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Homeland Security launches E-Verify Self Check
E-Verify Self Check, a partnership between the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Social Security Administration (SSA), is the first online E-Verify program offered directly to workers and job seekers. This voluntary, free and secure service gives users the opportunity to submit corrections of any inaccuracies in their DHS and SSA records before applying for jobs—allowing workers to better protect themselves from potential workplace discrimination that could result from an employer’s abuse of the E-Verify system.
The service was launched March 21 and is available in Arizona, Idaho, Colorado, Mississippi, Virginia and the District of Columbia. More states will be added in coming months, according to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
For more: www.dhs.gov/e-verify.
Group releases plan to revive construction industry
The Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) released a new national plan in March detailing measures to stimulate demand for construction. A boost in this sector means a boost for nurseries and landscape contractors.
The plan, called “Building a Stronger Future, A New Blueprint for Economic Growth,” outlines measures to help boost private sector demand for construction, help tackle a growing infrastructure maintenance backlog and reduce needless red tape and regulations.
The recovery plan emphasizes boosting private sector demand, which once accounted for 76 percent of all construction activity, but now accounts for only 60 percent. It calls for approving pending trade agreements to boost demand for manufacturing and shipping facilities, repealing the alternative minimum tax and making permanent the tax cuts that were first put in place in 2001 and 2003.
For more: www.agc.org.
Canadian government invests money in horticulture
The Government of Canada is investing more than $65,000 to help the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association raise the profile of Canadian horticulture products.
The association will use the funds to support the ongoing development of the Canada Brand for Canadian-grown nursery stock, participation at the International Plant Fair in Germany and the development of a promotional strategy for the sector’s buy-sell web portal.
For more: www.canadanursery.com
Chesapeake Bay campaign encourages plant sales
Chesapeake Bay area homeowners are hearing about an environmental awareness campaign taking root in the Richmond, Baltimore, the D.C. Metro area and Hampton Roads regions.
The “Plant More Plants” campaign aims to encourage homeowners to “plant more plants” as a way to mitigate stormwater runoff and erosion and ultimately help improve the health of the Chesapeake Bay.
The message is simple: by planting more plants, homeowners not only improve their lawns and landscapes, they also help protect an important resource—the Chesapeake Bay.
Planting native trees, shrubs and perennials can help filter stormwater and prevent runoff. “Plant More Plants” aims to put a spotlight on this issue, partner with industry organizations and advocates, educate consumers on ways they can help and provide Bay-friendly solutions and resources for homeowners as they seek to enhance their curb appeal.
For more: www.plantmoreplants.com.
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