U.S.A.'s interesting latest news

February 19, 2021


Getting Ready for Tax Season: Cost-of-Living Adjustment for 2021 and More

Did you know that Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits for 70 million Americans will increase in 2021? This adjustment ensures that the benefits provided match the rise in the cost of living as measured by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Consumer Price Index (CPI-W), which rises when inflation increases.

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Editor's Picks

December 10, 2020
Finding Financial Assistance on Benefits.gov


Financial responsibilities can be difficult to manage, but depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible for financial assistance to help with your needs. Benefits.gov is here to help you understand the financial assistance resources available to you, your family, and your business.Read More

January 7, 2021
The Low-Income Housing Energy Assistance Program


If you or a loved one are struggling to pay energy bills, Benefits.gov can direct you to federal and state energy assistance programs and the next steps to power your home through this difficult time.Read More

Where Do I File a Consumer Complaint?





It can be frustrating to have a bad experience with a business and no idea of where to report it. You will need to report to a specific agency depending on your situation. If you’ve experienced a problem after you buy something, receive poor service, or get scammed or harassed by a company, understand where to go for help:
Contact the Better Business Bureau (BBB) if you have a problem with a vehicle, your cell phone, or a business or charity service, product, or practice.

Having issues with debt collection, credit reporting, or other loan and money services? Reach out to the Consumer Financial Protection Office (CFPB).

Report a problem with health products like a prescription drug, vaccine or medical device to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Were you scammed, had your identity stolen, or your privacy invaded online? Notify the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

United States Department of Labor 



U.S. Department of Labor


February 19, 2021

Stronger Apprenticeships

To strengthen registered apprenticeship programs and reduce duplication, the department is suspending applications for Standards Recognition Entities in the Industry-Recognized Apprenticeship Program. We’re also relaunching the federal Advisory Committee on Apprenticeship. Read more about how the Biden administration is bolstering apprenticeships.

Health Care Enrollment

A Special Enrollment Period for the Health Insurance Marketplace will run through Saturday, May 15. Explore options and sign up at https://HealthCare.gov.

Whistleblower Protections

OSHA’s Whistleblower Protection Program is now overseeing worker retaliation complaints filed under two new statutes: the Criminal Antitrust Anti-Retaliation Act and the Anti-Money Laundering Act.



Trenching Hazards

OSHA cited a Missouri plumbing contractor for two repeated and two serious trenching violations, and proposed $299,590 in penalties.

Overtime Enforcement

A Twin Cities area grocer will pay 81 workers $212,459 in overtime back wages after a department investigation.

Safety Citations

OSHA cited a Montana manufacturer and its staffing agency for serious and willful violations following a partial finger amputation, proposing $264,478 in fines.

Wages Restored

A South Carolina Ben & Jerry’s franchisee will pay $21,360 in back wages and fines after investigators found wage and child labor violations.

Misclassification

A Guam construction contractor will pay $51,481 in back wages after the department found it illegally attempted to avoid paying overtime by misclassifying its workers as independent contractors.



America Saves Week

On Feb. 24, we’re co-hosting a free webcast for small businesses and their employees to explore retirement saving options. Starting a retirement savings plan can be easier than you think!

Career Guidance

Visit CareerOneStop to find job opportunities, career options, training, skills assessments and workforce services to launch the next stage of your career.

How Social Security Helped Desegregate America’s Hospitals 02/19/2021 01:42 PM EST As we celebrate Black History Month, I want to share an incredible story. Back in the ‘60s, the Social Security Administration (SSA) played a vital role in desegregating hospitals in America. On November 19, 1945, President Harry Truman proposed a national healthcare plan to Congress. He viewed healthcare as a basic human right, saying, “Our […]

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TTB NEWSLETTER | Weekly News
February 19, 2021

IN THIS ISSUE

Greetings! This week we’re highlighting some TTB.gov resources for the distilled spirits industry and sharing a Federal Register notice from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office that may be of interest.
PROOFING RESOURCES FOR DSPs

Distilled spirits plant (DSP) proprietors are required to determine taxes owed on spirits removed from their bonded premises. To do this, proprietors need to gauge the spirits—that is, determine the quantity and proof.

If you are a DSP proprietor, it is important that you know how to proof your spirits correctly. Below you'll find some resources to help you with the proofing process.

TTB Proofing Resources
TTB Proofing Video Series
The Gauging Manual
Interpolation of Proof from Table 1 of the Gauging Manual
DISTILLED SPIRITS TRAINING PRESENTATIONS AVAILABLE

Last year we presented our “TTB Bootcamp for Distillers” training series during industry conferences. These presentations are a great resource for distilled spirits industry members. You can access these presentations, as well as others, on the TTB Presentations page.

Distilled Spirits Bootcamp 2020 - Records, Reports, Returns

Distilled Spirits Bootcamp 2020 - Formulas

Distilled Spirits Bootcamp 2020 - Labeling

Feel free to bookmark these presentations or download a copy for future reference.

last April, we liberalized the labeling tolerance for alcohol content statements on distilled spirits labels. A tolerance of plus or minus 0.3% is now allowed for actual alcohol content that is above or below the alcohol content shown on the label.


DEVELOPMENT OF A NATIONAL CONSUMER AWARENESS CAMPAIGN ON COMBATING THE TRAFFICKING IN COUNTERFEIT AND PIRATED PRODUCTS

We are aware that TTB-regulated industry members are both affected by and concerned with counterfeit and pirated goods, and may have interest in the following U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) Federal Register notices. Use the links below for further information, including how and where to send comments to USPTO. Please do not send comments on this matter to TTB.

DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE United States Patent and Trademark Office

SOURCE: Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 222 / Tuesday, November 17, 2020 / Notices and Federal Register / Vol. 86, No. 26 / Wednesday, February 10, 2021 / Notices

ACTION: Request for comments.

SUMMARY: On January 24, 2020, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) released its Report to the President of the United States titled ‘‘Combating Trafficking in Counterfeit and Pirated Goods’’ (DHS Report). The report was prepared in response to the April 3, 2019, Presidential Memorandum titled ‘‘Memorandum on Combating Trafficking in Counterfeit and Pirated Goods’’ (Presidential Memorandum). Among the action items identified in the DHS Report was action 11, titled ‘‘Establish a National Consumer Awareness Campaign.’’ To start implementation of this action item, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is seeking information from stakeholders, including, but not limited to, intellectual property rights holders, online third-party marketplaces, third-party intermediaries, and other private sector stakeholders, on the development of a National Consumer Awareness Campaign on Combating the Trafficking in Counterfeit and Pirated Products as a public-private partnership.

DATES: Written comments must be received on or before March 12, 2021.

TTB Newsletter Archives >>>

WHEN DISASTER STRIKES

TTB recognizes that the devastation caused by natural disasters may severely impact the operations of some industry members and taxpayers.

If your business was affected by a natural disaster and you have questions about TTB alcohol or tobacco matters, please contact us at 877-882-3277 (toll free), or use the National Revenue Center contact form and select “disaster relief question.”

For additional information, see Disaster Relief.
WHAT'S POPULAR ON TTB.gov

Top Distilled Spirits pages, Feb. 8-14, 2021
Distilled Spirits Permits
Conversion Tables
Penalties for Illegal Distilling
Basic Mandatory Labeling Information for DISTILLED SPIRITS
Distilled Spirits Labeling
REPORT SUSPECTED ILLEGAL ACTIVITY
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Learn more about the TTB Tip Line.
ABOUT THE NEWSLETTER

The TTB Newsletter compiles the top TTB news of the week and other helpful information for the alcohol and tobacco industries we regulate.
Please send any questions or comments about the TTB Newsletter to the Office of Industry and State Outreach.

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Please visit the homepage of TTB.gov for the most recent news, or visit the Contact Us page if you have any questions

"The 2021 Europe Webinar Series:  France, Spain, Italy, Germany and Russia"  The U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration, has provided a webinar series on these subregions of Europe. The webinar series will provide an overview of each regional market, opportunities, trends, business opportunities, and key projects with practical advice from European experts. Please join us today by registering for this webinar series!  Event: Doing Business in Spain Date: February 23, 2021 Time: 11: 00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. ET Cost:  $25 Join the U.S. Commercial Service for a webinar to learn about market opportunities for several industries in Spain.    Understand economic, commercial trends and opportunities in Spain, as well as best prospect sectors. The webinar will conclude with a question and answer session.  Event: Doing Business in Italy Date: March 18, 2021 Time: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. ET Cost: $25 Join the U.S. Commercial Service for a webinar to learn about current market conditions in Italy. Learn from our experts who will offer a market overview and practical advice to U.S. exporters looking to do business in Italy.  The webinar will conclude with a question and answer session.  Event: Doing Business in Germany Date: April 15, 2021 Time: 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. ET Cost: $25 Join the U.S. Commercial Service for a webinar to learn about the current market opportunities in Germany. Understand economic, commercial trends, and opportunities in Germany, looking specifically at potential changes in demand and best prospect sectors. The webinar will conclude with a question and answer session. Event: Doing Business in Russia Date: May 13, 2021 Time: 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. ET Cost $25 Join the U.S. Commercial Service for a webinar to learn about current market opportunities and challenges in Russia.   Learn from our experts at the American embassy in Moscow and private sector who will offer market overviews and practical advice to U.S. exporters looking to do business in Russia. The webinar will conclude with a question and answer session.

For event information, please contact Anastasia.Xenias@trade.gov For technical information, please contact Linda.Abbruzzese@trade.gov.