association

    Phoenix

    AZ

    AZ: Maricopa

    $500,000

    United States Veterans Initiative

    Prescott

    AZ

    AZ: Yavapai

    $320,000

    WestCare California Inc.

    Fresno

    CA

    CA: San Joaquin

    $300,000

    WestCare California Inc.

    Fresno

    CA

    CA: Fresno, Madera

    $400,000

    Emmanuel’s House Inc.

    Hesperia

    CA

    CA: San Bernardino, Riverside 

    $500,000

    United States Veterans Initiative

    Inglewood

    CA

    CA: Los Angeles

    $240,000

    Managed Career Solutions Spc.

    Los Angeles

    CA

    CA: Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, Ventura

    $500,000

    Volunteers of America of Los Angeles

    Los Angeles

    CA

    CA: Los Angeles

    $500,000

    Vocational Rehabilitation Specialists Inc. 

    Marina

    CA

    CA: Monterey, Santa Cruz, San Benito

    $336,000

    Vocational Rehabilitation Specialists Inc. 

    Marina

    CA

    CA: Fresno, Madera

    $396,000

    Vocational Rehabilitation Specialists Inc. 

    Marina

    CA

    CA: Amador, San Joaquin, Calaveras, Stanislaus

    $440,000

    Vocational Rehabilitation Specialists Inc. 

    Marina

    CA

    FL: Hillsborough, Polk, Hardee

    $400,000

    Vocational Rehabilitation Specialists Inc. 

    Marina

    CA

    CA: Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Ventura

    $408,000

    Vocational Rehabilitation Specialists Inc. 

    Marina

    CA

    WA: Island, Jefferson, King, Kitsap, Mason, Pierce, Thurston

    $499,999

    Vocational Rehabilitation Specialists Inc. 

    Marina

    CA

    FL: Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Brevard

    $500,000

    Vocational Rehabilitation Specialists Inc. 

    Marina

    CA

    FL: Pinellas, Manatee, Sarasota

    $392,000

    Vocational Rehabilitation Specialists Inc. 

    Marina

    CA

    MN: Benton, Carlton, Lake, Mille Lacs, Morrison, Sherburne, St. Louis, Stearns, Todd, Wright

    WI: Barron, Buffalo, Chippewa, 
    Clark, Crawford, Douglas, Dunn, Eau Claire, Jackson, La Crosse, Monroe, Pepin, Pierce, Polk, Rusk, St. Croix, Trempealeau, Vernon

    $304,000

    Vocational Rehabilitation Specialists Inc. 

    Marina

    CA

    WI: Columbia, Dane, Dodge, Green, Iowa, Jefferson, Lafayette, Rock, Sauk

    $320,000

    Vocational Rehabilitation Specialists Inc. 

    Marina

    CA

    NC: Bladen, Brunswick, Chatham, Columbus, Cumberland, Duplin, Harnett, Hoke, Johnston, Lee, Moore, New Hanover, Onslow, Pender, Richmond, Robeson, Sampson, Scotland

    $496,000

    Vocational Rehabilitation Specialists Inc. 

    Marina

    CA

    NE: Burt, Cass, Dodge, Douglas, Lancaster, Otoe, Sarpy, Saunders, Washington

    $272,000

    The Salvation Army

    Rancho Palos Verdes

    CA

    CA: Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara

    $500,000

    The Salvation Army

    Rancho Palos Verdes

    CA

    CA: Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino

    $500,000

    Vietnam Veterans of San Diego

    San Diego

    CA

    CA: Imperial

    $237,070

    Goodwill Of Silicon Valley

    San Jose

    CA

    CA: Santa Clara

    $500,000

    Goodwill Industries of Orange County California

    Santa Ana

    CA

    CA: Orange

    $240,000

    The Arapahoe/Douglas Workforce Development Board

    Centennial

    CO

    CO: Arapahoe, Douglas

    $165,000

    Volunteers of America Colorado

    Denver

    CO

    CO: Adams, Arapahoe, Broomfield, Boulder, Denver, Douglas, Jefferson

    $445,473

    Goodwill of Western and Northern Connecticut, Inc.

    Bridgeport

    CT

    CT: Fairfield

    $260,000

    PowerTechs Incorporated

    Wilmington

    DE

    TN: Davidson

    $483,112

    Abilities Inc. of Florida

    Clearwater

    FL

    FL: Pinellas

    $300,000

    Salt Outreach, Inc.

    Orlando

    FL

    FL: Orange, Osceola, Seminole

    $350,000

    Atlanta Center for Self Sufficiency, Inc.

    Atlanta

    GA

    GA: Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett

    $475,000

    Get to Work Foundation Inc.

    Villa Rica

    GA

    NC:  Iredell, Mecklenburg, Union, Rowan, Cabarrus

    $500,000

    Get to Work Foundation Inc.

    Villa Rica

    GA

    GA: Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Douglas, Fulton, Gwinnett, Henry, Rockdale

    $500,000

    Workforce Alliance of South Central Kansas

    Wichita

    KS

    KS: Sedgwick

    $500,000

    Vietnam Veterans Workshop Inc.

    Boston

    MA

    MA: Bristol, Essex, Middlesex, Norfolk, Plymouth, Suffolk

    $500,000

    AMVETS National Service Foundation

    Hyattsville

    MD

    AZ: Maricopa

    $500,000

    AMVETS National Service Foundation

    Hyattsville

    MD

    UT: Salt Lake

    $500,000

    Southwest Economic Solutions Corporation

    Detroit

    MI

    MI: Wayne

    $160,000

    Volunteers of America Michigan Inc.

    Southfield

    MI

    MI: Allegan, Calhoun, Kalamazoo, Kent, Muskegon, Ottawa

    $256,761

    Connections to Success Inc.

    St. Charles

    MO

    MO: Boone

    $152,000

    Harbor Homes Inc.

    Nashua

    NH

    NH: Belknap, Carroll, Cheshire, Coos, Grafton, Hillsborough, Merrimack, Rockingham, Strafford, Sullivan

    $200,000

    Center For Family Services Inc.

    Camden

    NJ

    NJ: Camden

    $220,000

    WestCare Nevada Inc.

    Reno

    NV

    NV: Washoe 

    $500,000

    Black Veterans for Social Justice Inc.

    Brooklyn

    NY

    NY: Bronx, New York, Westchester

    $500,000

    Services for the UnderServed Inc.

    New York

    NY

    NY:  Bronx, Kings, Queens, Richmond, New York

    $178,459

    Volunteers of America Ohio & Indiana

    Columbus

    OH

    IN: Lake, Jasper, La Porte

    $290,240

    Easter Seals Oregon

    Portland

    OR

    OR: Jackson, Josephine

    $300,000

    Easter Seals Oregon

    Portland

    OR

    OR: Crook, Deschutes

    $320,000

    Veterans Multi-Service Center Inc.

    Philadelphia

    PA

    PA: Centre, Clinton. Dauphin, Franklin, Fulton, Juniata, Lebanon, Mifflin, Northumberland, Snyder, Union

    $278,632

    America Works of Tennessee Inc.

    Memphis

    TN

    TN: Shelby, Jackson
    AR: Crittenden

    $360,000

    Volunteers of America Texas Inc.

    Euless

    TX

    TX: Dallas, Tarrant

    $500,000

    SER-Jobs for Progress of the Texas Gulf Coast Inc.

    Houston

    TX

    TX: Fort Bend, Harris, Montgomery

    $312,000

    American GI Forum National Veterans Outreach Program Inc.

    San Antonio

    TX

    TX: Bexar

    $500,000

    Family Endeavors Inc., dba Endeavors

    San Antonio

    TX

    AZ: Cochise

    $399,999

    River City Comprehensive Counseling Services

    Henrico

    VA

    VA: Richmond city

    $405,516

    United States Veterans Initiative

    Richmond

    VA

    DC: District of Columbia
    MD: Montgomery

    $260,000

    Opportunities Industrialization Center of Washington

    Yakima

    WA

    WA: Adams, Benton, Chelan, Douglas, Franklin, Grant, Kittitas, Walla Walla, Yakima

    $500,000

    Eastern West Virginia Community Action Agency Inc.

    Petersburg

    WV

    WV: Barbour, Berkeley, Braxton, Brooke, Calhoun, Doddridge, Gilmer, Grant, Greenbrier, Hampshire, Hancock, Hardy, Harrison, Jefferson, Lewis, Marion, Marshall, Mineral, Monongalia, Monroe, Morgan, Ohio, Pendleton, Pleasants, Pocahontas, Preston, Randolph, Ritchie, Taylor, Tucker, Tyler, Upshur, Webster, Wetzel, Wirt, Wood

    $500,000

    Volunteers Of America Northern Rockies

    Sheridan

    WY

    MT: Custer, Dawson, Prairie, Rosebud, Treasure, Wibaux, Yellowstone

    $200,000

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: US Department of Labor awards more than $37M in continued grants to help homeless, at-risk veterans reenter workforce

    Source: US Department of Labor

    Categories24/7 OSI, labor, MIL-OSI, United States Government, US Bureau of Labor Statistics, US Department of Labor

    Volunteers of America Southeast Inc.  

    Mobile

    AL

    GA: Baldwin, Bibb, Crisp, Houston, Laurens, Muscogee, Peach

    $214,654

    United States Veterans Initiative

    Phoenix

    AZ

    AZ: Maricopa

    $300,000

    Insights Housing

    Berkeley

    CA

    CA: Alameda, Amador, Contra Costa, Sacramento, Solano

    $500,000

    America Works of California Inc. 

    Fresno

    CA

    CA: San Bernardino, Orange, Riverside

    $300,000

    America Works of California Inc. 

    Fresno

    CA

    CA: Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, Solano

    $200,000

    JVS SoCal

    Los Angeles

    CA

    CA: Los Angeles, Orange

    $498,000

    Volunteers of America of Los Angeles

    Los Angeles

    CA

    CA: Los Angeles

    $480,000

    United State Veterans Initiative Inc.

    March Air Reserve Base

    CA

    CA: Riverside, San Bernardino

    $427,794

    Vocational Rehabilitation Specialists Inc.

    Marina

    CA

    IA: Adair, Adams, Allamakee, Appanoose, Audubon, Benton, Black Hawk, Boone, Bremer, Buchanan, Buena Vista, Butler, Calhoun, Carroll, Cass, Cedar, Cerro Gordo, Cherokee, Chickasaw, Clarke, Clay, Clayton, Crawford, Dallas, Davis, Decatur, Delaware, Des Moines, Dickinson, Dubuque, Emmet, Fayette, Floyd, Franklin, Fremont, Greene, Grundy, Guthrie, Hamilton, Hancock, Hardin, Harrison, Henry, Howard, Humboldt, Ida, Iowa, Jackson, Jasper, Jefferson, Johnson, Jones, Keokuk, Kossuth, Lee, Linn, Louisa, Lucas, Lyon, Madison, Mahaska, Marion, Marshall, Mills, Mitchell, Monona, Monroe, Montgomery, O’Brien, Osceola, Page, Palo Alto, Plymouth, Pocahontas, Polk, Pottawattamie, Poweshiek, Ringgold, Sac, Shelby, Sioux, Story, Tama, Taylor, Union, Van Buren, Wapello, Warren, Washington, Wayne, Webster, Winnebago, Winneshiek, Woodbury, Worth, Wright

    $500,000

    Vocational Rehabilitation Specialists Inc.

    Marina

    CA

    WI: Brown, Calumet, Columbia, Door, Fond du Lac, Green Lake, Kewaunee, Manitowoc, Marinette, Marquette, Menominee, Oconto, Outagamie, Ozaukee, Shawano, Sheboygan, Washington, Waupaca, Waushara, Winnebago   

    $270,000

    Veteran Employment Services

    Monterey

    CA

    CO: Boulder, Larimer, Weld

    $347,000

    Swords to Plowshares Veterans Rights Organization

    Oakland

    CA

    CA: Alameda, Contra Costa, Solano

    $500,000

    Able-Disabled Advocacy Inc. 

    San Diego

    CA

    CA: San Diego

    $476,000

    Swords to Plowshares Veterans Rights Organization

    San Francisco

    CA

    CA: San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara

    $150,000

    Colorado Coalition for the Homeless

    Denver

    CO

    CO: Denver

    $500,000

    Boley Centers Inc. 

    St. Petersburg

    FL

    FL: Pasco

    $413,183

    Tampa Bay Academy of Hope

    Tampa

    FL

    FL: Hardee, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Pasco, Polk, Sumter

    $500,000

    Get to Work Foundation Inc. 

    Douglasville

    GA

    GA: Bartow, Carroll, Chattooga, Coweta, Floyd, Gordon, Haralson, Paulding, Polk

    $300,000

    Of Color Inc. 

    Chicago

    IL

    IL: Cook

    $478,081

    Transitional Living Services Inc. 

    Crystal Lake

    IL

    IL: Boone, Cook, Lake, McHenry, Winnebago

    $300,000

    ECHO Housing Corporation

    Evansville

    IN

    IN: Daviess, Dubois, Gibson, Greene, Knox, Perry, Pike, Posey, Spencer, Vanderburgh, Warrick

    $251,892

    Crossroads Rehabilitation Center Inc. 

    Indianapolis

    IN

    IN: Boone, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Johnson, Madison, Marion, Morgan, Shelby

    $378,200

    Volunteers of America Ohio & Indiana

    Indianapolis

    IN

    IN: Bartholomew, Boone, Brown, Hamilton, Hancock, Hendricks, Johnson, Madison, Marion, Monroe, Morgan, Shelby

    $364,035

    Mountain Comprehensive Care Center Inc. 

    Prestonsburg

    KY

    KY: Anderson, Bath, Bell, Bourbon, Boyd, Boyle, Breathitt, Carter, Clark, Clay, Elliott, Estill, Fayette, Fleming, Floyd, Franklin, Garrard, Greenup, Harlan, Jackson, Jessamine, Johnson, Knott, Knox, Laurel, Lawrence, Lee, Leslie, Letcher, Lincoln, Madison, Magoffin, Martin, Mason, McCreary, Menifee, Mercer, Montgomery, Morgan, Nicholas, Owsley, Perry, Pike, Powell, Pulaski, Rockcastle, Rowan, Scott, Wayne, Whitley, Wolfe, Woodford

    $238,112

    Volunteers of America Massachusetts

    Jamaica Plain

    MA

    MA: Barnstable, Bristol, Plymouth

    $443,832

    Volunteers of America Massachusetts

    Jamaica Plain

    MA

    MA: Essex, Middlesex, Norfolk, Suffolk

    $461,154

    Veterans Inc. 

    Worcester

    MA

    MA: Franklin, Hampden, Hampshire, Middlesex, Worcester

    $345,600

    Veterans Inc. 

    Worcester

    MA

    ME: Androscoggin, Cumberland, Kennebec, Lincoln, Oxford, Sagadahoc, York

    $105,000

    Veterans Inc. 

    Worcester

    MA

    MT: Beaverhead, Big Horn, Broadwater, Carbon, Cascade, Custer, Dawson, Deer Lodge, Fergus, Flathead, Gallatin, Garfield, Glacier, Jefferson, Lake, Lewis and Clark, Lincoln, Madison, Mineral, Missoula, Park, Pondera, Powell, Prairie, Ravalli, Richland, Rosebud, Sanders, Silver Bow, Teton, Toole, Valley, Wheatland, Yellowstone
    ND: Barnes, Benson, Bottineau, Burleigh, Cass, Dickey, Emmons, Grand Forks, McHenry, McKenzie, McLean, Mercer, Morton, Mountrail, Pembina, Ramsey, Richland, Rolette, Sioux, Stark, Stutsman, Traill, Walsh, Ward, Wells, Williams 

    $500,000

    Veterans Inc. 

    Worcester

    MA

    MA: Bristol, Norfolk, Plymouth  RI: Bristol, Kent, Newport, Providence, Washington

    $360,000

    St. James A.M.E. Zion Church

    Salisbury

    MD

    MD: Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Queen Anne’s, Somerset, Talbot, Wicomico, Worcester

    $310,000

    Easter Seals Serving DC / MD / VA Inc. 

    Silver Spring

    MD

    MD: Allegany, Anne Arundel, Calvert, Carroll, Cecil, Charles, Frederick, Garrett, Harford, St. Mary’s, Washington  
    VA: Fauquier, Loudoun, Stafford

    $500,000

    Easter Seals Serving DC / MD / VA Inc. 

    Silver Spring

    MD

    MD: Baltimore, Baltimore City, Howard, Montgomery, Prince George’s
    DC: Washington
    VA: Alexandria City, Arlington, Fairfax, Fairfax City, Falls Church City, Manassas City, Manassas Park City, Prince William

    $500,000

    Michigan Ability Partners

    Ann Arbor

    MI

    MI: Jackson, Livingston, Oakland, Washtenaw, Wayne

    $174,405

    Southwest Economic Solutions Corporation

    Detroit

    MI

    MI: Macomb, St. Clair, Wayne

    $200,000

    Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans

    St. Paul

    MN

    MN: Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott, Washington

    $440,000

    Asheville-Buncombe Community Christian Ministry Inc. 

    Asheville

    NC

    NC: Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Cherokee, Clay, Cleveland, Gaston, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Swain, Transylvania, Watauga, Yancey 
    Tribal Areas: Eastern Cherokee Reservation

    $500,000

    Veterans Multi-Service Center Inc. 

    Vineland

    NJ

    NJ: Atlantic, Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, Salem

    DE: Kent, New Castle, Sussex

    $270,698

    United Veterans Beacon House Inc. 

    Bay Shore

    NY

    NY: Nassau, Queens, Suffolk

    $120,000

    America Works of New York Inc. 

    New York

    NY

    NY: Nassau, Suffolk

    $300,000

    America Works of New York Inc. 

    New York

    NY

    NY: Kings, Queens, Richmond, Bronx, New York

    $500,000

    Easter Seals TriState LLC

    Cincinnati

    OH

    OH: Butler, Clermont, Hamilton, Warren

    $321,015

    Volunteers of America Ohio & Indiana

    Cincinnati

    OH

    IN: Dearborn, Franklin     

    KY: Boone, Caldwell, Kenton   

    OH: Butler, Clermont, Hamilton, Warren

    $410,019

    Volunteers of America Ohio & Indiana

    Cleveland

    OH

    OH: Cuyahoga, Erie, Lake, Lorain

    $457,773

    Volunteers of America Ohio & Indiana

    Columbus

    OH

    OH: Delaware, Fairfield, Franklin, Licking, Madison, Pickaway, Union

    $365,822

    Volunteers of America Oklahoma Inc. 

    Tulsa

    OK

    OK: Canadian, Cleveland, Grady, Hughes, Lincoln, Logan, McClain, Oklahoma, Pottawatomie, Seminole, Tulsa 

    $429,569

    Goodwill Industries of Lane and South Coast Counties

    Eugene

    OR

    OR: Lane

    $159,073

    Easter Seals Oregon

    Portland

    OR

    OR: Douglas, Lane

    $378,390

    Easter Seals Oregon

    Portland

    OR

    OR: Marion, Polk, Yamhill

    $344,100

    Veterans Multi-Service Center Inc. 

    Philadelphia

    PA

    PA: Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, Philadelphia

    $495,951

    Veterans Leadership Program of Western Pennsylvania Inc. 

    Pittsburgh

    PA

    PA: Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Greene, Lawrence, Washington, Westmoreland

    $416,193

    Veterans Place of Washington Boulevard Inc. 

    Pittsburgh

    PA

    PA: Allegheny, Butler, Washington, Westmoreland

    $427,000

    Commission on Economic Opportunity

    Wilkes-Barre

    PA

    PA: Carbon, Columbia, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Montour, Northumberland, Pike, Wayne, Wyoming

    $200,000

    Fast Forward

    Columbia

    SC

    SC: Richland, Lexington, Fairfield

    $400,000

    Goodwill Industries of Upstate/Midlands South Carolina Inc. 

    Greenville

    SC

    SC: Anderson, Oconee, Pickens, Greenville, Spartanburg

    $225,818

    Unity Partners dba Project Unity

    Bryan

    TX

    TX: Brazos, Burleson, Grimes, Leon, Madison, Robertson, Washington

    $419,870

    Citizens Development Center

    Dallas

    TX

    TX: Collin, Dallas, Denton, Ellis, Kaufman, Rockwall, Tarrant

    $320,000

    Adaptive Construction Solutions Inc.  

    Houston

    TX

    TX: Harris, Fort Bend, Montgomery, Brazoria, Galveston, Liberty, Waller, Austin, Chambers, Colorado, Walker, Wharton, Matagorda

    $377,777

    Adaptive Construction Solutions Inc.  

    Houston

    TX

    TX: Bell, Bosque, Brown, Burleson, Callahan, Coleman, Collin, Comanche, Coryell, Denton, Eastland, Ellis, Erath, Falls, Fisher, Freestone, Grimes, Hamilton, Haskell, Hill, Hood, Hunt, Johnson, Jones, Kaufman, Kent, Knox, Lampasas, Leon, Limestone, McLennan, Milam, Mills, Mitchell, Navarro, Nolan, Palo Pinto, Parker, Rockwall, Runnels, San Saba, Scurry, Shackelford, Somervell, Stephens, Stonewall, Taylor, Throckmorton, Washington, Wise

    $245,432

    The Houston Launch Pad

    Houston

    TX

    TX: Angelina, Bell, Bexar, Brazoria, Brazos, Chambers, Crockett, Fort Bend, Galveston, Grimes, Hardin, Harris, Jasper, Jefferson, Liberty, Matagorda, Montgomery, Nacogdoches, Nueces, Orange, Polk, Sabine, San Jacinto, Shelby, Tom Green, Travis, Trinity, Tyler, Victoria, Walker, Waller, Washington, Wharton   

    $500,000

    American GI Forum National Veterans Outreach Program Inc.

    San Antonio

    TX

    TX: Collin, Dallas, Rockwall, Tarrant

    $500,000

    American GI Forum National Veterans Outreach Program Inc.

    San Antonio

    TX

    TX: Travis

    $500,000

    Castle Cares Community Ministry Inc.

    West Columbia

    TX

    TX: Brazoria, Chambers, Fort Bend, Galveston, Jefferson, Matagorda

    $434,105

    Focused Outreach Richmond Inc.

    Richmond

    VA

    VA: Charles City, Chesterfield, Colonial Heights City, Dinwiddie, Emporia City, Greensville, Hampton city, Hanover, Henrico, Hopewell City, James City, King and Queen, King William, New Kent, Newport News City, Petersburg City, Poquoson City, Prince George, Richmond City, Williamsburg City, York

    $397,862

    Center for Veterans Issues Inc.

    Milwaukee

    WI

    WI: Milwaukee, Waukesha

    $500,000

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Secretary Chavez-DeRemer highlights One Big Beautiful Bill on ‘America at Work’ tour

    Source: US Department of Labor

    NEW ORLEANS – U.S. Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer traveled across the country this week as part of her “America at Work” listening tour, visiting five states to underscore how President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill will deliver much-needed tax relief for American workers and businesses. 

    The Secretary highlighted how the Administration’s pro-growth agenda will unlock trillions in new investments, strengthen the workforce, and spark a new era of American economic resurgence.

    “From Montana to Louisiana, I’ve heard directly from workers, small business owners, and community leaders who are ready for an economic comeback, and now they have a President who will deliver for them,” said Secretary Chavez-DeRemer. “President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill will provide the tax relief, investment, and regulatory certainty our job creators need to thrive, while empowering American workers with the opportunities they deserve. The Department of Labor is proud to help lead the charge to restore prosperity and prepare our workforce for the thousands of new jobs being created by the President’s America First policies.”

    Montana 

    In Bozeman, Secretary Chavez-DeRemer visited Schnee, a leading Montana outfitter known for its high-quality American-made outdoor footwear, boots, apparel, and hunting gear. While touring the factory floor, the Secretary engaged in a robust conversation with employees about how strengthening domestic production and supporting manufacturers through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act will help businesses like Schnee sustain good-paying jobs, boost rural economies, and keep “Made in America” alive and well for future generations.

    Later, the Secretary toured the TowHaul Corp. headquarters in Belgrade. A leader in manufacturing equipment for the mining industry, TowHaul’s cutting-edge innovation and commitment to reliability play a critical role in supporting America’s mine workers. While meeting with the TowHaul team, Secretary Chavez-DeRemer delivered remarks highlighting the vital importance of ensuring American manufacturing and mining remain the gold standard for the world.

    New Mexico

    In Santa Fe, Secretary Chavez-DeRemer addressed the Western Governors’ Association to highlight how President Trump is reversing the trend of America-last offshoring by securing trillions in new investments and bringing good-paying jobs back to America. The Secretary emphasized that the One Big Beautiful Bill will build on this historic momentum by delivering tax relief for American workers – including eliminating taxes on tips and overtime – ensuring more money stays in the pockets of hardworking families across the country. She also visited Santa Fe Community College, where she learned more about their hands-on training in welding, building trades, and automotive technologies programs. The One Big Beautiful Bill includes expanded access to Pell Grants for technical schools so students can be ready to fill in-demand jobs.

    Kansas and Missouri 

    In Kansas City, Secretary Chavez-DeRemer kicked off her day by having breakfast with local police officers to hear firsthand about the challenges facing law enforcement families and promote the President’s plan to implement no taxes on overtime. She then visited Waller Truck Co. Inc. to discuss workforce needs and transportation challenges vital to keeping goods moving across America. The Secretary wrapped up with a visit to Kansas at Geiger Ready-Mix Co., where she toured the dispatch room, met with employees tracking concrete deliveries in real time, and learned more about the concrete production process.

    Throughout her stops, Secretary Chavez-DeRemer underscored how President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill will help tackle workforce shortages, lower costs, and deliver tax relief, ensuring hardworking Americans can keep good-paying jobs and companies like Waller Truck and Geiger can stay in business for years to come.

    Louisiana

    In New Orleans, Secretary Chavez-DeRemer addressed the National Maritime Safety Association at their annual meeting, where she highlighted the Department of Labor’s commitment to promoting worker safety and building strong partnerships across the maritime industry. 

    The Secretary also toured the Port of New Orleans by boat and met with local shrimpers to hear how cheap, unregulated imports are threatening a superior American product and an iconic coastal way of life. She stressed how President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill will help restore and protect this American industry by championing the same high standards and dedication that America’s shrimpers bring to the docks every day.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Switzerland to take part in NATO crisis management exercise (CMX25)

    Source: Switzerland – Department of Foreign Affairs in English

    Switzerland, represented by federal offices from the DDPS and the FDFA, is taking part in NATO’s crisis management exercise (CMX25), which runs from 13 to 18 March. The exercise will enable Switzerland to strengthen its cooperation while practising crisis management within an international framework.

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Producer and Import Price Index rose by 0.3% in February

    Source: Switzerland – Department of Foreign Affairs in English

    The Producer and Import Price Index rose in February 2025 by 0.3% compared with the previous month, reaching 106.7 points (December 2020 = 100). Rising prices were seen in particular for basic pharmaceutical products, petroleum products and electricity (for large-scale consumers). Pharmaceutical preparations and chemical products, on the other hand, became cheaper. Compared with February 2024, the price level of the whole range of domestic and imported products fell by 0.1%. These are the results of the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: State Secretary Hirayama attends informal meeting of EU Ministers for Research and Innovation

    Source: Switzerland – Department of Foreign Affairs in English

    On 10 and 11 March, Martina Hirayama, State Secretary for Education, Research and Innovation, attended the informal meeting of EU Ministers for Research and Innovation in Warsaw. The main topics of the meeting, which takes place twice a year, were the strategic shape of the next EU R+I Framework Programme, FP10, which begins in 2028, and European competitiveness. State Secretary Hirayama took the opportunity to hold bilateral talks with counterparts from various countries.

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Silicone that moves: Muscles from the printer

    Source: Switzerland – Department of Foreign Affairs in English

    Empa researchers are working on artificial muscles that can keep up with the real thing. They have now developed a method of producing the soft and elastic, yet powerful structures using 3D printing. One day, these could be used in medicine or robotics – and anywhere else where things need to move at the touch of a button.

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Latest special coin to be issued: CERN silver coin brings research within reach

    Source: Switzerland – Department of Foreign Affairs in English

    The new CERN special coin from Swissmint combines Swiss precision with cutting-edge research: the 20-franc silver coin honours scientific progress in Switzerland and showcases one of the most fascinating research institutes. It will be available from 13 March 2025.

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Fall in turnover and growth in employment in Switzerland in 4th quarter 2024

    Source: Switzerland – Department of Foreign Affairs in English

    Turnover in secondary and tertiary market activities declined by 1.4% in the 4th quarter 2024 compared with the same quarter of the previous year. The fall in turnover contrasts with an increase in employment of 0.5% in the same period. These are provisional findings from the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Fall in turnover and growth in employment in Switzerland in 4th quarter 2024

    Source: Switzerland – Department of Foreign Affairs in English

    Turnover in secondary and tertiary market activities declined by 1.4% in the 4th quarter 2024 compared with the same quarter of the previous year. The fall in turnover contrasts with an increase in employment of 0.5% in the same period. These are provisional findings from the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New housing development completes in Balloch, Inverness

    Source: Scotland – Highland Council

    • Mixed-tenure homes help meet Inverness’s growing housing need
    • The Highland Council and HHA partnership delivers an attractive new community

    The first phase of Balloch’s highly-anticipated new housing development, located four miles east of Inverness, is officially complete and is now ready to welcome new residents.

    Delivered by local contractor IBI Joiners Ltd, the development is part of a joint initiative between Highland Housing Alliance (HHA) and The Highland Council to expand access to affordable housing across the region. The site offers a mix of homes for mid-market rent (MMR) and low-cost home ownership, supporting the Council’s commitment to meeting diverse housing needs.

    HHA has now taken handover of 12 semi-detached properties at the site. These two- and three-bedroom homes will be offered at MMR, with rental rates positioned between social housing and open market rents. This tenure is designed to support those who may not qualify for social housing but are priced out of the private rental sector.

    The Highland Council are delighted to present 33 properties for Council Rent consisting of 4 two-bedroom wheelchair accessible bungalows, 13 family homes ranging in size from two to four bedrooms, and 16 one- and two- bedroom cottage flats.  The 8 flats on the ground floor have all been designed to be wheelchair accessible.  A further 4 semi-detached three-bedroom family properties are offered for sale via Scottish Government’s LIFT Low Cost Home Ownership Scheme, administrated on the Council’s behalf by Highland Residential.

    Located within the popular and established Balloch community, the development enjoys excellent access to local amenities including a leisure centre, schools, and public transport – making it a well-connected and desirable location for individuals and families alike.

    All homes have been built to a high specification with modern fixtures and fittings and bright, attractive interiors. Each home benefits from private garden space and external power points should an EV Charger be required.  The development is set within landscaped grounds incorporating improved access into the Community Woodland to the north of the site, further enhancing the sense of place and community. 

    The development was funded by Scottish Government grant totalling £7,363,000 with the remainder funded by The Highland Council, Inverness and Highland City Region Deal, and Highland Housing Alliance.

    The first residents will begin moving into their homes from 26 June.

    Gail Matheson, Chief Executive at HHA, said: “The delivery of these new homes in Balloch marks an important milestone in our mission to provide more high-quality housing across the Highlands. Our strong and long-standing partnership with The Highland Council plays a key role in making this possible, helping us to deliver a diverse range of housing that reflects the needs of different age groups, income levels, and family situations across the region.”

    Cllr Glynis Campbell Sinclair, The Highland Council – Housing and Property Committee Chair, said:  “I am delighted that Highland Council, working in partnership with Highland Housing Alliance and Highland-based builders and contractors, has successfully delivered the first phase of this much-anticipated housing development in Balloch.  The new properties are located in a sought-after area of Inverness and provide a welcome addition to the Council’s commitments to provide sustainable and energy efficient affordable social rental homes.

    “Equally, the diverse range of property types and sizes included within the development makes these homes suitable for those with additional accessibility needs, in addition to families and individuals.

    “The Highland Council, as part of its commitment to meeting the Highland housing challenge, will continue to work collaboratively alongside partners to build a portfolio of housing stock to enable people to have viable options available to them.”

    Housing Secretary Màiri McAllan said:  “Housing of the right type in the right place, can have a transformational impact. The delivery of these high quality, energy efficient, affordable homes will support people to stay in the communities they grew up in as well as help local businesses to retain and attract employees. 

    “The Scottish Government is pleased to have supported this development with more than £5 million in grant funding and we will continue to work with partners to increase the delivery of more affordable homes. This is all part of our work to deliver 110,000 affordable homes across Scotland by 2032, with at least 70% for social rent and at least 10% in our rural and island communities.”

    All images by Paul Campbell Photography.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Highland school at Number 10

    Source: Scotland – Highland Council

    Pupils from a Highland primary school got the chance to see democracy in action when they visited 10 Downing Street and the House of Commons last Friday (20 June).

    The group from Cauldeen Primary School in Inverness had been invited as part of the Lessons at 10 project, an initiative run by the Prime Minister’s office to inspire children from across the UK by bringing them into Downing Street for a unique class experience.

    The mission behind the project is to break down barriers and ensure all children get the best start in life.

    School head teacher Allison Howie said: “We were invited as part of Lessons at 10 to give children the opportunity to participate in learning about the history of politics in the UK and gain a wider understanding of how our parliamentary system works.

    “The children were given a tour of Number 10, seeing its artefacts and learning about the history of the building, the people who use it and what happens there day-to-day.

    They were then invited to have lunch in the garden where they met with the Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer.

    The PM took time to meet and speak to the children, asking them what they had learned about the building, what they would change in the country and what they were doing for the remainder of the visit.”

    It proved to be a very busy and topical day in parliament, with many MPs in attendance due to the debate and vote on the Assisted Dying Bill.

    When at Westminster, the pupils got to witness the various aspects of debate in action – including the protests, the press pack and the ringing of the division bells to signal the vote.

    The school had been invited by Angus MacDonald, MP for Inverness, Skye and West Ross-shire, who met and chatted with the group during what was an informative and insightful visit to the corridors of power.

    Head teacher Mrs Howie added: “Our Cauldeen children were beautifully behaved and an absolute credit to themselves and their school. They asked some fantastic questions, and it was wonderful to hear their thoughts and questions throughout the day, reminding us all why we do the job we do.

    “What a day, what an experience.

    “I would like to say a huge thanks to everyone who was involved in organising the day in London, which all went without a hitch.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Tatyana Golikova: The pilot project on career support covered about 524 thousand students

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    “The goal of the national project “Personnel” is to reduce the personnel shortage by creating mechanisms and tools that will allow additional involvement of the population in employment, ensure professional mobility, and correctly navigate not only the current but also the prospective demand of employers for personnel. And here our main efforts are aimed at working with internal reserves, primarily young people. Today, on the eve of Youth Day, when school graduates and students have passed exams and defended their diplomas, it is especially important to help the children decide on their future work, ensure a seamless transition from education to employment,” said Tatyana Golikova.

    The Deputy Prime Minister focused on the key features of the national project’s implementation.

    Within the framework of the federal project “Labor Market Management”, annual forecasting of personnel needs is carried out. Since this year, for the first time, a forecast is made for a 7-year period, so that the results of the forecast cover the entire cycle of training qualified specialists.

    Over 300,000 companies, employing around 22 million workers, have already taken part in the all-Russian employer survey. Starting next year, all processes related to forecast preparation will be transferred to the Work of Russia portal, which will simplify data verification and processing.

    As part of the national project “Personnel”, the modernization of the employment service continues.

    “By the end of this year, 50% of employment centers in Russia will have acquired a new look. In the updated centers, the speed of personnel selection based on employers’ requests has increased by 11.5%. The time to employment has decreased by 39%, the number of services for employers has increased by 20%, and for job seekers by 70%,” said Tatyana Golikova.

    The federal project “Education for the Labor Market” continues to develop completely new tools. The first of them was presented on June 15 – these are national rankings of college and university graduate employment. In order for the comparison to be as relevant as possible, all educational organizations are divided into areas. It is important that the ranking results are useful not only for the education sector and applicants, but also taken into account by regions and employers.

    “As part of the national project “Personnel” to improve the relationship between education and career, we launched a pilot project to support students. This year, 11 regions are in the pilot. Here, the personnel centers “Work of Russia” are building a single career development plan – from the 8th grade to employment in the company. The project has already covered 350 thousand schoolchildren, 100 thousand college students and 74 thousand university students. More than a thousand organizations have joined the pilot. The project ends at the end of June. We will see the first results of supporting our graduates,” the Deputy Prime Minister emphasized.

    An important element in the link between education and the labour market is targeted training.

    As Tatyana Golikova noted, the main demand is for training in higher education programs – about 94 thousand educational places. In addition, since this year, through the portal “Work of Russia”, employers have been able to submit applications for quotas for targeted training for the 2026/27 academic year. This service is in demand, since it allows you to avoid double competition for an educational place and clearly organize work on attracting applicants to the needs of the enterprise. More than 70 thousand companies used it, submitting applications for 132 thousand educational places.

    Along with large systemic projects, the implementation of measures to quickly respond to the situation on the labor market continues within the framework of the federal project “Active Measures to Promote Employment.”

    “This year, free retraining programs are available for 360 professions. Taking into account the different levels of initial training of applicants, more than 4 thousand training programs have been created for these programs. More than 56 thousand applications for training have already been submitted. Training of employees of defense industry enterprises continues. 198 enterprises have already joined the project, planning to train more than 12 thousand employees. More than 2 thousand people have already undergone retraining,” said Tatyana Golikova.

    The “Best in Profession” competition has also been reformatted within the framework of the national project. Almost 230 regional stages of the competition are currently planned.

    “The fair’s events for participants are held simultaneously at 1.9 thousand sites – in employment centers, universities and colleges, at enterprises, in shopping centers, popular city spaces. Today I wish all employers and job seekers to find each other. Good luck!” – Tatyana Golikova noted in conclusion.

    The session also featured speeches by the President of the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs Alexander Shokhin, Chairman of the Federation of Independent Trade Unions Sergei Chernogaev, Acting General Director of the All-Russian Research Institute of Labor of the Ministry of Labor Vladimir Smirnov, Head of the All-Russian Public Opinion Research Center, Chairman of the Public Council under the Ministry of Labor Konstantin Abramov, Director for Development of Strategic Projects at PJSC Rostelecom Vladimir Tatarintsev, and Vice President for Human Resources at AFK Sistema Svetlana Matveeva.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Becca Balint Statement on Ruling on Judicial Powers and Birthright Citizenship

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Becca Balint (VT-AL)

    Today, Rep. Becca Balint (VT-AL), member of the House Judiciary Committee, reacts to the Supreme Court decision in the case of Trump v. CASA. The court ruled 6-3 to restrict federal judges from stopping the nationwide enforcement of blatantly unconstitutional laws. Justice Sonia Sotomayor called the majority’s decision “a travesty for the rule of law.” The ruling does not address the constitutionality of birthright citizenship. The Trump Administration continues to evade the question of the obvious violation of our constitution in trying to end birthright citizenship. 

    “Trump seeks unrestrained, unchecked power. By carefully choosing to go after birthright citizenship in this way, his administration has made it easier to continue to violate the constitution. And the court’s conservative majority is conveniently allowing it by limiting the lower courts’ checks on the President, further emboldening Trump to rule like a king. Today, they avoided the question of birthright citizenship to allow Trump to continue his assault on our rights, on immigrants, and the constitution. Let me be clear today: if you’re born in America, you are American. Anything to the contrary is a blatant violation of our constitutional rights. 

    “This is not only another attack on birthright citizenship, it is an attack on our democracy, making it more difficult for people to individuals their rights. The American people need a judiciary that puts the constitution and the rule of law before anything else.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Becca Balint Statement on Ruling on Judicial Powers and Birthright Citizenship

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Becca Balint (VT-AL)

    Today, Rep. Becca Balint (VT-AL), member of the House Judiciary Committee, reacts to the Supreme Court decision in the case of Trump v. CASA. The court ruled 6-3 to restrict federal judges from stopping the nationwide enforcement of blatantly unconstitutional laws. Justice Sonia Sotomayor called the majority’s decision “a travesty for the rule of law.” The ruling does not address the constitutionality of birthright citizenship. The Trump Administration continues to evade the question of the obvious violation of our constitution in trying to end birthright citizenship. 

    “Trump seeks unrestrained, unchecked power. By carefully choosing to go after birthright citizenship in this way, his administration has made it easier to continue to violate the constitution. And the court’s conservative majority is conveniently allowing it by limiting the lower courts’ checks on the President, further emboldening Trump to rule like a king. Today, they avoided the question of birthright citizenship to allow Trump to continue his assault on our rights, on immigrants, and the constitution. Let me be clear today: if you’re born in America, you are American. Anything to the contrary is a blatant violation of our constitutional rights. 

    “This is not only another attack on birthright citizenship, it is an attack on our democracy, making it more difficult for people to individuals their rights. The American people need a judiciary that puts the constitution and the rule of law before anything else.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Becca Balint Statement on Ruling on Judicial Powers and Birthright Citizenship

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Becca Balint (VT-AL)

    Today, Rep. Becca Balint (VT-AL), member of the House Judiciary Committee, reacts to the Supreme Court decision in the case of Trump v. CASA. The court ruled 6-3 to restrict federal judges from stopping the nationwide enforcement of blatantly unconstitutional laws. Justice Sonia Sotomayor called the majority’s decision “a travesty for the rule of law.” The ruling does not address the constitutionality of birthright citizenship. The Trump Administration continues to evade the question of the obvious violation of our constitution in trying to end birthright citizenship. 

    “Trump seeks unrestrained, unchecked power. By carefully choosing to go after birthright citizenship in this way, his administration has made it easier to continue to violate the constitution. And the court’s conservative majority is conveniently allowing it by limiting the lower courts’ checks on the President, further emboldening Trump to rule like a king. Today, they avoided the question of birthright citizenship to allow Trump to continue his assault on our rights, on immigrants, and the constitution. Let me be clear today: if you’re born in America, you are American. Anything to the contrary is a blatant violation of our constitutional rights. 

    “This is not only another attack on birthright citizenship, it is an attack on our democracy, making it more difficult for people to individuals their rights. The American people need a judiciary that puts the constitution and the rule of law before anything else.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Becca Balint Statement on Ruling on Judicial Powers and Birthright Citizenship

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Becca Balint (VT-AL)

    Today, Rep. Becca Balint (VT-AL), member of the House Judiciary Committee, reacts to the Supreme Court decision in the case of Trump v. CASA. The court ruled 6-3 to restrict federal judges from stopping the nationwide enforcement of blatantly unconstitutional laws. Justice Sonia Sotomayor called the majority’s decision “a travesty for the rule of law.” The ruling does not address the constitutionality of birthright citizenship. The Trump Administration continues to evade the question of the obvious violation of our constitution in trying to end birthright citizenship. 

    “Trump seeks unrestrained, unchecked power. By carefully choosing to go after birthright citizenship in this way, his administration has made it easier to continue to violate the constitution. And the court’s conservative majority is conveniently allowing it by limiting the lower courts’ checks on the President, further emboldening Trump to rule like a king. Today, they avoided the question of birthright citizenship to allow Trump to continue his assault on our rights, on immigrants, and the constitution. Let me be clear today: if you’re born in America, you are American. Anything to the contrary is a blatant violation of our constitutional rights. 

    “This is not only another attack on birthright citizenship, it is an attack on our democracy, making it more difficult for people to individuals their rights. The American people need a judiciary that puts the constitution and the rule of law before anything else.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: LaMalfa Statement on House Passage of Resolution Condemning LA Riots

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Doug LaMalfa 1st District of California

    Washington, D.C.—Congressman Doug LaMalfa (R-Richvale) released the following statement after the House passed H.Res.516, a resolution that condemns the violent riots in Los Angeles.

    “What happened in Los Angeles wasn’t a protest, it was a riot, plain and simple. ICE agents were attempting to do their jobs and enforce the law. They were met with violent mobs encouraged by politicians who’ve spent years urging people to resist law enforcement,” said Rep. LaMalfa. “Cars were burned, businesses looted, American flags were torn down, and officers were attacked by hoards waving foreign flags; all while local officials were silent instead of backing them. Law and order are still a public priority. I’m glad the House stood up to condemn the chaos and back those who fought to restore order.”

    The resolution passed with bipartisan support and made it clear that the House condemns the violent attacks on law enforcement, calls on state and local officials to stop making excuses and start working with the federal government to restore order, and expresses gratitude to the officers who put themselves in harm’s way to protect lives and property.

    Congressman Doug LaMalfa is Chairman of the Congressional Western Caucus and a lifelong farmer representing California’s First Congressional District, including Butte, Colusa, Glenn, Lassen, Modoc, Shasta, Siskiyou, Sutter, Tehama and Yuba Counties.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Becca Balint Statement on Ruling on Judicial Powers and Birthright Citizenship

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Becca Balint (VT-AL)

    Today, Rep. Becca Balint (VT-AL), member of the House Judiciary Committee, reacts to the Supreme Court decision in the case of Trump v. CASA. The court ruled 6-3 to restrict federal judges from stopping the nationwide enforcement of blatantly unconstitutional laws. Justice Sonia Sotomayor called the majority’s decision “a travesty for the rule of law.” The ruling does not address the constitutionality of birthright citizenship. The Trump Administration continues to evade the question of the obvious violation of our constitution in trying to end birthright citizenship. 

    “Trump seeks unrestrained, unchecked power. By carefully choosing to go after birthright citizenship in this way, his administration has made it easier to continue to violate the constitution. And the court’s conservative majority is conveniently allowing it by limiting the lower courts’ checks on the President, further emboldening Trump to rule like a king. Today, they avoided the question of birthright citizenship to allow Trump to continue his assault on our rights, on immigrants, and the constitution. Let me be clear today: if you’re born in America, you are American. Anything to the contrary is a blatant violation of our constitutional rights. 

    “This is not only another attack on birthright citizenship, it is an attack on our democracy, making it more difficult for people to individuals their rights. The American people need a judiciary that puts the constitution and the rule of law before anything else.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Malliotakis Leads Push to Eliminate Burdensome IRS Paperwork for Online Sellers

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11)

    (WASHINGTON, D.C.) – This week, Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11) renewed her call to eliminate the burdensome paperwork for online sellers earning at least $600. As a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, she is actively working to cut red tape and protect casual sellers from unnecessary and excessive reporting requirements by raising the threshold to $20,000 for those completing a minimum of 200 transactions.

     

    “I will continue working to cut red tape from burdensome 1099-K reporting requirements so they can stop wasting time on unnecessary paperwork and instead use their energy to create new opportunities for their small businesses,” said Rep. Nicole Malliotakis. “As more Americans turn to resold, refurbished, and repaired items, I applaud the efforts of leading industry platforms to create trusted spaces for buying and selling in the growing secondhand economy, but despite this progress, casual sellers continue to face increasing bureaucratic hurdles under the current 1099-K threshold making it urgent for Congress to take action.”

     

    Malliotakis was recently joined at the Capitol by Vivian Vassar, a Staten Island small business owner and founder of “Hey Viv,” an online retro clothing store that’s been in business for over 35 years. The two advocated for this change to the Biden-era policy and attended the launch of a caucus dedicated to supporting these online small businesses. 

     

    “As a Staten Island business, I’m encouraged to see the Recommerce Committee focusing on policies that support and strengthen online businesses, helping to keep US e-commerce strong and competitive,” said Vivian Vassar, Owner of Hey Viv.

     

    The growing impact of 1099-K reporting on casual sellers highlights how tax requirements are burdening the rapidly growing recommerce economy. Recommerce is the resale, repair, and refurbishment of goods is revitalizing the American commerce economy, and is projected to reach $1.04 trillion globally by 2035. In 2024, 58% of consumers purchased secondhand apparel, with 56% of those transactions occurring online. Language to increase the thresholds and number of transactions to trigger reporting was included in the House’s tax bill which Malliotakis helped craft and can become law as early as next week.

     

    As part of this effort, Rep. Malliotakis joined Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37) in launching the bipartisan Recommerce Caucus. The caucus aims to empower small sellers and entrepreneurs by advocating for policies that support income through resale, repair, and refurbishment; promote a sustainable, circular economy by extending product life and reducing waste; and expand access to digital marketplaces by lowering barriers and increasing digital inclusion for all Americans.

     

    “As a lifelong thrifter and advocate for sustainable business practices, I’m proud to partner with Rep. Malliotakis to launch the bipartisan Recommerce Caucus,” said Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove. “Recommerce is more than a trend — it’s a growing economic engine that provides consumers with affordable, high-quality goods and gives entrepreneurs, small businesses, and resellers access to trusted, thriving marketplaces. Together, we’re committed to advancing policies that support the circular economy, reduce waste, and empower buyers and sellers nationwide. ”

     

    The Recommerce Caucus is endorsed by a growing coalition of leading platforms and advocates, including eBay, Etsy, Mercari, OfferUp, Pinterest, Poshmark, Red Bubble, and the PASS Coalition.

     

    Read the Wall Street Journal’s Exclusive on the launch of the Recommerce Caucus HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Malliotakis Leads Push to Eliminate Burdensome IRS Paperwork for Online Sellers

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11)

    (WASHINGTON, D.C.) – This week, Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11) renewed her call to eliminate the burdensome paperwork for online sellers earning at least $600. As a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, she is actively working to cut red tape and protect casual sellers from unnecessary and excessive reporting requirements by raising the threshold to $20,000 for those completing a minimum of 200 transactions.

     

    “I will continue working to cut red tape from burdensome 1099-K reporting requirements so they can stop wasting time on unnecessary paperwork and instead use their energy to create new opportunities for their small businesses,” said Rep. Nicole Malliotakis. “As more Americans turn to resold, refurbished, and repaired items, I applaud the efforts of leading industry platforms to create trusted spaces for buying and selling in the growing secondhand economy, but despite this progress, casual sellers continue to face increasing bureaucratic hurdles under the current 1099-K threshold making it urgent for Congress to take action.”

     

    Malliotakis was recently joined at the Capitol by Vivian Vassar, a Staten Island small business owner and founder of “Hey Viv,” an online retro clothing store that’s been in business for over 35 years. The two advocated for this change to the Biden-era policy and attended the launch of a caucus dedicated to supporting these online small businesses. 

     

    “As a Staten Island business, I’m encouraged to see the Recommerce Committee focusing on policies that support and strengthen online businesses, helping to keep US e-commerce strong and competitive,” said Vivian Vassar, Owner of Hey Viv.

     

    The growing impact of 1099-K reporting on casual sellers highlights how tax requirements are burdening the rapidly growing recommerce economy. Recommerce is the resale, repair, and refurbishment of goods is revitalizing the American commerce economy, and is projected to reach $1.04 trillion globally by 2035. In 2024, 58% of consumers purchased secondhand apparel, with 56% of those transactions occurring online. Language to increase the thresholds and number of transactions to trigger reporting was included in the House’s tax bill which Malliotakis helped craft and can become law as early as next week.

     

    As part of this effort, Rep. Malliotakis joined Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37) in launching the bipartisan Recommerce Caucus. The caucus aims to empower small sellers and entrepreneurs by advocating for policies that support income through resale, repair, and refurbishment; promote a sustainable, circular economy by extending product life and reducing waste; and expand access to digital marketplaces by lowering barriers and increasing digital inclusion for all Americans.

     

    “As a lifelong thrifter and advocate for sustainable business practices, I’m proud to partner with Rep. Malliotakis to launch the bipartisan Recommerce Caucus,” said Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove. “Recommerce is more than a trend — it’s a growing economic engine that provides consumers with affordable, high-quality goods and gives entrepreneurs, small businesses, and resellers access to trusted, thriving marketplaces. Together, we’re committed to advancing policies that support the circular economy, reduce waste, and empower buyers and sellers nationwide. ”

     

    The Recommerce Caucus is endorsed by a growing coalition of leading platforms and advocates, including eBay, Etsy, Mercari, OfferUp, Pinterest, Poshmark, Red Bubble, and the PASS Coalition.

     

    Read the Wall Street Journal’s Exclusive on the launch of the Recommerce Caucus HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Malliotakis Leads Push to Eliminate Burdensome IRS Paperwork for Online Sellers

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11)

    (WASHINGTON, D.C.) – This week, Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11) renewed her call to eliminate the burdensome paperwork for online sellers earning at least $600. As a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, she is actively working to cut red tape and protect casual sellers from unnecessary and excessive reporting requirements by raising the threshold to $20,000 for those completing a minimum of 200 transactions.

     

    “I will continue working to cut red tape from burdensome 1099-K reporting requirements so they can stop wasting time on unnecessary paperwork and instead use their energy to create new opportunities for their small businesses,” said Rep. Nicole Malliotakis. “As more Americans turn to resold, refurbished, and repaired items, I applaud the efforts of leading industry platforms to create trusted spaces for buying and selling in the growing secondhand economy, but despite this progress, casual sellers continue to face increasing bureaucratic hurdles under the current 1099-K threshold making it urgent for Congress to take action.”

     

    Malliotakis was recently joined at the Capitol by Vivian Vassar, a Staten Island small business owner and founder of “Hey Viv,” an online retro clothing store that’s been in business for over 35 years. The two advocated for this change to the Biden-era policy and attended the launch of a caucus dedicated to supporting these online small businesses. 

     

    “As a Staten Island business, I’m encouraged to see the Recommerce Committee focusing on policies that support and strengthen online businesses, helping to keep US e-commerce strong and competitive,” said Vivian Vassar, Owner of Hey Viv.

     

    The growing impact of 1099-K reporting on casual sellers highlights how tax requirements are burdening the rapidly growing recommerce economy. Recommerce is the resale, repair, and refurbishment of goods is revitalizing the American commerce economy, and is projected to reach $1.04 trillion globally by 2035. In 2024, 58% of consumers purchased secondhand apparel, with 56% of those transactions occurring online. Language to increase the thresholds and number of transactions to trigger reporting was included in the House’s tax bill which Malliotakis helped craft and can become law as early as next week.

     

    As part of this effort, Rep. Malliotakis joined Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37) in launching the bipartisan Recommerce Caucus. The caucus aims to empower small sellers and entrepreneurs by advocating for policies that support income through resale, repair, and refurbishment; promote a sustainable, circular economy by extending product life and reducing waste; and expand access to digital marketplaces by lowering barriers and increasing digital inclusion for all Americans.

     

    “As a lifelong thrifter and advocate for sustainable business practices, I’m proud to partner with Rep. Malliotakis to launch the bipartisan Recommerce Caucus,” said Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove. “Recommerce is more than a trend — it’s a growing economic engine that provides consumers with affordable, high-quality goods and gives entrepreneurs, small businesses, and resellers access to trusted, thriving marketplaces. Together, we’re committed to advancing policies that support the circular economy, reduce waste, and empower buyers and sellers nationwide. ”

     

    The Recommerce Caucus is endorsed by a growing coalition of leading platforms and advocates, including eBay, Etsy, Mercari, OfferUp, Pinterest, Poshmark, Red Bubble, and the PASS Coalition.

     

    Read the Wall Street Journal’s Exclusive on the launch of the Recommerce Caucus HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Malliotakis Leads Push to Eliminate Burdensome IRS Paperwork for Online Sellers

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11)

    (WASHINGTON, D.C.) – This week, Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11) renewed her call to eliminate the burdensome paperwork for online sellers earning at least $600. As a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, she is actively working to cut red tape and protect casual sellers from unnecessary and excessive reporting requirements by raising the threshold to $20,000 for those completing a minimum of 200 transactions.

     

    “I will continue working to cut red tape from burdensome 1099-K reporting requirements so they can stop wasting time on unnecessary paperwork and instead use their energy to create new opportunities for their small businesses,” said Rep. Nicole Malliotakis. “As more Americans turn to resold, refurbished, and repaired items, I applaud the efforts of leading industry platforms to create trusted spaces for buying and selling in the growing secondhand economy, but despite this progress, casual sellers continue to face increasing bureaucratic hurdles under the current 1099-K threshold making it urgent for Congress to take action.”

     

    Malliotakis was recently joined at the Capitol by Vivian Vassar, a Staten Island small business owner and founder of “Hey Viv,” an online retro clothing store that’s been in business for over 35 years. The two advocated for this change to the Biden-era policy and attended the launch of a caucus dedicated to supporting these online small businesses. 

     

    “As a Staten Island business, I’m encouraged to see the Recommerce Committee focusing on policies that support and strengthen online businesses, helping to keep US e-commerce strong and competitive,” said Vivian Vassar, Owner of Hey Viv.

     

    The growing impact of 1099-K reporting on casual sellers highlights how tax requirements are burdening the rapidly growing recommerce economy. Recommerce is the resale, repair, and refurbishment of goods is revitalizing the American commerce economy, and is projected to reach $1.04 trillion globally by 2035. In 2024, 58% of consumers purchased secondhand apparel, with 56% of those transactions occurring online. Language to increase the thresholds and number of transactions to trigger reporting was included in the House’s tax bill which Malliotakis helped craft and can become law as early as next week.

     

    As part of this effort, Rep. Malliotakis joined Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37) in launching the bipartisan Recommerce Caucus. The caucus aims to empower small sellers and entrepreneurs by advocating for policies that support income through resale, repair, and refurbishment; promote a sustainable, circular economy by extending product life and reducing waste; and expand access to digital marketplaces by lowering barriers and increasing digital inclusion for all Americans.

     

    “As a lifelong thrifter and advocate for sustainable business practices, I’m proud to partner with Rep. Malliotakis to launch the bipartisan Recommerce Caucus,” said Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove. “Recommerce is more than a trend — it’s a growing economic engine that provides consumers with affordable, high-quality goods and gives entrepreneurs, small businesses, and resellers access to trusted, thriving marketplaces. Together, we’re committed to advancing policies that support the circular economy, reduce waste, and empower buyers and sellers nationwide. ”

     

    The Recommerce Caucus is endorsed by a growing coalition of leading platforms and advocates, including eBay, Etsy, Mercari, OfferUp, Pinterest, Poshmark, Red Bubble, and the PASS Coalition.

     

    Read the Wall Street Journal’s Exclusive on the launch of the Recommerce Caucus HERE.

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congresswoman Tenney Demands Answers from Governor Hochul on Sanctuary State Policies and Costs to New Yorkers

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-22)

    Washington, DC – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) today sent a letter to Governor Kathy Hochul demanding answers to critical questions she failed to address during her recent testimony before the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.

    On June 12, 2025, the Oversight Committee held a hearing examining the impact of sanctuary state policies. During the hearing, Rep. Tenney directly questioned Governor Hochul about the number of illegal aliens currently held in New York State’s prison system, the associated costs to taxpayers, and the effects of New York’s dangerous Green Light Law. Despite repeated inquiries, Governor Hochul has left these questions unanswered and failed to follow up as promised.

     “Governor Hochul continues to fail the people of New York by prioritizing illegal aliens over the safety, security, and financial well-being of law-abiding citizens. She couldn’t provide basic information about how many illegal aliens are in our prisons or the cost to New York taxpayers. She also failed to provide the total amount of taxpayer dollars spent on services for illegal aliens during her tenure as Governor. It’s time for Hochul to reverse New York’s reckless sanctuary policies that endanger our communities and drain public resources. I will continue to advocate for policies that put New Yorkers first,” said Congresswoman Tenney.

     Read the full text of the letter here.

     

     ###

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congresswoman Tenney Demands Answers from Governor Hochul on Sanctuary State Policies and Costs to New Yorkers

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-22)

    Washington, DC – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) today sent a letter to Governor Kathy Hochul demanding answers to critical questions she failed to address during her recent testimony before the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.

    On June 12, 2025, the Oversight Committee held a hearing examining the impact of sanctuary state policies. During the hearing, Rep. Tenney directly questioned Governor Hochul about the number of illegal aliens currently held in New York State’s prison system, the associated costs to taxpayers, and the effects of New York’s dangerous Green Light Law. Despite repeated inquiries, Governor Hochul has left these questions unanswered and failed to follow up as promised.

     “Governor Hochul continues to fail the people of New York by prioritizing illegal aliens over the safety, security, and financial well-being of law-abiding citizens. She couldn’t provide basic information about how many illegal aliens are in our prisons or the cost to New York taxpayers. She also failed to provide the total amount of taxpayer dollars spent on services for illegal aliens during her tenure as Governor. It’s time for Hochul to reverse New York’s reckless sanctuary policies that endanger our communities and drain public resources. I will continue to advocate for policies that put New Yorkers first,” said Congresswoman Tenney.

     Read the full text of the letter here.

     

     ###

    MIL OSI USA News