This week, the Commerce Department imposed modest tariffs on Chinese solar panels due to their unfair state subsidies. The tariffs range from 2.9% to 4.73%. Trade wars usually do start out small but have a nasty habit of escalating. Additional tariffs may be coming in May after a ruling on Chinese dumping of solar panels.

While the legislature is in session, the National Federation of Independent Business/California will be profiling anti-small business bills and initiatives and the adverse effect they would have on California’s job creators.  This is the second column of the 2012 series.

By John Kabateck

NFIB/CA Executive Director

Characterized by uncertainty and indecision, we’re all getting a little weary of the Republican Primary this election. Yesterday, IVN gave you 3 reasons why, despite the prolonged election season, the Illinois primary matters:

1. Rick Santorum’s Electability

2. Mitt Romney’s Momentum

3. Obama’s stomping ground 

The year is 1810 and Henry Clay of Kentucky is elected to the House of Representatives.  He has just finished serving two terms in the Senate.  He is also immediately elected Speaker of the House which is unheard of these days... a newly elected Congressmen to hold such a high office.  At that time, there were ongoing problems with Great Britain and war hawks were beginning to circle.  Clay formed a close-knit circle of allies.  The issues of the time were impressment of US sailors, seizing US ships, and the British encouraging Native American unrest.

The year is 1810 and Henry Clay of Kentucky is elected to the House of Representatives.  He has just finished serving two terms in the Senate.  He is also immediately elected Speaker of the House which is unheard of these days... a newly elected Congressmen to hold such a high office.  At that time, there were ongoing problems with Great Britain and war hawks were beginning to circle.  Clay formed a close-knit circle of allies.  The issues of the time were impressment of US sailors, seizing US ships, and the British encouraging Native American unrest.