The National Retail Federation today released the following statement from NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay on the expected decision to reopen the government and delay the debate on the debt ceiling: “While there is some satisfaction at achieving a deal, today’s agreement between the House and Senate merely ensures more opportunities to continue the… Keep reading →
Public Policy/Government
National Retail Federation on Shutdown Deal: ‘Legislating from Crisis to Crisis is No Way to Govern’
By businesswireThe National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) will release its analysis of the latest quality results in its State of Health Care Quality Report 2013. Findings include: Overuse of antibiotics still a problem In findings that echo and corroborate recent CDC warnings about overuse of antibiotics leading to antibiotic resistance, we see no progress on… Keep reading →
Today is the first day of Medicare’s annual Open Enrollment season, which runs until Dec. 7. The National Council on Aging (NCOA) encourages all people with Medicare to review their plan options and make an informed decision about their 2014 coverage. This year’s Open Enrollment coincides with two other events that may be confusing to… Keep reading →
IRI MarketPulse Survey Uncovers Impact of Government Shutdown and Debt Ceiling Crisis on Consumers
By businesswireAccording to Information Resources Inc. (IRI)’s Q3 2013 MarketPulse™ survey results released today, 85 percent of American consumers were aware of the looming debt ceiling crisis and of the government shutdown, which is clearly impacting their views of their personal finances, including their approach to grocery shopping. The survey was fielded to consumers between Sept…. Keep reading →
In light of the on-going government shutdown, Kroll Bond Rating Agency (“KBRA”) has reached out to issuers of residential mortgage-backed securities (“RMBS”) transactions to find out how they are handling the inability to execute IRS form 4506-T, Request for Transcript of Tax Return, and what, if any, impact it may have on both origination practices… Keep reading →
The American Council for Technology and Industry Advisory Council (ACT-IAC) today announced the plenary session speakers and program agenda for the 23nd Annual Executive Leadership Conference (ELC), the premier event in the government information technology (IT) community. This year’s theme of “Driving Results in a 21st Century Government” will focus on the transformational changes that… Keep reading →
The Department of Veterans Affairs progress toward a paperless records system was halted Oct. 8 when the partial federal government shutdown stopped all software development by the department. The latest negative impact on the nation’s veterans prompted a strong response from American Legion National Commander Daniel Dellinger. On Oct. 8, VA was forced to furlough… Keep reading →
Historically Low Health Care Price Inflation Holds Health Spending Growth to 3.8% in August
By businesswireNational health care prices in August 2013 were 1.0% higher than in August 2012, down one-tenth from the July 2013 level and equal to the May 2013 rate, which was the all-time low in our series that extends back to January 1990. The 12-month moving average, at 1.5%, is a new low for our data…. Keep reading →
The resources and effectiveness on the battlefield of radical Islamic groups in Syria are drawing more moderate rebels into their camp – at least for now, according to Valerie Szybala, a Syria analyst at the Institute for the Study of War. According to Szybala, private donors in the Gulf (notably Saudi Arabia and Qatar) are driving the… Keep reading →
The Healthcare Trends Institute Announces Landmark Healthcare Benefit Trends Survey and Study
By businesswireAn unprecedented national survey regarding healthcare benefits, health insurance exchanges, and related topics will provide benchmarks for employers, and insights into adoption of new healthcare benefits options. The Healthcare Trends Institute, an educational platform for employers, consumers and other healthcare benefits stakeholders, will be surveying thousands of employers of all sizes across North America this… Keep reading →