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☆ A London millennial who turned about $6,000 into $30,000 through cryptocurrency investing shares his top investment tips
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-11 | by ( Jacob Zinkula | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

A London-based millennial sold $30,000 of his cryptocurrency investments in 2021 to buy an apartment. He shared the top investment strategies he's used since he began investing in 2017. It wasn't until 2017 that the London-based millennial began investing in crypto tokens, he told Business Insider via email. Bill sold roughly $30,000 (or €28,000) worth of Ripple and Stellar, according to documents viewed by BI. For now, Bill said he's waiting for crypto prices to fall or for an attractive investment opportunity to arise.

Persons: he's, —, Bill, he'd, Bill doesn't Organizations: Service, BI, Ethereum Locations: London, cryptocurrencies, Solana

The first is a bipartisan measure to require political candidates and groups to include disclaimers in ads that use AI technology. The surge of commercial investment in generative AI tools has generated public fascination and concerns about their ability to trick people and spread disinformation. Sophisticated generative AI tools, from voice-cloning software to image generators, already are in use in elections in the U.S. and around the world. Last year, as the U.S. presidential race got underway, several campaign advertisements used AI-generated audio or imagery, and some candidates experimented with using AI chatbots to communicate with voters. The Biden administration issued guidelines for using AI technology in 2022 but they include mostly far-reaching goals and aren't binding.

Persons: doesn't, —, Joe Biden’s, Biden Organizations: Assembly, League of Women Voters, Republican, Netflix, District of Columbia, Federal Communications Commission, New, U.S Locations: MADISON, Wis, Wisconsin, Puerto Rico, Texas , North Dakota, West Virginia, Louisiana, U.S

☆ House lawmakers weigh relief for state and local tax deduction 'marriage penalty'
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-14 | by ( Kate Dore | Cfp | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Violetastoimenova | E+ | Getty ImagesHouse lawmakers are weighing relief for a "marriage penalty" that impacts the federal deduction limit on state and local taxes, known as SALT. While the bill doesn't have broad support, it could help shape future tax policy discussions, experts say. Without changes from Congress, the $10,000 limit will sunset after 2025 and there will be no deduction cap. Lawmakers on Wednesday afternoon will cast a procedural vote on the bill for future House consideration. As discussions continue about expiring Tax Cuts and Jobs Act provisions, the SALT cap "is going to be one of the biggest sticking points," he said.

Persons: there's, filers, Garrett Watson, John Buhl Organizations: Getty Images, Republicans, Tax, Urban Institute, Urban Locations: New York , New Jersey, California

Beshear's national profile rose after his convincing reelection win over GOP challenger Daniel Cameron last November. The newly formed 501(c)(4) group called “Heckbent” will promote key Beshear proposals by supporting grassroots advocacy, said Eric Hyers, his chief political strategist. There was no such group to promote Beshear's agenda during his first term, when his notable legislative successes often were overshadowed by his many policy disputes with GOP lawmakers. The governor's record of legislative achievements is more checkered — something the new group will try to change with messaging that could focus on areas represented by GOP lawmakers. He's so far failed to persuade lawmakers to appropriate state funds to provide preschool for every Kentucky 4-year-old.

Persons: Andy Beshear, Daniel Cameron, Beshear, Eric Hyers, ” Hyers, Donald Trump, He's, David Osborne Organizations: —, Gov, Republican, State, GOP, supermajorities, GOP House Locations: FRANKFORT, Ky, Kentucky

☆ Lawmakers are trying to pass a bill that will make flying better — but it doesn't address the problems that make skiplagging so appealing
▼ + stars: | 2023-07-21 | by ( Kelsey Vlamis | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

The House on Thursday passed a bill meant to improve air travel. But the bill doesn't address the confusing pricing models that lead to skiplagging. After airline delays and cancellations caused travel chaos this winter, the bill seeks to address some of the contributing issues. Lawmakers from both parties have said the bill will make air travel safer and more efficient. Not knowing what's the best, or cheapest, time to book a flight is one of the more annoying aspects of air travel.

Organizations: Service, American Airlines, Federal Aviation Administration, Democratic Locations: Wall, Silicon

☆ House GOP retirement fund bill takes aim at ESG investing
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-21 | by ( Emily Wilkins | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

House Republicans are continuing their attempt to pump the brakes on so-called "woke" investing with new legislation that could place limits on financial advisors and retirement funds. Rep. Andy Barr, R-Ky., will introduce a bill Wednesday that would target funds that consider environmental, social and governance issues, known as ESG. Barr's measure would update the Employee Retirement Income Security Act to require retirement funds to focus only on maximizing profits, limiting the ability to invest in ESG options. In addition, advisors would need to disclose the difference in fees and performance between ESG funds and a similar index. Proponents say ESG investing is intended to promote the social good, although critics say it hurts investors.

Persons: Andy Barr, Kevin McCarthy, Bill Huizenga, Barr, fiduciaries, Jared Golden, Joe Manchin, Jon Tester —, Joe Biden, who's, Andy Beshear, Brad Sherman Organizations: Investments, U.S, Capitol, Republicans, CNBC, Biden, — Rep, Sens, Senate, Financial, Republican, Democratic, California Democrat, Financial Services Locations: Ky, ESG, America, Kentucky, California

☆ TikTok may have a path forward in the US without a sale or ban
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-14 | by ( Ashley Rodriguez | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

A bipartisan bill reintroduced this week would regulate how companies including TikTok share US data. TikTok has faced increased scrutiny around its ties to China, as well as calls for a US sale or ban. TikTok may have a path forward in the US without a sale or ban. TikTok has faced increased scrutiny from US lawmakers around its ties to China, where its parent company, ByteDance, is based. At the core of the issue are concerns that TikTok's Beijing-based parent company could be compelled to give the Chinese Community Party access to US user data.

Persons: TikTok, Sen, Ron Wyden, Cynthia Lummis, Biden, ByteDance, walling, It's, Wyden Organizations: Republican, CNN, Street, Foreign Investment, Congress, Wall, Chinese Community Party, CCP, Oracle Locations: China, Oregon, Wyoming, Montana, TikTok, Beijing, Texas, Russia

☆ A South Carolina teacher had her AP lesson shut down after students snitched that she planned to have them read Ta-Nehisi Coates' memoir
▼ + stars: | 2023-06-14 | by ( Chris Panella | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

A South Carolina teacher's lesson was shut down after students complained they were uncomfortable. The AP English lesson included reading Ta-Nehisi Coates' 2015 memoir on racism "Between the World and Me." This past spring, Chapin High School English teacher Mary Wood included Coates' book in her lesson plan before the AP English Language exam, according to lesson plans and documents obtained by The State. Wood said in the documents that she had taught Coates' memoir the prior academic year with no issue, The State added. Young compared the situation to the AP African American Studies course debacle in Florida, which also involved the removal Coates' writing from lesson plans.

Persons: Nehisi Coates, Coates, —, Mary Wood, AP Lang, Wood, Jeremy C, Young, doesn't, that's, hasn't Organizations: PEN America, Service, Carolina teacher's, Chapin High School English, The State, AP, Chapin High School, AP African American Studies, South, South Carolina Republicans, Associated Press, GOP Locations: Carolina, America, South Carolina, The, Florida

House Republicans wanted to add work requirements for some American adults receiving Medicaid, but the debt ceiling bill doesn't include them. Currently: There is no federal work requirement. Former President Donald Trump's administration granted waivers to several states to impose such a mandate on certain enrollees. Unchanged: There is no federal work requirement. But states would have picked up the full tab for about 900,000 of them, leaving around 600,000 uninsured.

Persons: Donald Trump's, Joe Biden's Organizations: Republicans, Congressional Locations: Georgia

☆ Florida passes bill to prevent billionaires like Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos being sued if their mega-rockets kill or injure people
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-17 | by ( Marianne Guenot | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Florida passed a bill protecting space companies in case of injury or death of a crew member. The bill comes as more billionaires are trying to make commercial space flight a reality. Passengers will have to sign a waiver stating they understand the risks of spaceflight before boarding a spaceship, the bill states. Jeff Sharkey, a lobbyist representing SpaceX, also stood in support of the bill at a March 26 hearing, per Florida Politics. Still, the bill doesn't abrogate space companies from all responsibility.

☆ The GOP proposal to raise the debt ceiling would force Americans on Social Security and Medicare to wait longer to receive help and make college more expensive, the White House says
▼ + stars: | 2023-05-16 | by ( Ayelet Sheffey | Juliana Kaplan | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

That would include worse customer service times for Americans receiving Medicare and Social Security. That could mean people waiting for disability benefits through Social Security might face wait times of at least two months longer, and those seeking help through Social Security and Medicare offices could experience worse customer servicer. "House Republicans can do this math as well as anyone. "If House Republicans choose not to cut funding for military, veterans' medical care, and border security, then their cuts to everything else must get even deeper." As Yellen warned McCarthy in her Monday letter, failure to raise the debt ceiling on time would be catastrophic for Americans.

☆ A new bill in Florida would allow citizens to sue for damage to or removal of Confederate statues
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-26 | by ( Hannah Getahun | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

A new bill in Florida would allow citizens to sue for damage to or removal of historical monuments. The bill doesn't mention Confederate statues, but opponents say it is a response to it. The newly-elected state senator, endorsed by Ron DeSantis during his 2022 campaign, previously served on the Florida Southwestern State College Board of Trustees. Before being elected, the state senator had been investigated for battery but was cleared by prosecutors in August. Over the past few years, a national movement to remove Confederate statues took hold in the US, with proponents of these removals pointing to the statues' ties to slavery.

☆ Ron DeSantis and the Florida GOP want to make it harder for public-sector unions to collect dues — with exceptions for police and firemen
▼ + stars: | 2023-04-08 | by ( Ethan Dodd | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

The Florida senate passed a bill that would make it harder for public sector unions to collect dues and recertify. While it will impact Democratic-leaning teachers' unions, along with most other public-sector unions, Republican-supporting police and firefighters' unions will be exempt. By making it harder for public employees to pay their union dues, the law makes it harder for teachers' unions to reach the new 60% threshold and recertify. "The governor's staff apparently called around to see the membership of public unions, specifically teachers," Spar said. Of the 100 local teachers unions Spar represents, 70-75 of those locals would need to hold an election to recertify, he said.

☆ Republicans are starting to split over exactly how — and whether — to ban TikTok
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-30 | by ( Bryan Metzger | Eliza Relman | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

Republicans generally support banning TikTok, but they're beginning to disagree on how. Sen. Rand Paul has also come out against a TikTok ban, blocking a bill from Sen. Josh Hawley. But even among Republicans who favor a TikTok ban, there are growing concerns about the RESTRICT Act — arguably the most prominent proposal put forward to deal with the issue. "So, I think we should ban TikTok. "It's worse than banning TikTok, because it can be applied to lots of other companies," said Paul.

☆ A Florida lawmaker thinks the so-called 'Don't Say Gay' bill doesn't go far enough — and is pitching a major expansion
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-02 | by ( Chris Panella | Kimberly Leonard | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

A Florida GOP state representative filed a proposal expanding the state's so-called "Don't Say Gay" bill. The bill, HB 1223, would prohibit instruction on sexual orientation and gender identity up to eighth grade. The bill's creator, GOP Rep. Adam Anderson, said in a statement to the Orlando Sentinel that the bill "promotes parental rights, transparency, and state standards in Florida schools." LGBTQ advocacy groups, such as Equality Florida, condemned the bill. DeSantis and Florida Republicans responded by stripping Disney of its special tax district and taking control of the area around Disney World.

☆ Tennessee governor targeting drag says a photo showing him dressed as a woman isn't a problem because it was 'lighthearted' when he did it
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-28 | by ( Sinéad Baker | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

A photo purporting to show Tennessee's Republican governor in drag in 1977 resurfaced on Reddit. The bill would limit where drag shows can take place under the guise of protecting children. Bill Lee after a photo purporting to show Lee in drag in a 1977 high school yearbook was shared on Reddit. Lee's spokesperson did not deny that the image was of the governor, but said that it was different to what Lee is targeting, which would stop drag shows taking place on public property. Lee told reporters on Monday that he plans to sign a bill that would limit drag shows in public under the guise of protecting children.

☆ South Carolina state senator proposes a bill that would require new residents to pay $500 to move there
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-27 | by ( Grace Dean | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

A South Carolina state senator proposed a bill that would ask relocators to pay $500 to move there. New residents would pay $250 to register their vehicle and $250 for a new driver's license. Most states, including South Carolina, require newcomers from different states to get a new license upon arrival. It costs $25 to get a driver's license in South Carolina, which typically lasts for eight years. The bill doesn't aim to deter migration to South Carolina, Goldfinch told the committee.

The U.S. Treasury hit its $31.4 trillion borrowing limit last month. Investors need to actively manage their positions during a prolonged turbulent period in which borrowing negotiations could disrupt markets, Shah said. The Treasury bills yield curve indicates investors are demanding higher returns to hold debt due in August, signaling that it is perceived to be riskier than other maturities. Bid yields of Treasury billsStandoffs over the debt limit in the last decade have largely been resolved without causing major financial turmoil. Bond investors are navigating uncertainty around what they're calling the X-date, when the government can no longer meet its payments.

It would assign over $17.6 billion in Medicaid funds to Puerto Rico over the next five years. That temporarily changed after the pandemic, when Congress passed legislation increasing Medicaid funding by 6% to states and U.S. territories. The current bill seeks to increase the federal government’s share of Medicaid costs paid to Puerto Rico to 76 cents. The bill's failure would also trigger a significant decrease in the allotment Puerto Rico gets to fund its Medicaid program. Since the start of the pandemic, Puerto Rico has received roughly $3 billion annually for its Medicaid program based on an interpretation of the Medicaid funding cap provision from Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.

President Joe Biden signed legislation Friday to avoid a potentially catastrophic rail strike after Congress approved the measure this week. Biden had pressed lawmakers to pass the measure after railway workers vowed to strike by Dec. 9 if an agreement couldn't be reached. The Senate voted down an amendment 52 to 43, championed by Sen. Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., that would have added seven days of paid sick leave for rail workers to the deal. “Let me be clear: This struggle is not over,” Sanders said after the sick leave amendment failed. “At a time of record-breaking profits for the rail industry, it is disgraceful that railroad workers do not have a single day of paid sick leave.”"I know this bill doesn't have paid sick leave.

WASHINGTON — House lawmakers are poised to pass legislation Wednesday to avert a catastrophic rail strike that President Joe Biden warned could threaten the U.S. economy just weeks before Christmas. “At a time of record profits in the rail industry, it’s unacceptable that rail workers have ZERO guaranteed paid sick days,” Sanders tweeted. “It’s my intention to block consideration of the rail legislation until a roll call vote occurs on guaranteeing 7 paid sick days to rail workers in America.”Other progressives also wouldn’t commit to back the rail proposal. But the House will also vote separately on a bill that would add seven days of paid sick leave to the deal. Biden "is confident that we will not have a rail strike.

The House agriculture committee will likely be led starting in January by Glenn "GT" Thompson of Pennsylvania. The farm bill has a historical reputation of bipartisanship, so some advocates told Reuters they are warily optimistic. Passage of the 2014 farm bill was held up more than a year as conservative House Republicans tried unsuccessfully to strip the bill of nutrition programs. Every Republican member of the House agriculture committee signed a letter calling the funding “abusive and troublesome." At an August farm conference in Iowa, Thompson said if he led the agriculture committee, he would "ensure that the farm bill doesn't become a climate bill."

☆ House Democratic leadership finally released the text of their bill to ban members of Congress from trading stocks. Here's what's in it.
▼ + stars: | 2022-09-28 | by ( Bryan Metzger | Dave Levinthal | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +7 min

The text comes after months of back-and-forth between Pelosi and lawmakers, and a vote may come this week. Interest in lawmakers' stock trades rose after Insider's "Conflicted Congress" investigation. House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy, who himself does not trade stocks, said earlier this year that he'd consider barring members of Congress from trading stocks if the GOP wins the House in November. Here's what the bill includes:The bill would ban top officials across all three branches — as well as the spouses and dependent children of members of Congress — from owning or trading stocks, as well as cryptocurrencies. Members of Congress would also be required to file financial disclosures electronically, eliminating a long-standing problem with lawmakers submitting illegible information about their personal finances.

☆ Don’t make these 6 money mistakes in your 30s, says former JPMorgan retirement expert
▼ + stars: | 2022-01-04 | by ( Anne Lester | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

Here are six key financial mistakes I've seen folks in their 30s make, and why you should avoid them:1. Not having an emergency fundHaving an emergency fund is key to avoid debt later in life, when retirement goals should be front and center. Being underinsuredMany people don't like to buy insurance because it means paying for something they hope to never use. One medical emergency or accident on the job, for example, can change your financial trajectory. The faster you can pay those off, the more money you'll have to put towards other financial goals that become increasingly important as you progress in your 30s.

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