#government

President Donald Trump's administration on Monday released a proposed regulation to codify an unprecedented fee of more than $100,000 on new H-1B visas for highly skilled foreign workers that has been blocked by the courts.

The fee, first temporarily imposed by Trump last year, dramatically raises the cost of visas that are heavily relied on in the tech, education and research sectors.

A federal judge in June ‌ruled that the fee was illegal and blocked the Trump administration from collecting it.

A Boston-based appeals court is reviewing that ​decision while a different court considers whether a judge properly rejected a challenge to the fee by a major business group.

Trump's temporary fee increase expires in September, one year after it was issued.

The proposed rule by the Department ⁠of Homeland Security, posted in the Federal Register on Monday, would make a fee of $103,265 permanent.

It could be finalized by the end ​of the year.

New York City's mayor is supporting a new piece of legislation aimed at controlling Amazon's influence on city streets. The proposed "Delivery Protection Act" seeks to address concerns about the company's operational impact. This move comes amid ongoing discussions about the role of large e-commerce platforms in urban environments. The bill's passage could significantly alter delivery logistics within the city. It represents a proactive step by local government to manage commercial activity.

New York, New York

https://theloadstar.com/mayor-mamdani-vacks-delivery-protection-act-to-rein-in-amazons-power-over-new-york-city-streets/

They say that want to have open paths to growth but for most Director level and hire only hire outside of the organization.

This company and "leaders" are horrible dont practice a word of what preach and say. Only ones that seem are those at the C Suite...I mean how many times can Prem be promoted for instance

Also if you are a male dont expect to get anywhere , company so DEI nuts they hire so unqualified people as long as you are not a white male.
I mean people told others dont hire someone but did because female. They they reduced her work and gave to others but kept.

The government cracking down on all this DEI bull, would like them to force CVS to drop it or lose contracts. Hiring bad people to follow a narrative which leads to bad mistakes is insane.

The Nova Scotia government is consolidating employment support services for income assistance recipients. This change will move approximately 1,100 individuals to the Nova Scotia Works network. An existing income assistance-specific employment service will be phased out as part of this modernization effort. The government stated the goal is to streamline access and reduce service duplication. This transition will result in the layoff of up to 85 provincial positions.

Halifax, Nova Scotia

https://www.ctvnews.ca/atlantic/nova-scotia/article/ns-shifts-employment-support-for-income-assistance-recipients-resulting-in-layoffs/

Canada has introduced a new online portal for workers who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own. This Employment Insurance program offers financial support to individuals facing unemployment due to circumstances like mass layoffs. Eligible applicants can receive a maximum weekly benefit of $729. Applications must be submitted within four weeks of the last working day. Required documents include Social Insurance Number, banking details, and employment history.

Ottawa, Ontario

https://www.legit.ng/people/1722818-canada-announces-weekly-payment-people-lose-jobs-posts-amount/

With the cuts to stuff by the trump admin this was going to happen. For most of us, long term finding work not directly affected by d-mb populist government decisions is probably going to be a good thing.

Leidos has issued layoff notices to 305 employees, primarily affecting indirect positions. These reductions are part of organizational changes aimed at improving efficiency and future growth. Some affected employees are expected to be reassigned to direct billable roles. This move appears to be a targeted restructuring rather than a broad workforce reduction. It reflects ongoing adjustments by government contractors to overhead costs.

https://news.clearancejobs.com/2026/07/27/government-simplifies-50-year-old-contracting-rules-and-general-dynamics-mission-systems-expands-hiring-in-alabama/

Millions in federal and provincial funding will support workers impacted by recent layoffs at Algoma Steel. The Canada-Ontario Workforce Tariff Response program aims to upskill and retrain individuals for new career paths. This initiative includes direct investment in training programs like welding for former steel plant employees. Several organizations are set to receive portions of the $7.2 million to facilitate this retraining. The goal is to provide affected workers with new skills for in-demand jobs.

Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario

https://www.villagereport.ca/village-picks/algoma-steel-receiving-over-14-million-to-upskill-employees-province-12598882

By politicians to address layoffs and limiting h1b visas or suspending those for at least a year or more.

Oracle signs 10-year software contract with Pentagon worth up to $7 billion

• Oracle will supply on-premises software to the U.S. Department of Defense over 10 years in a contract worth up to $7 billion.
• The company’s software is common inside large companies, but the business has largely shifted of late to a focus on AI infrastructure.
• Oracle co-founder Larry Ellison was among the first guests to appear at the White House in President Donald Trump’s second term.

https://www.cnbc.com/2026/07/23/oracle-wins-10-year-pentagon-software-contract-worth-up-to-7-billion.html

We’re now having to work on accessibility standards and compliance, and it’s clear this should have been addressed years ago. The reality is that someone dropped the ball in starting this project, and now we’re operating under a deferral that forces us to catch up under time pressure.
What makes this especially frustrating is that accessibility should have been built into the work from the beginning, not treated as an afterthought. The cost, delay, and rework required to fix this now are significant, and the project is far less efficient than it should have been. Someone failed to start this work when they should have, and now the company is stuck doing expensive retrofits under pressure. And they’re laying off the most important ppl needed to go forward.

Furthermore, accessibility matters, but government should not impose one-size-fits-all solutions on every business or building. The real issue is whether a mandate is proportionate to the cost, because a badly timed retrofit can become a huge and unnecessary expense if the work was never planned from the start. Private organizations should have flexibility to solve access problems in ways that fit their size, budget, and actual use, and accessibility should be built in early rather than forced in later through an expensive scramble. You can support equal access and still criticize wasteful, retroactive implementation.

https://www.thedrive.com/news/how-texas-police-spent-4-5-million-on-four-chevy-tahoes

So sweet!

We back the blue, no matter what. We should build these vehicles directly instead of letting CogNyte profit from the massive markup on retrofitted surveillance technology. Everything should be designed and built in America. Ford Tough. The strong profit margins on a small number of specialized vehicles are simply an added benefit of helping law enforcement do good police work.

Too big to fail!! US Government might bail out Oracle!!!

Jersey City's Mayor will formally introduce the 2026 municipal budget on Wednesday, following weeks of public hearings and the recent layoff of 31 provisional employees. The proposed budget aims to address a significant structural deficit by increasing municipal taxes by 15.5% and implementing over $58 million in spending reductions. This plan also relies on approximately $120 million in state assistance and covers $109 million in previously deferred obligations. Tensions are high as several City Council members have accused the administration of withholding financial information necessary to evaluate the proposed tax hike. The administration maintains the budget reflects extensive cost-cutting measures and fiscal responsibility.

Jersey City, NJ

https://www.tapinto.net/towns/jersey-city/sections/government/articles/this-week-long-awaited-jersey-city-budget-to-be-formally-introduced-on-wednesday

North Carolina lawmakers propose significant changes to the IOLTA program. This fund traditionally provides civil legal aid to low-income state residents. The new budget bill would restrict eligibility and redirect most incoming money. Funds would primarily support indigent criminal defense, not civil legal services. Groups involved in immigration or advocacy work would also be excluded from grants.

Charlotte, North Carolina

https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/politics-government/article316315140.html

A Hinds County judge ordered Mississippi Medicaid to release $2.4 million. This payment is for Greenwood Leflore Hospital. The hospital argued withholding funds could force its closure. The payment allows the hospital to remain open until July 31. This is crucial for its planned transfer to UMMC.

Greenwood, Mississippi

https://tippahnews.com/mississippi-news/judge-orders-mississippi-medicaid-to-release-funds-to-prevent-greenwood-leflore-hospital-closure/

Publicly traded company that relies solely on government health programs to make money. Trump administration has been moving to gut those programs membership over the last year and a half. Majority remote workforce viewed by leadership as expendable and easy to cut loose. Shareholders demand AI implementation. I really am sorry to people who will lose their jobs but…this all seems very obvious in hindsight doesn’t it?

Will this be the final straw for this failing company and their shady business practices if NHTSA finally finishes their investigation this year ? Hopefully no one has forgotten this. The government has sure taken their sweet time and slow walked this.

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is currently investigating Hertz for renting out recalled vehicles that had yet to be repaired, Reuters reported.

NHTSA ACTION NUMBER: AQ22003

The Minnesota Attorney General's Office announced staff reductions. Seventeen employees were laid off yesterday. These cuts represent about 4% of the total workforce. A spokesperson confirmed ongoing litigation will not be impacted. The new Medicaid Fraud Control Unit remains unaffected.

Minnesota

https://www.axios.com/local/twin-cities/2026/06/25/layoffs-at-minnesota-attorney-general-s-office

Stephen and co. seemed to balance negatives with positives effectively (e.g. being selected as a Medicaid MCO for IL but also losing membership over the next several years.)

Have layoffs settled? Anything we should expect?

Dell Federal was always the darling (along with Global). Federal had their own building annex next to building 3 when I was there (for -security- and their red outlined badges to easily identify them as part of the elite Fed team). They had the most lifers and boomers @ Dell. Many ex-military. Life couldn't get better at Dell if you were in Dell Federal Sales. Do they still reign supreme with their easy Government appropriations and special blanket purchase agreements worth billions of dollars... most of the mega easy commissions checks cut by Dell were for Federal AEs, ISRs, SEs and ISG/CSG TSRs. Hope they are still doing well and raking in the cash.

Are we missing the obvious? The administration gives FB government positions with the IRS and SSA, enabling him to sell his Fiserv shares while they are high without liability for insider trading. FB then returns the favor, blocking the IRS from investigating the administration. Simple. Perfect.

Interfor decided to indefinitely close its Nairn Centre sawmill. This closure affected 129 mill workers. MPP France Gélinas raised the issue at Queen's Park. She recently met with the displaced employees. A government representative offered a general response.

Nairn Centre, Ontario

https://www.sudbury.com/local-news/gelinas-raises-interfor-sawmill-layoffs-at-queens-park-12389206

The Social Security Administration is undergoing significant workforce reductions. Over 7,000 jobs, representing 12-13% of its staff, are being eliminated. This restructuring is part of federal cost-cutting initiatives. Lawmakers and advocates express concerns about potential service delays for millions. Critics argue these cuts are weakening the system and worsening backlogs. The SSA maintains these changes will modernize service delivery and improve efficiency.

WASHINGTON, D.C.

https://www.cleveland.com/news/2026/06/social-security-slashes-7000-jobs-faces-service-strain.html

Colorado's Office of Information Technology (OIT) laid off 173 employees. The agency also announced a major reorganization and leadership change. This action follows years of failed audit recommendations for cybersecurity. OIT is shifting to a new "pod model" for technology service delivery. The department plans to hire 98 new staff with different required skills.

Denver, Colorado

https://www.9news.com/article/news/local/next/next-with-kyle-clark/colorado-state-technology-office-layoffs/73-ff4132ff-f48f-429d-9eb6-4edb04768e20

India's government is upset about H-1B delays because their citizens are "stranded back home"?
This is getting worse everyday.. millions of locals are getting effected.

$6.25B “for the kids” well spent

The Dutch government has blocked the sale of Solvinity, the company that manages its online services portal DigiD, to the US-based tech giant Kyndryl amid concerns that millions of citizens’ private data could be compromised.

https://www.dutchnews.nl/2026/05/dutch-government-blocks-sale-of-digid-owner-to-us-tech-giant/

Burlington Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak announced the city closed its budget deficit. The city eliminated a $10-12 million financial gap. No current city employees faced layoffs. This was achieved by cutting dozens of vacant positions. Revenue from a new police and fire tax also contributed.

https://www.mynbc5.com/article/burlington-closes-10-12-million-budget-deficit-without-layoffs/71285887

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has appealed to Indians to revive working from home, buy less gold and limit foreign travel to deal with a surge in global energy ​prices because of the continuing crisis in the Middle East.
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c8r8e2ne1v6o

There’s more to come —potentially a full-scale overhaul of Henry Schein and its subsidiaries. The process raises serious concerns, and it warrants government scrutiny. The continued shift of jobs overseas to India, is destroying the US workforce.

In my local Virginia paper, there was an article about LHX expanding its Orange County, VA rocket parts plant. The article ended with a paragraph about LHX providing false pricing data to the US Military in 2025 and had to pay $62M to USG. I’m I the only one who hadn’t heard about this?

Portland Public Schools faces a $56.3 million budget deficit for the upcoming year. Superintendent Dr. Kimberlee Armstrong proposes 336 full-time employee layoffs, including 180 educators. The district and its teachers union urge the state to tap a $1 billion Education Stability Fund. However, Governor Tina Kotek and the Legislature are not interested in releasing these reserve funds. Declining enrollment, high pension rates, and increasing personnel costs contribute to PPS's budget woes.

Portland, Oregon

https://www.wweek.com/news/schools/2026/04/30/calls-to-tap-state-education-reserves-continue-as-pps-proposes-hundreds-of-layoffs/

Huntington's Mayor issued a public warning. The warning concerns potential city layoffs. These layoffs would happen if a proposed levy does not pass. The article does not specify the number of jobs at risk. It also does not detail the specific levy.

Huntington, WV

https://www.wsaz.com/video/2026/04/24/mayor-warns-about-potential-layoffs-if-levy-doesnt-pass/

Really surprised nobody has mentioned this yet.

Trump administration
announces 50-state audit of Medicaid oversight.

Manteca police and firefighters avoided scheduled layoffs. Both associations agreed to significant compensation concessions. Police officers will now contribute 18% of their gross pay to PERS. Firefighters increased their PERS contributions and left three positions vacant. These agreements help the city address a $4.2 million budget shortfall.

https://www.mantecabulletin.com/news/no-police-firefighter-layoffs/

The IRS plans to lay off 6,700 employees. This action could strain tax collection resources. It may also impact government revenue and the budget balance. New tax policies for 2025 include a higher estate tax exemption. These changes lead wealthy investors to focus on tax planning.

https://intellectia.ai/news/stock/irs-layoffs-of-6700-employees-strain-tax-collection-resources

Governor Tina Kotek formed the Oregon Prosperity Council to address the state's sluggish economy. The 16-member council is tasked with developing policy recommendations. Two labor-affiliated members recently released a report advocating a "high road" approach to growth. This report contrasts with business groups pushing for tax breaks and deregulation. The council is expected to deliver its final recommendations by June 30.

Oregon

https://www.opb.org/article/2026/04/16/oregon-economy-prosperity-council-kotek/

Oregon Governor Tina Kotek issued an executive order. This order aims to prevent school districts from reducing instructional time. Many districts previously shortened school years to address budget shortfalls. The order also stops the Oregon Department of Education from granting waivers. Education groups and school boards expressed concerns about the unfunded mandate.

Oregon

https://www.opb.org/article/2026/04/16/oregon-governor-kotek-order-blocks-school-districts-cutting-instruction-time/