BIZ Online NGLCC

This week, the United States Senate voted by a margin of 87 to 12 to pass the House version of a bill to repeal the onerous provision in the healthcare reform law that would require small businesses to file 1099 forms for all vendors with whom they spent over $600 in one year. The bill is now on its way to President Obama, who has previously said publicly that he is in favor of repealing the provision. The National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) is among the strongest supporters of repealing this provision.

The National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce recently participated in the launch of the U.S. Department of Labor’s new online job seeking tool, My Next Move. Through a conference call with the NGLCC and other vested parties, Secretary Hilda L. Solis, Department of Labor, discussed the benefits this new online tool will have for jobseekers, including unemployed members of the LGBT community.

LGBT individuals who seek credit transactions may soon be able to do so without fear of discrimination based on their sexual orientation or gender identity.

While President Obama's State of the Union address on Tuesday night mentioned little in the way of LGBT equality legislation, aside from a jubilant reference to the successful repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell, there is still cause for excitement for LGBT business owners-the president spent much of his speech laying out a vision for job growth and increasing U.S. competitiveness in the global economy.

The ringing of the Closing BellTM by the National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) and several cross-segment diversity groups at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) last Monday didn't just mark the end of the day's trading—it signified the historic joining together of these diverse groups in their shared commitment to continue working together to promote diversity, inclusion and opportunity for diverse-owned businesses.

Today leaders of the NGLCC voiced strong support for yesterday's announcement of William Daley to be President Obama's new chief of staff.

On Wednesday the U.S. House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly for a stand-alone bill to repeal Don't Ask Don't Tell (DADT), the oppressive law that has barred gays and lesbians from serving openly in the U.S. military.

The NGLCC, a U.S. Department of Labor partner in the Campaign for Disability Employment (CDE), is proud to announce that all of the CDE outreach tools are now available to either order or download.

Call or email Commissioners Copps and Clyburn and tell them that you support the current proposed order that puts forth sensible policies for regulating the Internet.

If the recent media reports can be believed, it appears as though the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is once again returning to the issue of Net neutrality.

Karen Mills, the administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration is set to speak at the opening session of the NGLCC National Business and Leadership Conference next week in Washington, D.C. The federal government will be active at this year's conference, offering attendees insights and outlooks about the intersection of government and business in various conference sessions.

Women-owned businesses in under-represented industries will have more federal contracting opportunities starting in early 2011.

To ensure that members of Congress take up the inclusive Employment Non-Discrimination Act as a priority when they reconvene after the elections, the NGLCC-which is a partner of the United ENDA Coalition-is encouraging its members and allies to talk to candidates and Congress members about ENDA.

As the alliance between the US Business Leadership Network (USBLN®) and the NGLCC continues to grow and the organizations continue their collective effort to increase opportunities for LGBT- and disability-owned businesses, USBLN has recognized NGLCC co-founders Justin Nelson and Chance Mitchell with the Outstanding Collaborative Partner Award for their continued partnership.

Small business owners across the country breathed a collective sigh of relief as President Barack Obama signed the Small Business Jobs Act into law on Monday and the NGLCC was able to celebrate one of its top legislative priorities now being a reality.

With mid-term elections approaching, a mounting number of important legislation awaiting Congressional action and a shrinking window to get it all accomplished, the NGLCC will be updating its members, affiliate chambers and corporate partners on the current state of pending business and LGBT issues as part of its quarterly Direct Connection Series.

After months of waiting for Senate confirmation, openly gay Richard Sorian has been appointed to the post of assistant secretary for public affairs in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

The National Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce® (NGLCC) is encouraging you to add some advocacy to your August by making your voice heard!

COMMENTARY: U.S. Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis says changes to the Family and Medical Leave Act allowing family leave to anyone who assumes the role of caring for a child aren't just niceties for LGBT families—they're necessities.

With the upcoming 20th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) being signed into law, it's important to reflect on how it has helped the millions of Americans with disabilities find opportunities in the workplace.