Moving and Retirement
Is your neighbor a Democrat or Republican? Desirability of Partisan Composition on Real Estate
While political considerations do not trump other concerns in the search for a place to reside, they do matter when all factors are considered. Research shows that Democrats cluster in urban areas and Republicans in rural areas based on attitudes and viewpoints as well as "pre-existing political balance that attracts an influx of co-partisans, while driving away others." more »
After Years of Cuts, Cities and States Are Hiring Again
Public employment, long seen as a secure job with good benefits, took a series of hits during the recession, with state and local governments implementing hiring freezes and layoffs. But job-seekers can take solace: Many states and localities are now hiring, buoyed by an improving economy and better-than-expected revenue. State and local governments are having trouble filling jobs involving accounting, information technology, finance, mental health, skilled trade work, social work, water treatment and some others, the report said. more »
Heirs' Property Challenges Families, States
A handful of states have passed piecemeal measures to support families owning heirs' property, but the law-writing group is urging legislatures to adopt its draft bill. The proposal would allow a co-owner to buy out another who wants to push the property to sale and establish a thorough review process for courts to determine whether the property should be sold or divided among the owners. It also would require courts to order open market sales to ensure properties are not sold below market value. more »
Hear Ye, Hear Ye: Middle Class Economics Rewarding Hard Work by Restoring Overtime Pay
President Obama announced that the Department of Labor will propose extending overtime pay to nearly 5 million workers. The proposal would guarantee overtime pay to most salaried workers earning less than an estimated $50,440 next year. The number of workers in each state who would be affected by this proposal can be found here. more »