I trust by now you?ve seen that we have launched an app for UIM that is available for Apple iPad. The app was introduced in August, so with this current issue, we will have three issues of UIM available in the Apple Newsstand. I have my favorite apps, as I am sure you do. Of course, I am assuming you have a tablet. I like my apps to be news, weather and sports. My wife, Phyllis, likes to read her Drudge Report app, a GasBuddy app that shows the cheapest gas prices in our area, and a really cool app that measures the distance traveled when she is out on hikes and walks. Of course, I have added UIM as my favorite app.
An app will provide you with UIM much sooner than by U.S. or Canadian mail. An app will also include interactive features that we can?t provide in the print issue. These can include videos, quick links to advertiser websites, expanded coverage of a paper that appears in UIM, additional photography, etc.? There are so many exciting features of an app that I have taken the time to give you a brief tutorial cof my personal guide to using the UIM app. All you have to do is scan the enclosed QR code below to see my tutorial video.
I realize that many of us enjoy both the print issue of a publication, as well as the app. It all depends upon your personal situation at that time. For example, I subscribe to the Wall Street Journal in print as well as its app. When I am traveling, I often find it more convenient to read the Wall Street Journal app. So whether it is in print or on your iPad, UIM is easily available to you. Just download the app on your iPad to enjoy the benefits.
Private Activity Bonds Update
The push to remove caps on Private Activity Bonds (PABs) continues to make its way slowly through Congress. Continuing to lead the charge in the House of Representatives are Reps. Bill Pascrell (D-N.J.) and Tom Reed (R-N.Y.), who have worked hard to educate members of the House Ways and Means Committee. The fact that Pascrell and Reed are carrying the PAB message is particularly appropriate with Pascrell being a former mayor of Paterson, N.J., and Reed, the former mayor of Corning, N.Y. We know that mayoral support is critical as the U.S. Conference of Mayors has expressed its concerns about unfunded EPA mandates regarding water and wastewater projects.?
While there has been continuing support for PABs, 2014 could be especially interesting as the White House has now come out in support of the measure ? the president?s fiscal year 2014 budget request to Congress included PABs. In that budget submission, the U.S. Department of the Treasury provided a new budget score of $258 million over 10 years regarding the Federal Income Tax Exemption aspect of Private Activity Bonds. It is generally agreed that these bonds could support up to $50 billion in infrastructure investment.
As a public works official in the water sector it is very important you contact your senator or representative to show your support for private activity bonds. Time and time again, I have seen where personal contact with a member of Congress goes a long way in pushing legislation forward. The Sustainable Water Infrastructure Coalition (SWIC) and the Clean Water Council are already doing so much in pushing for water financing in Washington, D.C., but it truly comes down to each of you sharing the responsibility.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
Bernard P. Krzys??? ?
CEO & Publisher
