True Payroll Crime - Housing Authority Hijinks

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Walt - Shout out the Olympics
https://nlihc.org/resource/georgia-passes-new-tenant-protection-law-renters-establishing-minimum-habitability
In March 2024, Georgia lawmakers passed "HB404," the "Safe at Home Act," establishing minimum habitability standards for rental properties to ensure they are safe and livable. Signed into law by Governor Brian Kemp in April, this act marks a significant step as Georgia was one of the last states to adopt such protections. Key provisions include:
1. **Duty of Habitability**: Landlords must maintain rental properties in good repair and address maintenance issues.2. **Legal Recourse**: Tenants can sue landlords for failing to keep properties habitable.3. **Security Deposits**: Limits are set on security deposits to a maximum of two months' rent.4. **Eviction Notice**: Landlords must give tenants at least three days' notice before filing for eviction.
The law aims to improve housing conditions and provide better legal protection for renters, particularly benefiting marginalized and low-income households. It will be effective from July 1, 2024, for new or renewed leases.
Brian
https://tax.thomsonreuters.com/blog/payroll-specialist-sheds-light-on-olympic-athletes-tax-withholding-challenges-in-paris-2024/
Taxation is not all the sameAlthough there is a federal income tax exemption for Olympic medal winners earning under a certain threshold, state, local, and international laws may require withholding. “State and local income tax regulations differ,” Valter said.For example, Colorado specifically excludesincome earned as a direct result of winning a gold medal while competing for the United States of America at the Olympic Games from state taxable income. However, California does not conform to the federal law’s exemption and athletes in California who bring home a medal from Paris must report that income for state tax purposes.In addition, athletes may be subject to tax in France as the country appears to retain the right to tax all athlete income directly related to the games.
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• Segment 2 – IAYP Employee Experience: (15:00 - 30:00)

IAYP
I see what you did now…
Crossover topic Housing.
What can I do if I’m struggling to pay my rent?
If someone is struggling to pay rent in 2024, several resources and steps can help:
1. **Contact Your Landlord**:
- **Negotiation**: Communicate with your landlord as soon as possible to explain your situation and negotiate a payment plan or temporary rent reduction. - **Documentation**: Keep records of all communications and agreements.
2. **Local and State Resources**:
- **Emergency Rental Assistance Programs**: Many states and local governments offer emergency rental assistance for those affected by financial hardship. - [U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) - Rental Assistance](https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/comm_planning/rental_assistance)
2. **Nonprofit Organizations**:
- **The Salvation Army**: Offers emergency financial assistance for rent and utility bills. - [The Salvation Army - Find Assistance](https://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/plugins/gdpr/) - **United Way**: Provides emergency financial assistance and can connect you to local resources. - [United Way 2-1-1](https://www.211.org/)
3. **Legal Aid Services**:
- **Legal Aid Society**: Provides legal assistance to low-income individuals facing eviction. - [Legal Aid Society - Find Legal Aid](https://www.legalaid.org/)
4. **Government Assistance Programs**: - **Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)**: Can help free up funds by providing food assistance. - [SNAP Benefits Information](https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/supplemental-nutrition-assistance-program) - **Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)**: Provides financial assistance to low-income families. - [TANF Information](https://www.acf.hhs.gov/ofa/programs/tanf)
5. **Budgeting and Financial Counseling**:
- **Credit Counseling Services**: Can offer financial advice and help create a budget to manage expenses. - [National Foundation for Credit Counseling](https://www.nfcc.org/)
6. **Eviction Prevention Tips**:
- **Know Your Rights**: Understand local eviction laws and tenant rights to ensure fair treatment. - [Tenant Rights and Responsibilities - HUD](https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/comm_planning/affordablehousing/tenantrights)
Taking proactive steps by seeking assistance and communicating with landlords can help manage rent payments and avoid eviction.

• Segment 3 – Main Topic

https://www.justice.gov/usao-mdga/pr/former-housing-authority-payroll-clerk-admits-stealing-575k
**Key Takeaways:**
1. **Guilty Plea**: Jennifer Kay Smith, a former payroll clerk at the Milledgeville Housing Authority (MHA), admitted to stealing $575,000 by falsifying her pay records.2. **Charges and Sentencing**: Smith pleaded guilty to federal program theft and faces up to ten years in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. She is not eligible for parole.3. **Fraud Scheme**: Smith overpaid herself by recording additional vacation and sick leave time, leading to substantial overpayments from January 2021 to August 2022.4. **Investigation and Prosecution**: The case was investigated by the Milledgeville Police Department, HUD Office of Inspe...