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Briefs for September 9, 2010

Tourism Board to meet

WALSENBURG- The Huerfano County Tourism Board will postpone its regular meeting to the second Thursday. Sept. 9 at noon in the commissioners′ meeting room in the courthouse.  On the agenda is the financial report, 2011 budget, signage, E-Zone grant, invoices, advertising and Colorado Tourism Office grant.

Chamber meeting

WALSENBURG- On Thurs. Sept. 9, there will be a Huerfano County Chamber of Commerce meeting at 5:30 pm at the Train Depot. There will be a representative from Tri-State Transmission/Excel Energy here to talk to the public.  Hope to see you there.

La Veta Boosters Homecoming events­­­­

LA VETA- There will be a “Spirit Night” during  the Homecoming football game scheduled on Fri. Sept. 10.  Come “decked out” in support of your La Veta Redskins and receive $1 off admission per car.  Decorate your ride and you will be entered for a chance to win an awesome prize!   

    The “Chili Supper” has now become “Chili Lunch.”  La Veta Boosters will be serving our annual Chili Supper during the Volleyball games scheduled on Sat. Sept. 11 beginning at 11 am.   Choices of meals this year will be Chili and cornbread; Chili Dog and chips; Chicken Soup and cornbread; or a Hot Dog and chips. All meals include a drink and peach cobbler with whipped cream.  Cost will be $5 for adults and $3 for children 11 and under.  Come hungry, leave happy, help support our students and athletes!

La Plaza Fiesta this weekend

WALSENBURG- The 37th annual La Plaza de los Leones Fiesta is this weekend, Sat. Sept. 11 and Sun. Sept. 12.  For details see article on page 1.

Come to the parade

WALSENBURG- Calling Tea Party Patriots to join the Plaza de los Leones  parade on Sat. Sept. 11.  If you can walk, meet south of the Spanish Peaks library at 9 am. Those who cannot walk with  us, please meet in front of the Court House at 10 am.

    Let’s show our color: wear your red, white and blue.  Bring your flags and signs.  Let’s honor our fallen military heroes and remember  9/11.  Hope to see you there.

Civil War in New Mexico discussion

LA VETA- Reminder!  There will be a Civil War in New Mexico talk and slides by Sandy White, retired La Veta lawyer on Sat. Sept. 11 at 4 pm in Francisco Fort Museum saloon.  The discussion, handouts, snacks and museum exhibit are all free.  Books on the civil war are for sale.

    Sandy has had a lifelong passion to learn about Glorieta Pass and the many territories involved in combatting the Confederate plot to seize the West.  It began on a roadtrip at age 8 and was fired by a West Point professor in his course on The Military Art.  The talk includes Sibley, Chivington and our first territorial governor′s bogus funding of his 1st Colorado Regiment at Ft. Garland.  Sandy will take you over the hills with tales of starvation, wagon burning, and shootouts by and of newsmen during this critical moment of the Civil War in our area. 

    This is Francisco Fort′s final Saturday program for the year. Come for a tour through September Thursday-Sunday and stop in our newly stocked book and gift shop. We have many out-of-print books!

Lathrop Park programs

“King Coal” – Coal Mining History

On Sat. Sept. 11, head out to Lathrop State park for a 7:30 pm presentation on “King Coal” – A Coal Mining Story.  Jon Sudar, local history enthusiast and Walsenburg native, will tell the story of a time when coal was king. Come explore the history of coal mining by viewing a slideshow of local coal mines, the coal camps and the people who worked and lived there.

    Jon will also discuss the tragedy of the Ludlow Camp, its consequences, and the various operations of a coal mine through his personal memories of a time when he himself worked at the Sudar Brothers Coal Mine out of Walsenburg!

HOA meeting

NAVAJO- The Navajo Ranch HOA Officers have called for a meeting of all HOA members and non-members Tues. Sept. 14 at 7 pm.

    The meeting will be at the NWWD building at 701 Navajo Rd. The newly elected HOA President Kathy Wilson will be sworn in.

Republicans to meet

WALSENBURG- There will be a regular monthly meeting of the Huerfano County Republicans on Tues. Sept. 14 at 6 pm in the Huerfano Community Center.  We will discuss the very important election in November.  All registered Republicans are invited to attend.

  Journey to Alaska

LA VETA- Most of us would like to drive to Alaska if we had the time and right equipment, but unfortunately it is a dream beyond our grasp. Kent and Kathy Hay made their dream come true however, and we can follow their journey to Alaska on Thurs. Sept. 16 at 7 pm at the La Veta Library.  Kent said he took over 4,000 photos during their 11,000 mile drive, but he’ll only be showing us about 200 of the best.

    Kent and Kathy took off in their truck camper in the fall of 2007 and drove north to Glacier National Park, and then on to Banff and Jasper National Parks in Canada.  From there it was on to British Columbia, the Yukon and Northwest Territories.  Then they drove on to Alaska where Kent said they drove “practically every road in existence” with only three flat tires along the way. 

    In Alaska, Kent particularly enjoyed the boat trip in the Kenai fjords, the bus trip through Denali National Park, and his plane ride over the glaciers at Talkeetna.  Please join us at the La Veta Library on September 16 as we enjoy Kent’s fantastic photographs of the landscapes and wildlife of Canada and Alaska.

    And don’t forget tonight (September 9) at 7 pm at the La Veta Library, Bob Thompson will present slides of “Gliding Over Amazing Colorado Landscapes.”  Please join us.

Save the date! 

WALSENBURG- On Sat. Sept. 18, Huerfano Hometown Heroes will get together to send boxes to our deployed troops at 1pm at Journey Home/Adventure Trails.  We welcome everyone who would like to recognize and support our military servicemen and women. 

    If you can′t join us, please take a minute to write a note of encouragement that will be included in our boxes.  Cards can be written or dropped off at Community Banks in LaVeta, Grandma′s & Grandpa′s or Journey Home/Adventure Trails in Walsenburg.  Got a hero?  Your hero is our hero!  Go to:  www.HuerfanoHometownHeroes.org or call 742-3235.

 

Food preservation class

WALSENBURG- Another Food Preservation class will be held at the Huerfano County Community Center on Sat. Sept. 25 from 9 am to 2 pm.

    This class will focus on Pickling and Dehydrating foods.  Participants will learn the finer points of dehydrating fruits, vegetables and leathers as well as how to make many kinds of foods into pickles and relishes.

    Cost is $10 per person, payable to Huerfano County Extension Fund.  Payment must be received by Sept. 17.  We must have 6 paid participants to hold the class.  Please call Angela at 719-738-2170 to register.

Restoration Men’s Conference

PUEBLO- Book your tickets now for the Restoration 2010 Men’s Conference on October 1 & 2 at the State Fair Ag Palace.  Make plans to meet the featured speakers including former world champion bull rider, Cody Custer; Fred Stoeker, author of Every Man’s Battle; and Jayme Montera, with Mercy Street Ministries.  All men throughout southern Colorado are invited to attend this hard hitting event.  Tickets are available at the Greatest Gift bookstore in Pueblo or online at www.pueblommc.com.

Nominations for Noxious Weed Advisory Committee

LAKEWOOD- Four positions within the State Noxious Weed Advisory Committee will be vacant in October 2010.  Nominations are now being taken to fill these important positions.

     The primary responsibility of the committee is to discuss Colorado’s weed management problems and craft solutions that best reflect public and private interests.  The committee then makes recommendations to the Colorado Department of Agriculture concerning designation of state noxious weeds; classification of state noxious weeds; development and implementation of state weed management plans; and prescribed techniques for eradication, containment, and suppression of state noxious weeds.

     The state advisory committee consists of fifteen members who are appointed by the Commissioner of Agriculture, John Stulp.  “The members of this committee play an important role in shaping department and state policy concerning noxious weeds,” stated Stulp.  “Their recommendations help protect landowners and the state as a whole.”

     CDA makes every effort to balance the interests of the committee and to ensure different geographic areas of the state are represented equally.  Terms are two years in length and appointees are limited to two full consecutive terms each.  Members meet quarterly.

     Positions becoming vacant in October include :

Private Landowner (1 position); Agricultural Producer (2 positions); Other/At-Large (1 position).

     Nominations are currently being taken and must be submitted no later than October 1.   Forms can be found under the “News” section on www.colorado.gov/ag.

“Colorado Safe Routes to School” Application Training Sessions Offered

STATEWIDE- As part of the national “2011 Safe Routes to School” (SRTS) program, the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) is accepting applications for funding opportunities between now and Dec. 3.   CDOT is offering application training sessions statewide to provide communities with assistance in completing their application.

     Successful SRTS programs involve the entire community and follow a comprehensive approach that includes evaluation, encouragement, education, enforcement, and engineering.  CDOT, is able to award up to $1.8 million for 2011 eligible programs.  Eligible applicants include any political subdivision of the state (school district, city, county, state entity, tribal entity).   Nonprofits may also apply by partnering with a state subdivision.

     This funding is for community projects which include K-8 grade students that will do one of the following:  provide education programs that support healthy options and teach pedestrian and bicycling safety to children, parents and communities or improve pedestrian and bicycle facilities, such as new sidewalks or bike path connections within a 2-mile radius of the school.   Applicants requesting funding for infrastructure projects are also required to include an educational component in their project.

     Colorado’s 2011 Infrastructure and Non-Infrastructure Applications are available online at www.coloradodot.info/programs/bikeped/safe-routes.   The application deadline must be received at CDOT by 4 pm on Fri. Dec. 3.  To learn more, attend a training session.  Reservations are not necessary, anyone may attend.  The nearest sessions are as follows:

    Al Brody will present on September 9, 2010, noon to 1 pm at The Chamber of Commerce Office, 136 West Main Street, Trinidad CO

      Lenore Bates will present on Sept. 13, 3 to 4 pm at Alamosa Recreation Center, 2222 Old Sanford Road, Alamosa, CO 81101.

    Christine Fischer will present on Sept. 15, . noon to 1 pm at BLM (Behind Big-O Tires),

3028 E Main Street, Canon City CO

    For additional information call Lenore Bates (303) 757-9088 or email SRTS@dot.state.co.us

Road work and travel delays Las Animas and Huerfano Counties

CORDOVA PASS- The U.S. Forest Service, Pike and San Isabel National Forests, Cimarron and Comanche National Grasslands (PSICC), San Carlos Ranger District, in cooperation with Huerfano and Las Animas Counties will be installing 60 culverts along Forest System Road 46 (Cordova Pass Road and Apishapa Road) beginning Sept. 15 through Oct. 29.

    Work will begin approximately 5.5 miles east of the Cordova Pass and proceed westward over the pass and conclude approximately 2 miles west of Cordova Pass.  Work will not occur west of the pass until after Oct. 1.

    The public should expect periodic 1 to 3 hour road closures.   The road will be closed during the week from 8 am until 7 pm, but it will remain open on holidays.   Within these work times, the road will be periodically opened for short periods to allow traffic to pass at approximately 11 am, 2 pm, and 5 pm.

    Past heavy rainstorms, plugged culverts, design and limited maintenance require that these culverts be replaced.

    The PSICC would like to apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.  If you have questions or need further information please call Carl Bauer at 719-269-8702.

ACT Test prep @Your Library

WALSENBURG- According to a recent World Journal newspaper article, it is time to register for the October ACT test.  The Spanish Peaks Library is currently offering ePrep, a revolutionary suite of online, video-based study programs, paid for this year by a grant program of the Huerfano Re-1 School District. This partnership will allow the Library to offer patrons the opportunity to improve ACT scores without paying the fees associated with tutoring, special courses or purchase of test prep materials. The Library is pleased to deliver this product from Recorded Books, LLC that will aid students in preparing for one of the most important tests they′ll ever take.  ePrep successfully uses expert instructors to deliver a learning experience that patrons can access at the Spanish Peaks Library, at John Mall High School, or remotely from home.

    All of ePrep′s study programs employ the proven practice-grade-review cycle of learning: Students take practice tests under timed conditions; have them graded online; and immediately launch into video reviews.  ePrep′s Study Hall tracks student progress throughout each course and guides remedial efforts, while WordSmith encourages vocabulary building.  A Parent Center allows parents to track student progress non-intrusively, while ePrep′s Study Scheduler helps students stay on track.

    Come in to the Library to learn the steps to set up your account and take home a brochure describing how to access ePrep′s video test preparation service available anytime, anywhere, day or night, at home or on the road.  For questions call the Library at 719-738-2774.

Great Sand Dunes Natl. Park Prescribed Burn Week

SAN LUIS VALLEY- Great Sand Dunes National Park is continuing to prepare for a strategic prescribed burn near the southeastern boundary of the Baca Grande Subdivision.   The park began the project last year by completing the necessary environmental clearances and started to selectively limb and thin a buffer zone in pinyon/juniper area along the subdivision boundary.  The prescribed burn is tentatively approved for the week of Sept. 13.

    Actual ignition will be dependent upon weather conditions, fuel moisture, and the availability of firefighting resources.  This year’s burn will cover 400 – 500 acres.

    "The park wants to be a proactive neighbor and do its part to reduce the hazardous fuels along the park boundary," stated Superintendent Art Hutchinson. “Earlier this summer, the Medano Fire showed us just how powerful fire can be in an area where there are abundant fuels.”  The September project is aimed at reducing the risk of high intensity wildland fires.  Hutchinson added “We want to do our part to lessen the wildfire risk to private lands and homes in the Baca Subdivision  as well as the cultural and natural resources in this special area of the park.”

    An additional benefit of this prescribed fire may be an increased awareness in the Baca/Cres-tone community about the risk of fire.  Each resident should plan to do his/her part to minimize the hazardous fuels on his/her property. 

    The fire planners are very concerned about the safety of the fire crews and the residents of the local communities.  Smoke will be present; however, the fire plan is designed to minimize its dur-ation. The park will be assisted by trained fire crews from Rocky Mountain National Park, the US Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, US Fish and Wildlife Service, Colorado State Forest Service and local fire departments.   For more

 information on the fire plans and schedules, please contact Resource Management Specialist Fred Bunch at 719-378-6361.

Find out exactly how your individual tax dollars are spent

 DENVER- Colorado State Treasurer Cary Kennedy today announced that Colorado Tax Tracks, a new feature on her state treasury website, has received an award for excellence.  The Digital Government Achievement Awards, given by e.Republic’s Center for Digital Government, cited Colorado Tax Tracks as a winner in its Government-to-Citizen State Government category.

    “Since I took office, our focus has been on making Colorado’s government more transparent and accountable,” said Kennedy.  “It’s great to receive such high recognition from a group that sees these types of efforts from all over the country.”

    Colorado Tax Tracks, which is available at www.colorado.gov/treasury, provides detailed information on an individual or a family basis about how state tax dollars are used.  Users enter their income and the system provides an interactive report that shows an estimate of how much they spent on different services.  Information is broken out so that taxpayers can see what they spend on nearly one hundred functions of government, from clean drinking water inspections to disease control.

     Visitors to the website then have the opportunity to vote on whether they agree with how funds are collected and spent. Colorado Tax Tracks is the first state website of its kind in the nation.

     The Digital Government Achievement Awards recognize outstanding agency and department websites and projects from around the United States at the application and infrastructure level.

     In a statement, Cathilea Robinett, executive director of the Center for Digital Government, said that the award winners were impressive, particularly given current economic circumstances.

     “The winners’ innovative use of the Internet to continue delivering citizen services despite tight fiscal constraints is inspiring,” said Robinett. “This skilled use of the Web embodies the spirit of the Best of the Web awards and provides examples to state and local government leaders around the country on how to bring quality services to their citizens while containing costs.”

    Colorado Tax Tracks is part of a comprehensive effort by Kennedy to make state finances more accessible for Coloradans.  Kennedy has posted additional resources on the Treasurer’s website at www.colorado.gov/treasury, including the following:  a detailed listing of state investments; monthly cash flow and daily balance sheet for the State of Colorado; State Taxpayer Accountability Report (STAR) – a summary of the state’s overall financial position for taxpayers; TOPs – Transparency Online Project system – a searchable database of state revenues and expenditures.

     Kennedy was honored earlier this summer for her efforts in bringing greater transparency to state government.  In June, the Colorado Freedom of Information Council commended Kennedy for her leadership in making the state’s finances more transparent and accessible to the public.

    The Council is a coalition of media, legal, citizens groups, and business professionals interested in assuring access to public information.  It includes the Colorado Bar Association, the Colorado Broadcasters Association, the Colorado Press Association, Colorado Common Cause, and the League of Women Voters, among others.

     The Council praised Kennedy for her “significant contribution to the public’s right to know by making the State Treasurer’s financial records accessible to the public via the Internet” as well as her efforts to explain the manner and reason for the expenditure of tax dollars.

     The Center for Digital Government is a national research and advisory institute on information technology policies and best practices in state and local government. The Center is a division of e.Republic, Inc., the nation’s leading publishing, research, event, and new media company focused on information technology for the state/local government and education sectors.

USAF proposes Low Altitude Tactical Training Area In Huerfano County

Return of the MOAs?

CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M.- The United States Air Force is seeking input regarding its intent to prepare an Environmental Assessment to evaluate the potential environmental consequences of establishing a Low Altitude Tactical Navigation area in northern New Mexico and southern Colorado.  The LATN would provide airspace to operate C-130 and CV-22 aircraft for training purposes.  The LATN would allow the Air Force to train aircrew members and conduct military flight activities which may include, but are not limited to, air combat maneuvers and low altitude tactics.

    The LATN will provide training airspace for Air Force Special Operation Forces at Cannon Air Force Base.  Cannon AFB is located in eastern New Mexico approximately five miles west of the city of Clovis.  The training would consist of approximately three sorties per 24-hour period, or approximately 688 flights annually.  Aircraft altitudes would remain between 200 and 3,000 feet above ground level, with the majority of the sorties taking place at 500 feet above ground level at airspeeds at or below 250 knots, and the majority of flights would take place after dusk. Approximately 95 percent of flights would occur Monday through Friday.

    FAA and Air Force regulations require aircraft utilizing the LATN area to avoid airfields, towns, noise-sensitive areas, and wilderness areas by prescribed vertical and/or horizontal distances.  For all other areas within the LATN, aircrews are prohibited from flying over the same point more than

once per day.  The sole objective of the LATN area is to support low-level flight training operations.   

    Mountainous terrain best supports development of special operations mobility skills.  The proposed LATN area in Colorado and New Mexico was selected due to the varied topography and weather, proximity to Cannon AFB, and lack of large civilian populations.  Realistic training in the LATN would enhance the 27 Special Operations Wing′s ability to provide air combat support and would sustain combat-ready crews for worldwide deployment.

    This notification is being sent pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, the Council on Environmental Quality Regulations for Implementing the Procedural Provisions of NEPA, and Air Force policy. 

    The EA will assess the environmental impacts from the proposed action, one alternative which includes creating a smaller LATN area, and a no action alternative. 

    The Air Force would like input concerning the proposed action and alternatives, as well as issues to address in the EA.  For mre information, visit the Cannon AFB website at www.cannon.af.mil, or contact 27th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs at 575-784-4131 or 27SOWpublicaffairs@cannon.af.mil by October 4, 2010.

    Comments may be mailed or faxed toAir Commandos-27th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs, 110 E. Sextant, Suite 1150, Cannon AFB, NM 88103. Fax: (575) 784-2338.

September is National Voter Registration Month Oct. 4 Voter Registration Deadline

DENVER- Secretary of State Bernie Buescher and fellow members of the National Association of Secretaries of States have declared September 2010 National Voter Registration Month.  Buescher is working with Colorado’s local election administrators to inform voters of registration deadlines for this year’s general election.

    “It’s my hope voters will check their registration and make sure their information is up to date,” Buescher said. “I’m also encouraging our young people whose 18th birthdays are on or before November 2, to register today.”

    Colorado law requires that voters be registered 29 days before the election, which means voters must be registered this year by October 4.  Individuals who have a valid Colorado driver’s license may register online at GoVoteColorado.com.  More than 21,000 voters have registered or have updated their registration using the state’s online system.

    “Now is the time to get registered to vote. The process is easier, faster and more convenient than ever before,” said NASS President Matt Dunlap, Maine secretary of state.  “In most states, you can also check your voter registration status online to make sure that your information is up-to-date.  This is really critical for people who have recently moved, changed their name or had their voting rights restored under the law.  If anything is outdated or incorrect, there is time to get it straightened out with your local election office, so you can still vote in the November election.”

    New for this year, NASS and Tangent Media LLC have released a Can I Vote widget that allows Internet users in Colorado and throughout the U.S. to directly access official, nonpartisan registration and voting information that is specific to where they live in a simple, portable format.  It functions much like the association’s Can I Vote website, www.canivote.org, which helps connect users to state and local election websites with voting forms, online tools, election official contact information, and more.

USDA Loan Program for Natural Resource Conservation

WASHINGTON- Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack today announced the launch of a Conservation Loan (CL) program that will provide farm owners and farm-related business operators access to credit to implement conservation techniques that will conserve natural resources.

    “This will give farmers who want to implement conservation measures on their lands a chance to do so by providing assistance with their up-front costs,” said Vilsack. “In return, these producers will help to reduce soil erosion, improve water quality and promote sustainable and organic agricultural practices.”

    CL funds can be used to implement conservation practices approved by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), such as the installation of conservation structures; establishment of forest cover; installation of water conservation measures; establishment or improvement of permanent pastures; implementation of manure management; and the adaptation of other emerging or existing conservation practices, techniques or technologies.

    Direct CLs can be obtained through local Farm Service Agency (FSA) offices with loan limits up to $300,000.  Guaranteed CLs up to $1,112,000 are available from lenders working with FSA.

    For more information on the Conservation Loan program, contact a local FSA office or visit the FSA website at www.fsa.usda.gov.  

Annual Hay Directory Connects Producers with Buyers

LAKEWOOD- As a service to hay producers and buyers, the Colorado Department of Agriculture publishes the Colorado Hay Directory annually. The 2010 edition of the directory is available to the public at no cost.

    “Hay is one of Colorado’s top crops, with nearly 5 million tons produced in 2009,” said Wendy White, marketing specialist for the Colo. Dept. of Agriculture. “The directory helps Colorado’s hay producers market their hay and is an important resource for buyers across Colorado and the nation.”

    The 24th edition of the Colorado Hay Directory features nearly 100 producers and brokers of hay as well as companies that provide hay-related products and services. Categorized by region, each listing includes the type and amount of hay available, bale type and size, whether or not laboratory analysis is available, certified weed free status and identifies organic hay.

    The Colorado Hay Directory is published by the Colorado Department of Agriculture in cooperation with participating Colorado hay producers, the Colorado Hay and Forage Association, Colorado State University Extension, and with support from Ag Biz Solutions, LLC, Colorado Tanners, Inc., Hutchinson Incorporated, ProAG-Morris Industries Inc. and Scimetrics Ltd. Inc.

    The directory is available online at www.coloradoagriculture.com and at www.coloradohay.org.  For information or to request a copy of the 2010 Colorado Hay Directory, call the Colo. Dept. of Agriculture at (303) 239-4115.

Help for small businesses to claim new health care tax credit

WASHINGTON- The Internal Revenue Service today released a draft version of the form that small businesses and tax-exempt organizations will use to calculate the small business health care tax credit when they file income tax returns next year. The IRS also announced how eligible tax-exempt organizations will claim the credit during the 2011 filing season.

    The IRS has posted a draft of Form 8941 on IRS.gov. Both small businesses and tax-exempt organizations will use the form to calculate the credit. A small business will then include the amount of the credit as part of the general business credit on its income tax return.

    Tax-exempt organizations will instead claim the small business health care tax credit on a revised Form 990-T. The Form 990-T is currently used by tax-exempt organizations to report and pay the tax on unrelated business income. Form 990-T will be revised for the 2011 filing season to enable eligible tax-exempt organizations –– even those that owe no tax on unrelated business income –– also to claim the small business health care tax credit.

    The final version of Form 8941 and its instructions will be available later this year.

    The small business health care tax credit was included in the Affordable Care Act signed by the President in March and is effective this year. The credit is designed to encourage small employers to offer health insurance coverage for the first time or maintain coverage they already have.

    In 2010, the credit is generally available to small employers that contribute an amount equivalent to at least half the cost of single coverage towards buying health insurance for their employees. The credit is specifically targeted to help small businesses and tax-exempt organizations that primarily employ moderate- and lower-income workers.

    For tax years 2010 to 2013, the maximum credit is 35 percent of premiums paid by eligible small business employers and 25 percent of premiums paid by eligible employers that are tax-exempt organizations. Beginning in 2014, the maximum tax credit will go up to 50 percent of premiums paid by eligible small business employers and 35 percent of premiums paid by eligible, tax-exempt organizations for two years.  The maximum credit goes to smaller employers –– those with 10 or fewer full-time equivalent (FTE) employees ––  paying annual average wages of $25,000 or less.

    The credit is completely phased out for employers that have 25 FTEs or more or that pay average wages of $50,000 per year or more. Because the eligibility rules are based in part on the number of FTEs, and not simply the number of employees, businesses that use part-time help may qualify even if they employ more than 25 individuals.

    More information about the credit, including a step-by-step guide and answers to frequently asked questions, is available on the Affordable Care Act page on the IRS website.