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SEMI Applauds New Bill to Clarify Tax Credit Eligibility for Critical Semiconductor Suppliers Under U.S. CHIPS Act

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MILPITAS, Calif., May 9, 2025 /CNW/ — SEMI, the industry association serving the global semiconductor and electronics design and manufacturing supply chain, today announced support of the Strengthening Essential Manufacturing and Industrial Investment Act (SEMI Investment Act), which clarifies that critical materials suppliers to semiconductor manufacturers are eligible for the Advanced Manufacturing Investment Tax Credit (“Section 48D”) created by the United States CHIPS and Science Act.

Introduced by Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.), Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Chris Coons (D-Del.), the SEMI Investment Act would help make semiconductor materials an equal part of America’s investment in advanced semiconductors and contribute to a secure, domestic semiconductor supply chain.

“The investment tax credit is a critical tool to accelerate construction of the semiconductor ecosystem in the United States and may be the most powerful incentive to onshore critical technologies powering the AI revolution,” said Ajit Manocha, SEMI President and CEO. “Materials manufacturing projects are equally critical to ensuring that leading-edge logic and memory products are available to fuel skyrocketing AI and high-performance computing demand across the world. The SEMI Investment Act will help ensure these critical projects get built in the United States. We are deeply grateful to Senators Blackburn, Bennet, Tillis and Coons for bringing this important legislation forward to clarify Congress’ original intent underlying Section 48D of the CHIPS and Science Act.”

The SEMI Investment Act amends the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to clarify that 48D Tax Credit includes materials integral to the manufacturing of semiconductors and semiconductor manufacturing equipment. The bill will ensure that critical materials projects can access the same 25 percent investment tax credit that semiconductor manufacturing and semiconductor manufacturing equipment projects have access to today.

“SEMI looks forward to working with Congress and the Trump Administration to pass the SEMI Investment Act into law,” said Manocha. “The bipartisan support for this legislation highlights it as a critical step for the U.S. to strengthen its semiconductor industry, national security, and economic competitiveness. Additionally, the act would help prevent vital materials companies from moving overseas and ensure that American manufacturers realize the benefits of the semiconductor incentives investment Congress originally intended under the CHIPS and Science Act. We also recognize the importance of ensuring these incentives are available for the duration needed to match the long-term nature of semiconductor investments.” 

Visit SEMI Global Advocacy to learn more about public policy efforts and developments.

About SEMI
SEMI® is the global industry association connecting over 3,000 member companies and 1.5 million professionals worldwide across the semiconductor and electronics design and manufacturing supply chain. We accelerate member collaboration on solutions to top industry challenges through Advocacy, Workforce Development, Sustainability, Supply Chain Management and other programs. Our SEMICON® expositions and events, technology communities, standards and market intelligence help advance our members’ business growth and innovations in design, devices, equipment, materials, services and software, enabling smarter, faster, more secure electronics. Visit www.semi.org, contact a regional office, and connect with SEMI on LinkedIn and X to learn more.

Association Contact

Samer Bahou/SEMI US
Phone: 1.408.943.7870
Email: sbahou@semi.org 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/semi-applauds-new-bill-to-clarify-tax-credit-eligibility-for-critical-semiconductor-suppliers-under-us-chips-act-302451252.html

SOURCE SEMI

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Leading Vision Plans for Retirees (2026): VSP Vision Care Highlighted for Senior-Friendly Eye Care Benefits by Expert Consumers

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NEW YORK, May 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As more individuals transition into retirement, maintaining consistent access to vision care is becoming an important part of overall health planning. A recent report by Expert Consumers examines how individual vision insurance options are adapting to meet these needs, with VSP® Vision Care Individual Vision Plans identified as a structured option for retirees seeking predictable and accessible eye care coverage.

Vision Insurance for Seniors

VSP® Vision Care – individual vision plans offering routine eye exams, eyewear allowances, and predictable costs designed to support consistent, accessible eye care throughout retirement

The report notes that while many retirees prioritize medical insurance, vision care is often handled separately. Regular eye exams and updated prescriptions are important not only for maintaining clear vision but also for identifying early signs of certain health conditions. This has increased interest in standalone vision plans that provide defined benefits without relying on employer-sponsored coverage.

Access to Individual Vision Plans

Individual vision plans are designed to give retirees flexibility and independence when selecting coverage. Providers such as VSP Vision Care offer plans that can be purchased directly and tailored to different levels of care.

Common features include:

Multiple plan options with clearly outlined benefitsCoverage for routine eye care servicesTransparent pricing structures for easier budgeting

This approach allows retirees to continue receiving routine vision services without interruption after leaving the workforce.

Preventive Care Through Routine Eye Exams

Routine eye exams are a central component of many vision plans, including those offered by VSP Vision Care. These exams are typically available with fixed copays, helping reduce uncertainty around healthcare expenses.

Eye exams also play a role in preventive care and may help detect early signs of:

DiabetesHigh blood pressureAge-related vision conditions

Including regular exams as a core benefit supports ongoing monitoring of both eye health and general health.

Eyewear Coverage and Allowances

Coverage for eyewear is another key feature for retirees. Vision plans often include allowances that can be applied toward glasses or contact lenses on a recurring basis.

Typical benefits include:

Periodic allowances for frames or contact lensesCoverage for standard and progressive lensesReduced costs for lens enhancements like anti-glaire coating and scratch resistance

These features help individuals manage the recurring need for updated prescriptions and replacement eyewear.

Cost Transparency and Savings

Affordability remains an important consideration in retirement. Structured pricing models are designed to provide clarity and predictability in out-of-pocket expenses.

Common cost features include:

Set copays for routine services like eye examsDefined allowances for eyewear purchasesDiscounts on additional items beyond standard coverage

At this stage of the analysis, Expert Consumers highlights that predictable pricing and defined savings structures can help retirees better plan their spending over time.

Additional Benefits and Ongoing Value

Beyond core coverage, many vision plans include added features that extend their value. These may include savings on lens upgrades and a worry-free eyewear guarantee through participating Premier Edge locations.

Individual Vision Plans from VSP Vision Care also incorporate these types of benefits, supporting ongoing access to vision care while helping manage costs over time.

Such features provide flexibility for retirees who may require specialized eyewear or multiple pairs of glasses.

Key Considerations for Retirees

Selecting a vision plan in retirement involves evaluating several practical factors:

The balance between cost and coverageAccess to preventive and routine careOptions in eyewear benefits

Understanding how these elements work together can help retirees choose plans that support long-term vision care needs while remaining manageable in cost.

The Expert Consumers article notes that structured vision plans with clearly defined benefits and consistent pricing can support ongoing eye care needs. Individual vision plans,such as those offered by VSP Vision Care, reflect a model focused on preventive care and cost predictability for retirees managing their healthcare independently.

About VSP Vision Care

VSP Vision Care provides members access affordable eye care and eyewear through thousands of network providers. As the only national not-for-profit company in vision care, we reinvest our profits back into the communities we serve so that everyone can enjoy a lifetime of well-being.

About ExpertConsumers.org: Expert Consumers delivers news and insights on consumer products and services. As an affiliate, Expert Consumers may earn commissions from sales generated using links provided.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/leading-vision-plans-for-retirees-2026-vsp-vision-care-highlighted-for-senior-friendly-eye-care-benefits-by-expert-consumers-302760333.html

SOURCE ExpertConsumers.org

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Asian American Engineer of the Year Award and Conference Announces First Phase of 2025-2026 Awardees

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SANTA CLARA, Calif., May 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Asian American Engineer of the Year Award (AAEOY) Executive Committee announces the AAEOY 2025-2026 first phase awardees as follows:

Distinguished Lifetime Achievement Award

Mr. Lip-Bu Tan, CEO, Intel Corporation

Distinguished Leadership in Science and Technology Award

Dr. Arun Majumdar, Dean of the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability, Stanford University

Executive of the Year Award

Dr. Xiaodong Che, Chief Technology Officer, Western DigitalDr. Sam Heidari, CEO, LumotiveDr. Jungwon Lee, Corporate Executive Vice President, Samsung ElectronicsDr. Liu Ren, Vice President & Chief Scientist, Bosch ResearchMr. Brandon Wang, Vice President, Synopsys

Engineer of the Year Award

Ms. Vivian Ye, Principal Member of Technical Staff, AT&T

Most Promising Engineer of the Year Award

Mr. Max Fang, Director of Architecture, AmbarellaMr. Johnny Ho, CSO & Co-founder, Perplexity AI

The AAEOY Award has been presented annually since 2002 as a cornerstone of the National Engineers Week program, honoring distinguished Asian American professionals across academia, public service, and industry. Since its inception, the AAEOY has recognized over 300 honorees — including nine Nobel Laureates, pioneering scholars, prominent corporate executives, and an astronaut — serving as a beacon of inspiration for the global STEM community. After a series of impactful ceremonies nationwide, the 2025-2026 AAEOY Award and Conference returns to the heart of innovation in Silicon Valley at the Santa Clara Convention Center on September 18-19, 2026.

For more information regarding the AAEOY program, awardees, and event registration, please visit www.aaeoy.org.

The Chinese Institute of Engineers in USA (CIE-USA), founded in 1917, is a nonprofit professional organization that promotes science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM); supports professional advancement and leadership development; and recognizes the achievements of Asian American professionals through flagship programs such as the Asian American Engineer of the Year (AAEOY) Awards. One of the oldest and most prestigious Chinese American engineering associations in the United States, CIE-USA has seven regional chapters nationwide and hosts events throughout the year.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/asian-american-engineer-of-the-year-award-and-conference-announces-first-phase-of-2025-2026-awardees-302760569.html

SOURCE AAEOY

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Larry Kellerman, Fermi’s Chief Power Officer and Architect of Its 17 GW Energy Infrastructure, Accepts Board Nomination

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DALLAS, May 1, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Toby Neugebauer, co-founder and largest shareholder of Fermi America (NASDAQ & LSE: FRMI), today announced that he has nominated Larry Kellerman to join the Fermi Board of Directors. Kellerman, who serves as Chief Power Officer at Fermi America, is the architect of the Company’s 17-gigawatt powered data center campus in Amarillo, Texas — the largest private energy grid in America.

Kellerman is co-founder and Managing Partner of Twenty First Century Utilities and brings more than four decades of power industry and finance expertise to the role. His career spans senior leadership positions at Goldman Sachs, El Paso Corporation, and I Squared Capital. Kellerman said he was honored by the nomination and would be pleased to serve if approved by the Board.

“I appreciate everything that Toby has manifested in Fermi and know that no other human could have created the enterprise and its many thoughtfully interconnected elements as quickly, as effectively, and in as value-accretive a manner as Toby’s leadership has been able to deliver.”
— Larry Kellerman, Chief Power Officer and Board Nominee, Fermi America

For Neugebauer, the choice was crystal clear. Kellerman, who has worked alongside Neugebauer since the earliest days of Project Matador knows Fermi’s power story better than anyone.

“When I came up with the idea of Project Matador, I knew that Larry Kellerman was the one person I needed to convert a really great idea into a really great reality. His knowledge of power and the future of powering data centers is unmatched. Larry is uniquely qualified to steward Fermi as a Board member, and I couldn’t be more pleased with his willingness to serve.”
— Toby Neugebauer, Co-Founder, Fermi America

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/larry-kellerman-fermis-chief-power-officer-and-architect-of-its-17-gw-energy-infrastructure-accepts-board-nomination-302760575.html

SOURCE Toby Neugebauer

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