Job Creators Network Urges Action on Overtime Pay

Right now, business owners have a chance to delay the new regulation that more than doubles the salary threshold for employees to be exempt from overtime pay.

The House of Representatives has already passed legislation to delay the December 1 deadline. The Senate's Overtime Reform and Review Act (S. 3464), sponsored by Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee Chairman Lamar Alexander will:

  • Reduce the increase to only $35,984 on Dec 1 and delays future increases until Dec 1, 2018
  • Require a General Accounting Office study on the effects of increases to the salary threshold for exempt employees
  • Raise the threshold roughly 10% each year over the next three years to finally reach $47,476 in 2020 (Instead of raising it to $47,476 next month!)
  • Stop the automatic 3-year escalators required by the original rule

While this bill doesn't fix this regulation entirely, it helps businesses large and small deal with this regulation a lot easier than the current rule. Due to the current make up of the Senate, this bill is the best shot we've got. Please take a few minutes to write your Senator and explain how important it would be for you and other job creators to have a gradual phase in of the new threshold.

Please click the link below to take action on this important legislation.
 

https://www.votervoice.net/JCN/campaigns/48514/respond

Sincerely,
Alfredo Ortiz
President & CEO
Job Creators Network
[email protected]

  

Federal Interest Rates: What’s Next?

By Todd Hauer

During its September meeting, the Federal Reserve decided against raising interest rates – as many had expected. The Fed cited that, while the case for an increase had strengthened, it would like to see further evidence of progress before they decide to raise rates. Though there are two more meetings left this year, economists believe that all eyes will be on December as November will be too close to the election for a major increase decision.

While some are predicting a rate hike will occur in December, we disagree that the case for the next rate hike has strengthened. Morgan Stanley’s Chief US Economist Ellen Zentner believes justifying a hike this year will not be easy and the Fed will take no action this year or next. Given more accommodative monetary policy, Zentner maintains her forecast for 1.7% annual growth this year, but believes the economy will slow to a 1.5% annual growth rate in 2017.

The forecast is a result of mixed performance in recent economic indicators over the past few months. Job and wage growth slowed in August while the US Consumer Sentiment Index dipped slightly from August. Additionally, a report from the Institute for Supply Management showed that U.S. services sector activity dropped to a 6 ½ year low in August amid declines in production and orders, further pointing toward slowed economic growth. The drop from July was the largest monthly decrease since November 2008.

The Fed will need to be more patient in determining whether or not the U.S. economy is able to handle a rate hike in the near future given the current economic climate. Some key Fed officials believe that core inflation will need to move closer to the 2% target before any action can be taken. If Morgan Stanley’s predictions are correct and economic growth continues to slow, it's unlikely we're going to see the targeted 2% inflation rate, thus signaling no rate increases in the near future.

Investors with a close eye to the markets may become skittish when they can’t see down the road and may sell or allocate their assets and securities into safer areas. However, it’s important to note that a quarter of a point interest rate hike would still leave rates low, compared to historical norms. Generally, the average consumer will not see much of an impact until rates are raised more substantially.

One of the best ways to counter volatility and market swings is to invest for “decades, not days.” In general, the market tends to reward consistency over time.

U.S. Ranks 5th Worst on International Tax Competitiveness Among OECD Nations

From the Tax Foundation

On October 5, 2016, we released the 2016 International Tax Competitiveness Index (ITCI), and this year the United States ranks 31st out of the 35 countries in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). With the fifth least competitive tax code in the developed world, only Greece, Portugal, Italy, and France rank worse than the U.S. The report finds that Estonia (#1), New Zealand (#2), and Latvia (#3) have the most competitive codes among the OECD nations. 

The ITCI attempts to determine which countries provide the best tax environment for investment and business growth and development. It does this by measuring the competitiveness of tax systems in the OECD’s 35 countries based on more than 40 tax policy variables in five categories: corporate income taxes, individual taxes, consumption taxes, property taxes, and the treatment of foreign earnings.

The United States ranks poorly largely due to five factors. The U.S. maintains the highest corporate tax rate among OECD nations at 39.1%, it levies relatively high property taxes on real property, has high progressive income taxes that apply to capital gains and dividends, has estate taxes, and ranks at the bottom with its treatment of foreign earnings. 

The least competitive tax code among OECD nations belongs to France. In addition to having the highest property and individual tax rates, France has the third highest corporate income tax rate at 34.4%, a financial transaction tax, and an annual net wealth tax. 

At the other end of the spectrum, Estonia for the third year in a row ranks as having the most competitive tax code among OECD nations. This is largely due to its 20% tax rate on corporate income that is only applied to distributed profits. It has a flat 20% tax on individual income that doesn't apply to personal dividend income. Its property tax applies only to the value of land rather than taxing the value of real property or capital. It also has a territorial tax system that exempts 100% of the foreign profits earned by domestic corporations from domestic taxation. 

“No longer can a country levy high taxes on business investment and activity without adversely affecting its economic performance,” said Tax Foundation Director of Federal Projects Kyle Pomerleau. “In recent years, many countries have recognized this fact and have moved to reform their tax codes to be more competitive. However, others have failed to do so and are falling behind the global movement.”

The U.S. is a great example of this. The last major change to the U.S. tax code occurred 30 years ago, when Congress reduced the marginal corporate income tax rate from 46 percent to 34 percent in an attempt to make U.S. corporations more competitive overseas. Since 1986, other OECD countries have followed suit, reforming their tax codes -- and leaving the United States with one of the least competitive tax codes in the world.



Full Report: 2016 International Tax Competitiveness Index

Vote Yes on 4B for Continued Culture, Science and Art

An op-ed by COBRT President Jeff Wasden

Voters in November have an opportunity to continue one of metro Denver’s economic and cultural success stories with a Yes on 4B, a vote for the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District reauthorization. Voters in 1988 approved the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District (SCFD) that provides funding for 300 cultural facilities across seven metro counties. For one penny on every $10 purchase, residents are supporting arts, culture, and even scientific organizations regionally and locally. Twice before, voters have overwhelmingly substantiated the SCFD’s mission to enlighten and entertain the public through the production, presentation, exhibition, advancement and preservation of art, music, theatre, dance, zoology, botany, natural history, and cultural history.

Business owners are constantly evaluating initiatives, capital expenditures, and the return on investment (ROI). As President of the Colorado Business Roundtable, I feel that same benchmark is just as important to this reauthorization vote as it is to any new technology, capital purchase, potential new employee, or acquisition. We should look at what SCFD has contributed to the Denver metro area and local communities. What value-added investments has SCFD made that warrant our strong support and endorsement urging reauthorization? Last year alone, nearly 15 million visitors attended the 300 organizations and facilities supported by SCFD funding, often at a free or reduced rate (an increase of 95% since the district’s inception in 1988). More than 4.25 million students are able to experience both the educational and cultural programming for free throughout the year. The economic benefits alone pump nearly 1.85 billion dollars per year in the metro Denver economy through job creation, tourism, and audience spending, while employing over 10,000 Coloradans each year.

This year, positive changes to the funding formula are proposed that increase funding to small and mid-sized organizations, driving significant benefits to local economies through educational and cultural experiences right at home. SCFD has maintained accountability and transparency to the public, supporting this investment with no increase to the existing tax rate.

In their study, “The Metropolitan Revolution,” authors Bruce Katz and Jennifer Bradley look at how cities and metropolitan areas have found success in fixing broken policies and fragile economies. The creation and passage of the Scientific and Cultural Facilities District is cited as one of four major initiatives that gave rebirth to the metro Denver economy following the early 1980’s energy bust.

Another study, “How the Arts Impact Communities: An introduction to the literature on arts impact studies,” was conducted by Joshua Guetzkow. In his study, Guetzkow dives into not only the types of impact (whether economic, cultural, or social), but also the impact to the community and individuals. Guetzkow found that the arts industry is an ‘export’ industry that attracts visitors, and visitors’ direct and indirect spending creates a multiplier effect on the local economy. An indirect multiplier is based on the idea that a portion of each dollar spent on some good or service is then used by the recipient to pay for more goods and services. To the extent that the money circulates within a community (e.g., a city), it ‘multiplies’ within that community.

The study also found that the arts industry builds interpersonal ties and promotes volunteering, which improves health while increasing opportunities for self-expression and enjoyment. Guetzkow also found that when youth are exposed to the arts, it can reduce delinquency in high-risk youth while providing an increased sense of individual efficacy and self-esteem. Guetzkow maintains the arts industry improves individuals’ sense of belonging or attachment to a community while improving human capital: skills and creative abilities. Wages to paid employees increase spending in local restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. Residents spend money on attending the arts and in local businesses.

The very presence of artists and arts and science increases attractiveness of area to tourists, businesses, and investors. Guetzkow found in his study that art fosters a ‘creative milieu’ that spurs economic growth in creative industries, and there is a greater likelihood of revitalization and investment. The arts attract residents and businesses. Businesses, especially those that employ highly trained mobile personnel, may consider the presence of art venues when making (re)location decisions (Cwi 1980b: 18-19). High concentrations of artists and/or high-skilled workers may produce agglomeration effects, where businesses, especially those in the fast-growing ‘creative industries’ (Walesh 2001), are drawn to an area because of the availability of creative talent and/or high-skilled workers, and vice versa.

These studies and our research certainly give powerful, empirical data on why we strongly urge a Yes on 4B vote. SCFD has had a positive impact upon our communities, with our students, and on local economies. Please join us in making a strong statement on the type of community you want for your kids, neighborhoods, schools, businesses, and the thriving arts scene. A Yes vote on 4B is a vote for continuing the strong economic and cultural prosperity metro Denver is enjoying and moving that forward for decades to come.

CEO Economic Outlook Suggests Continued Concerns Over Flat Economy

This original post is found on Business Roundtable: http://businessroundtable.org/resources/ceo-survey/2016-Q3.

Washington — CEOs report lower expectations for sales, roughly unchanged plans for hiring and nearly flat plans for capital spending in the third quarter of 2016. Overall, the results suggest that the American economy is likely to continue to experience lackluster growth.

The Business Roundtable CEO Economic Outlook Index — a composite of CEO projections for sales and plans for capital spending and hiring over the next six months — declined by 3.9 points, from 73.5 in the second quarter to 69.6 in the third quarter. The Index remains below its historical average of 79.6. It remains well above 50, indicating continued economic expansion — although well below the full potential of U.S. economic growth. 

According to the Business Roundtable third quarter 2016 CEO Economic Outlook Survey, CEO expectations for sales over the next six months declined by 9.3 points, while expectations for hiring declined by 3.4 points from last quarter. CEO plans for capital expenditures ticked up slightly by 0.8 point relative to last quarter.

In their fourth estimate of real GDP growth for 2016, CEOs expect 2.2 percent growth, a slight tick upward from their 2.1 percent estimate in the second quarter of 2016 and roughly in line with other well-regarded estimates.

“To increase investment and opportunity, Roundtable members continue to think Washington can better support our economy through measures that create growth,” said Doug Oberhelman, Chairman & CEO of Caterpillar Inc. and Chairman of Business Roundtable. “For the past year, the Business Roundtable CEO Economic Outlook has consistently remained below its long-term average. This reflects the unfortunate new normal — where the U.S. economy is pretty much stuck in neutral rather than moving forward. The continued lack of action on an aggressive pro-growth policy agenda that includes tax reform, trade expansion and a smarter approach to federal regulation contributes to an economy that continues to perform below its potential.”

See more of this report at Business Roundtable: http://businessroundtable.org/resources/ceo-survey/2016-Q3.

Statement by Maya MacGuineas: CBO Paints a Dismal Picture of Unsustainable Long-Term Debt Growth

The July 12, 2016 report from the Congressional Budget Office confirms what we’ve known for some time – that last year’s fiscally irresponsible legislation has worsened an already dismal long-term fiscal outlook.
 
Last year, CBO warned debt would rise from a post-war record of 75 percent of GDP today to 107 percent of GDP by 2040; this year they project it will rise to 122 percent of GDP by 2040, and keep growing after that to 141 percent three decades from now.
 
This trajectory cannot continue. It is a virtual roadmap to financial peril. CBO warns that high and rising levels of debt will slow income growth, increase interest costs, crowd out important budget priorities, limit the ability of lawmakers to respond to a crisis, and increase the likelihood of a fiscal crisis. 
 
The largest driver of the growth in long-term debt is the one area neither presidential candidate has a plan to address: entitlement spending. Policymakers should act quickly to reform these programs in order to slow the growth of health care and make Social Security solvent.
 
The presidential candidates should step up and address our dangerous long-term debt trajectory with constructive solutions and real leadership, not continuing to duck these challenges as they have so far. 
 
The longer we wait to act, the more painful the adjustments will be. So let’s start the discussion today.

For more information, contact Patrick Newton at [email protected].
 
For more information about the Fix the Debt Campaign, please visit www.fixthedebt.org.

 
Campaign to Fix the Debt
1900 M Street NW
Suite 850
Washington DC 20036 United States

Denver Real Estate Market Out of Step with Views of Local High Net Worth Investors

The results of a recent Investor Pulse Poll conducted by Morgan Stanley Wealth Management show that Denver-area high net worth (HNW) investors resoundingly declare the region’s housing market both overpriced and unaffordable to first-time home buyers. However, they are torn on whether Millennials should prioritize investing in a home above other financial goals.* 

Morgan Stanley Wealth Management’s Investor Pulse Poll is a survey of more than 1,000 national and local HNW investors designed to measure the investment pulse nationally and in selected markets across the country. 

Investors Critical of Rising College Costs
In Denver, college was another point of contention: 
•    93% agree, and 55% strongly agree, that the sharp rises in cost are not justified
•    70% believe a college degree to be a “must” for students today
•    64% believe anyone who applies himself or herself can find the financial aid and scholarships needed to afford college 

However, there is far less consensus on whether children should bear the responsibility of paying for their college tuition (51% agree) or whether a four-year college degree is worth paying for regardless of the price tag (47% agree).

Investing in the Future: Interest in Sustainable and Socially Responsible Investing
Six in 10 Denver-area HNW investors are at least somewhat familiar with socially responsible investing, with slightly less – 48% - considering themselves well-versed in sustainable investing. 

Moreover, respondents overall are open to both concepts after being provided with brief descriptions.  In particular, 68% are somewhat or very interested in sustainable investing, with 51% rating it as a “good” investment this year.  Socially responsible investing is not far behind, with 62% expressing interest and 46% seeing promise this year.

Enthusiasm for Fossil Fuels Wanes as Expectations for Renewables Far Exceed Those of Traditional Energy Sources in 2016
Aligning with their interest in sustainable investing, Denver-area HNW investors rank renewable energy sources highest when focusing on specific types of energy investments in 2016 –  with solar (64% rate as “good”) and wind (56% rate as “good”) taking the top spots.  Natural gas (49%), the only traditional source to crack the top-five, and battery-powered electric vehicles (41%) follow not far behind. 

When asked about a series of energy-related issues or initiatives, renewables garner the most support. In particular, expanding wind (88%) and solar (87%) farms topped the list of priorities for respondents.

Investment Considerations and Portfolios
Concerns about terrorism (85%), the prospect of affording quality healthcare (83%) and the government budget deficit (81%) weigh heavily on Denver-area HNW investors’ minds.  Over half (55%) feel there will be another recession in the next five years.

Denver-area HNW investors also overwhelmingly feel it is important for the Federal government to address healthcare costs (90%), the economy (86%) and our nation’s infrastructure (80%). 

When considering investments for this year, Denver-area HNW investors:  
•    Favor: dividend-bearing stocks (51% say “good”), actively managed mutual funds (42%), mutual or exchange-traded funds (42%), broad stock market and exchange-traded funds (38%), and a cash position (36%)
•    Disfavor: hedge funds (7% say “good”), insurance (13%), private equity funds (16%), international stocks or mutual funds (20%) and bond funds (20%).

When considering various investment sectors, Denver-area HNW investors:
•    Favor: technology (68% say “good”), pharmaceuticals (51%), renewable energy (51%), bio-tech (50%) and healthcare (48%)
•    Disfavor: consumer discretionary (16% say “good”), insurance (22%), entertainment (24%), tourism (26%), financial services (28%) and industrials (also 28%). 


Todd Hauer is a Financial Advisor with the Global Wealth Management Division of Morgan Stanley in Denver. The information contained in this interview is not a solicitation to purchase or sell investments. Any information presented is general in nature and not intended to provide individually tailored investment advice. The strategies and/or investments referenced may not be suitable for all investors as the appropriateness of a particular investment or strategy will depend on an investor's individual circumstances and objectives.  Investing involves risks and there is always the potential of losing money when you invest. The views expressed herein are those of the author and may not necessarily reflect the views of Morgan Stanley Wealth Management, or its affiliates. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, LLC, member SIPC. 

*The Investor Pulse Poll was conducted by GfK Public Affairs & Corporate Communications using the GfK KnowledgePanel from December 3 to December 28, 2015. In order to qualify for this study, respondents were required to have $100,000 or more in household liquid investable assets, be between the ages of 25 and 75 years old. The Investor Pulse Poll surveyed 1,003 high net worth investors from December 3 to December 28, 2015. High net worth investors account for 95% of total U.S. household investable assets by value, according to Federal Reserve data. Oversamples were obtained in the Denver metropolitan area.

 

Sustainable Investing and Socially Responsible Investing - Fad or Future

By Shelley Ford

In the last few years, many have expressed increased interest in sustainable investing and/or socially responsible investing as a new way to protect our planet, both environmentally and socially. In fact, interest in the topic has grown by 76% over the past two years. So what exactly is sustainable investing and socially responsible investing? And is it just a passing trend or the status quo of the future? 

Sustainable investing and socially responsible investing refers to the practice of developing portfolios that are personalized to specific environmental or social causes. For example, those interested in improving access to clean drinking water may feel empowered to invest in companies that act in accordance with those values.

A recent poll of Denver high net worth investors showed that half or more are familiar with socially responsible and sustainable investing on an unaided basis. After being provided brief descriptions of each term, they were most receptive to sustainable investing (68%), and 51% believed that it was a “good” investment in 2016. Socially responsible investing was not far behind, with 62% expressing interest and 46% viewing it as a “good” investment. Additionally, half have taken some type of action in this area such as investing in clean energy funds.

These results are further bolstered by the current investment climate where $1 out of every $6 of professionally managed assets in the U.S. is invested in some form of sustainable investment, to a total of $6.57 trillion.

I believe that sustainable investing and socially responsible investing is here to stay.

There are some that believe there is a trade off in activating portfolios toward positive impact. However, research shows that investing in sustainability has usually met — and often exceeded — the performance of comparable traditional investments. This is on both an absolute and a risk-adjusted basis, across asset classes and over time.

Investors are becoming increasingly attracted to using their portfolios as a vehicle to create positive change. Sustainable and socially responsible investing offers these investors the opportunity to personalize their strategies, themes and goals while supporting positive local or global causes. If you are considering these types of investment for your portfolio, it’s important to have a complete understanding of your options and the implications of each before making a decision.

Investors should not adopt a one-size-fits-all approach to evaluating impact investment opportunities. Just as investors have unique financial objectives, they tend to have very different impact goals as well. An awareness of these general considerations can help investors navigate their search for investments that provide financial returns with measurable impact.

Shelley Ford is a Financial Advisor with the Pelican Bay Group of the Global Wealth Management Division of Morgan Stanley in Denver. The information contained in this interview is not a solicitation to purchase or sell investments. Any information presented is general in nature and not intended to provide individually tailored investment advice. The strategies and/or investments referenced may not be suitable for all investors as the appropriateness of a particular investment or strategy will depend on an investor's individual circumstances and objectives.  Investing involves risks and there is always the potential of losing money when you invest. The views expressed herein are those of the author and may not necessarily reflect the views of Morgan Stanley Wealth Management, or its affiliates. Morgan Stanley Smith Barney, LLC, member SIPC. 

IRS Products Assist Small Biz and Self-Employed

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is marking National Small Business Week, May 1 to 7, by encouraging small-business owners and self-employed individuals to check out several products to help them understand and meet their tax obligations.

The products include a series of educational webinars to help you not only be tax compliant, but also to help your businesses thrive. The webinars start at 2 p.m. Eastern (11 a.m., Pacific; noon, Mountain; 1 p.m., Central). If you missed it, each webinar topic has a tax tip or fact sheet with more information:

Tax Tips for your New Business, May 2
Register at https://www.webcaster4.com/Webcast/Page/445/14468
IRS Tax Tips for Starting a Business

Staying Afloat: Planning for Emergencies Before they Happen, May 3
Register at https://www.webcaster4.com/Webcast/Page/445/14492
Look to the IRS for Tax Help in the Event of a Disaster

Worker Classification: Employee or Independent Contractor? (in Spanish), May 4
Register at https://www.webcaster4.com/Webcast/Page/445/14546
Payments to Independent Contractors

Tip Reporting and Tips vs. Service Charges, May 5
Register at https://www.webcaster4.com/Webcast/Page/445/14436
Tips Versus Services Charges: How to Report

Other Small Business Products
The IRS video portal contains video and audio presentations on a variety of topics of interest to small businesses.

The IRS YouTube video channel also offers videos for small businesses including:
·       IRS Tax Calendar
·     Audits by Mail – What to Do?
·     Simplified Home Office Deduction

The Small Business and Self-Employed Tax Center  is a complete online resource featuring links to a variety of useful tools, including Small Business Taxes: The Virtual Workshop, a downloadable tax calendar and common forms and their instructions. The Center provides help on everything from how to get an Employer Identification Number online to how to engage with the IRS during an audit.

The Self-Employed Individuals Tax Center is for sole proprietors and others who are in business for themselves. This site has many useful tips and references to the tax rules that a self-employed person may need to know.

The Online Learning and Educational Products page has tools to help taxpayers learn about taxes on their own time, and at their own pace. For example, the IRS Tax Calendar for Businesses and Self-Employed has important tax dates for businesses. Download the Calendar Connector tool to get the dates even when offline.

e-News for Small Businesses is a free electronic mail service providing tax information for small business owners and self-employed individuals. 

SSA/IRS Reporter is a quarterly, online-only publication for businesses, payroll professionals and others who deal with payroll taxes and employee issues.

Do some or all of your employees lack access to a retirement savings plan? You can help them get started saving for retirement with myRA, a simple, safe and affordable retirement savings option from the U.S. Treasury. Learn more here.

Federal Balancing Act: An Interactive Budget Simulation To Spur National Dialogue On Rising Deficits and Political Priorities

What if federal budget decisions were in your hands? New online tool lets each American see impact of changing priorities in health care, Social Security and income tax rates

The Bipartisan Policy Center in partnership with Engaged Public’s Balancing Act launched on March 17, 2016 the Federal Balancing Act: An Interactive Budget Simulation to promote a deeper dialogue and citizen engagement on the federal budget. The user-friendly interactive tool was created by Denver public policy firm Engaged Public, with the budget narrative and analysis provided by BPC, a Washington think tank.

“With the federal budget deficit increasing once again and a presidential election underway, now is the perfect time for citizens to engage on the issue with the Federal Balancing Act budget simulation,” Bill Hoagland, senior vice president at BPC, said. “This tool gives individual citizens the opportunity to easily craft a budget that reflects their priorities.”

The Federal Balancing Act simulation begins with a breakdown of the budget for Fiscal Year 2016, which is projected to run a $544 billion deficit, and includes information about how the government collects taxes and what programs the money is spent on. Users are then able to make changes to tax and spending categories based on their policy priorities. The simulator also projects the impact of those decisions 25 years out.

“Citizens pay trillions of dollars a year in taxes, but few understand the process for collecting and spending that money,” said Chris Adams, president of Engaged Public. “We are changing that with a convenient simulation-based tool that not only shows the public how their federal tax dollars are currently raised and spent, but also asks them to constructively join the decision-making process.”

Users have the opportunity to adjust a wide variety of federal programs, including health care, Social Security, defense, anti-poverty safety nets, veterans’ benefits and services, infrastructure, education, scientific research, and many others. Changes to revenue sources -- such as individual income taxes, corporate income taxes, the federal gas tax and more -- can pay for these programs.

“As consumers, Americans have come to expect information about what they buy,” Adams said. “As citizens, they should expect the same. Our goal is to connect people to government at all levels through transparency and genuine opportunities for participation.”

Federal Balancing Act also allows users to see the potential impact of changes to politically sensitive policies including: 

  • Addressing the costs of entitlement programs like Medicare
  • Raising Social Security’s retirement age
  • Changing average income tax rates
  • Adjusting spending levels on domestic investments such as infrastructure, education and scientific research

“With each adjustment to tax and spending categories, users instantly see the near-term and long-term impact on balancing – or not balancing -- the nation’s budget,” Hoagland said.

BPC and Engaged Public will report regularly on what is learned about public preferences from the simulator.

For more information, visit the Federal Balancing Act.

Bipartisan Policy Center
The Bipartisan Policy Center (BPC) is a non-profit organization that drives principled solutions through rigorous analysis, reasoned negotiation and respectful dialogue. With projects in multiple issue areas, BPC combines politically balanced policymaking with strong, proactive advocacy and outreach. As the only Washington, DC-based think tank that actively promotes bipartisanship, BPC works to address the key challenges facing the nation. Visit us at www.bipartisanpolicy.org

About Engaged Public
Engaged Public is a Denver-based, boutique public engagement firm that develops strategies for solving problems, working with civic leaders, stakeholders, and the public. Engaged Public is also the creator of civic engagement apps Balancing Act, an interactive budget simulation tool for learning about public budgets, and the Taxpayer Receipt, a breakdown of taxes paid. To learn more visit us at www.EngagedPublic.com.