It's no secret that state and local governments are hard up for money. Even with the economy improving somewhat and tax revenues increasing, most American states right now are facing budget shortfalls.
Sadly, the securities laws don't make it easy for small startups to raise capital from lots of "little" investors. So how do you structure a startup when
-- You've got lots of people involved, some putting in money, others putting in "sweat equity" and still others providing both
-- You are looking to raise only a small amount of money (less than $250,000) to launch the business?
-- You cannot afford the services of a qualified securities attorney?
Americans overwhelmingly believe that government regulators should be banned from working for companies they regulate for at least five years. A sizable number also think companies that offer jobs to regulators should be banned from doing business with the government altogether.
"Some friends of mine and I are forming a limited liability company to develop and market a mobile phone software application. There are 12 of us in total, and we live in three different states. Five of us will be developing the product in our spare time without putting in any money. Three of us just want to put in money without getting involved in running the company, while the remaining four will be putting in money as well as doing some consulting work to develop and market the product. Our lawyer has told us we will have problems setting up this company because of the federal securities laws. Say what? We're only looking to raise about $25,000."
The “revolving door” is a standard feature in Washington, D.C., with people regularly going back and forth between government and private industry jobs. The practice raises conflict-of-interest questions but is generally quite legal. Voters, however, think it smacks of bribery.
In case you've forgotten who I am since last week, my name is Joe, and I make exactly $250,000 per year before taxes -- one of the so-called "rich people" whose taxes should be raised in order to redress what many otherwise smart people view as an "income inequality" that threatens the very fabric of American life.
Most American adults continue to believe interest rates will be higher in one year's time, but a majority says the rates they're paying now haven't changed over the past year.
Adults nationwide remain heavily concerned about inflation, and the number who says they are paying more for groceries now compared to a year ago has reached a new high.
Americans remain narrowly divided in their views of the stability of the U.S. banking system but still express little concern about the safety of the money they have in the bank.
You don't know me. My name is Joe, and I make exactly $250,000 per year before taxes.
Voters still view the Federal Reserve Board's performance with skepticism and are evenly divided when asked whether the Fed chairman or President Obama have more clout when it comes to the economy.
TO: O. Leo Leahy, Drama Teacher
FROM: Political Correctness Committee, Nunzio Saccamano High School
This memo concerns your field trip to take students in our Dramatics Club to see the Broadway musical "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying." We understand the students are very excited to see Daniel Radcliffe (who played Harry Potter in all those movies) in the starring role, although some were disappointed that he isn't running around naked as he did in "Equus" a couple of years ago.
Ben Bernanke held the first-ever press conference by a chairman of the Federal Reserve Board on Wednesday and plans even more. Many voters think this increased transparency by the nation's chief banker will be beneficial to the economy, although they still have mixed feelings about Bernanke himself.
I hope you were as amused as I was to read about the recent discrimination lawsuit against Resorts Casino Hotel in Atlantic City, N.J.
"I've been running a small service business for a while now, and it seems like I have problems with every client these days. Most don't pay on time -- I have to remind them every month to pay their invoices, and a couple have stopped returning my phone calls altogether.
"My two brothers and I have run a successful service business for more than 20 years, which we run as a 'C' corporation.
Confidence in the stability of the U.S. banking system is up a bit this month but still remains at discouraging levels.
Americans feel more strongly than ever that the lack of immigration law enforcement directly effects poverty in the country.
Some Republican members of the House are crafting legislation that would include a work requirement for those who receive food stamps. Most Americans are on board with that plan.
Concern about inflation is increasing, as Americans say overwhelmingly that they are now paying more for groceries and expect to pay even more for them in the future.
A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey finds that 56% of Adults are Very Concerned about the threat of inflation. That’s up from 52% a month ago and 48% at the first of the year.
