Gambling the Topic at Rotary Club of Cedar Rapids; What's up in Washington D.C?

Our presentation for the Rotary Club of Cedar Rapids on Monday, February 11th will be:

Michael Richards & Scott Stines - The "No" Side of the March 5 Linn County Gambling Referendum

I had the pleasure to introduce our speakers today.  It is important to hear from both sides of  issues, if the Club elects to make it a part of our regular programming.  How does a Casino fit within the Four Way Test, when you consider such question at the polls on March 5th?

                                                 ***   ***   ***  ***

Here's an update from the NWYC for the Week of February 11:

Mr Robin B Tucker www.nwyc.com Vol. 17 No. 1-5 Monday, February 11, 2013 REVIEW The House votes 253-167 to require balanced budget date from President: The Republican-led House passed legislation that would force President Obama to estimate when the federal budget will balance again  and to outline the steps he proposes to eliminate the budget deficit. The Require a PLAN Act is part of an attempt to force the Democratic-led Senate to vigorously pursue efforts to cut the deficit. (H.R.444) Click Here to express your opinion on this issue to your Senators. New contraception regulations don’t go far enough, bishops say: The nation’s Roman Catholic bishops rejected the latest White House proposal on health insurance coverage of contraceptives, saying it did not offer enough safeguards for religious hospitals, colleges and charities that objected to providing such coverage for their employees.  Watch your e-mail for a Regulation Alert on this issue! Automatic spending cuts start March 1: President Obama took a hard line on looming automatic spending cuts, saying a standoff with Republicans over whether to replace the cuts in part with new tax increases is “an argument I’m more than willing to engage in.” The GOP would like to replace the across-the-board cuts with targeted spending cuts. Democrats have said Congress should replace them with a combination of cuts and tax increases that would decrease the deficit by the same amount as the cuts. Valor Act is getting another push: Some laws are hard to kill, even those declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court. The Stolen Valor Act, which makes it illegal to lie about military records, is getting a second life and this time its supporters have taken steps to ensure its longevity. The bill now says it is only illegal to lie about military accolades for material gain. What qualifies as material gain would be up to the court and the prosecuting attorney to decide. “I don’t see somebody being prosecuted because they scored a free drink,” Rep. Joe Heck (R-NV) who reintroduced the bill said. (H.R.258) Legal opinions on drones impact CIA confirmation Hearing: The president ordered the Justice Department to provide congressional intelligence committees with access to classified information on the legal rationale for drone strikes. Drones are unmanned aircraft that target suspected militants. The disclosure impacted the confirmation hearing for John Brennan, the president’s pick for CIA Director as senators from both parties studied the secret legal opinions. Intelligence Committee Chair Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) said, "It is critical for the committee's oversight function to fully understand the legal basis for all intelligence and counterterrorism operations.”    Identity Theft Scams The IRS has issued several consumer warnings about the fraudulent use of the IRS name or logo by scamsters trying to gain access to consumers’ financial information in order to steal their identity and assets. Scamsters will use the regular mail, telephone, fax or email to set up their victims. When identity theft takes place over the Internet (email), it is called phishing. The IRS does not initiate taxpayer communications through email. Unsolicited email claiming to be from the IRS, or from an IRS-related component such as EFTPS, should be reported to the IRS at phishing@irs.gov. Additionally, clicking on attachments to or links within an unsolicited email claiming to come from the IRS may download a malicous computer virus onto your computer. Learn more about identity theft. Learn how to protect your personal information. You may also report instances of IRS-related phishing attempts and fraud to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration at 1-800-366-4484. Popular National Action Alerts: Stop the Coin Act (H.R. 220) Gun Rights - Assault Weapons Ban Overturn Executive Order Giving Congress a Pay Raise? United Nations Small Arms Treaty Minimum Wage Increase What are your thoughts regarding Illegal Immigrants claiming a $1,000 Child Tax Credit? Right-to-Carry Reciprocity Act Should Taxpayers Fund Abortions Is the Defense of Marriage Act Unconstitutional?   PREVIEW   Panetta calls defense cuts “the most significant military readiness crisis in more than a decade”: Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta said that with a CR and sequester, he would be forced to cut more than $46 billion from the budget over the rest of the fiscal year, which ends Oct. 1. “This will damage our national defense and compromise our ability to respond to crises in a dangerous world,” he said. $60.4 billion not enough for water bill: Democratic senators from the Northeast want the next water resources bill to authorize more money to help prepare for future extreme weather events. The money sought would be in addition to $60.4 billion Congress has allocated in emergency funding for post-Sandy recovery, including assistance to help rebuild damaged transit infrastructure in the New York metropolitan area. “We have to build stronger and smarter,” Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) said at an Environment and Public Works Committee hearing. Road block in Alaska: The top Republican on the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee, Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), says she may put a hold on President Obama’s Interior secretary nominee if the department blocks a proposed road through a remote Alaskan wildlife refuge. The long-sought road would eliminate the need for flights that ill residents currently must make, which is said to have killed at least 12 people in the past three decades.   The Week Ahead: Please go to www.nwyc.com for the latest in congressional actions. MONDAY, FEBRUARY 11TH On Monday, the House is not in session. TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 12TH On Tuesday, the House will meet at 12:00 p.m. for morning hour and 2:00 p.m. for legislative business. The House will recess no later than 5:30 p.m. to allow a security sweep of the House Chamber prior to the President's State of the Union address. The House will meet again at approximately 8:35 p.m. for the purpose of receiving, in a joint session with the Senate, the President of the United States. No votes are expected. Legislation Considered Under Suspension of the Rules: 1) H.R. 267 - Hydropower Regulatory Efficiency Act of 2013 2) H.R. 316 - Collinsville Renewable Energy Promotion Act 3) H.R. 235 - Veteran Emergency Medical Technician Support Act of 2013 WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 13TH, AND THE BALANCE OF THE WEEK On Wednesday and Thursday, the House will meet at 10:00 a.m. for morning hour and 12:00 p.m. for legislative business. On Friday, the House will meet at 9:00 a.m. for legislative business. Last votes expected no later than 3:00 p.m. H.R. 592 - To amend the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to clarify that houses of worship are eligible for certain disaster relief and emergency assistance on terms equal to other eligible private nonprofit facilities, and for other purposes H.R. 273 - To eliminate the 2013 statutory pay adjustment for Federal employees  Click Here to express your opinion on this issue. COMMITTEE ACTIVITY OF THE WEEK Small Business Committee hearing on “State of the Small Business Economy” (Wednesday, February 13th, at 1:00 p.m.) What are your thoughts and concerns? Click Here to write your elected officials about any topic you would like to voice your concern or opinion.   Thank you for being a responsible American. Your voice is making a difference.

President Obama begins Second Term as President...

Mr Robin B Tucker www.nwyc.com Vol. 17 No. 1-2 Monday, January 21, 2013 REVIEW Gun Control Executive Orders: While some Democratic lawmakers said President Obama’s recent gun control executive orders didn’t go far enough, some Republican lawmakers said the orders were in “direct conflict” with federal law. By law, executive orders cannot create new laws, they can only direct how existing laws are to be carried out. Republicans have identified the following five specific directives they consider legally questionable in the president’s recent directives: 1) order to allow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to conduct research into gun violence; 2-3) two directives aimed at getting states to provide more information to a federal database of disqualified gun purchasers; 4-5) and two  directives aimed at clarifying health care professionals’ right to inquire about their patients’ guns or report threats of violence to law enforcement agencies. Click Here to express your opinion on this issue. Urging Congress to Focus on the Debt Ceiling: As the February deadline nears for the government to run out of borrowing authority, lawmakers are being urged to come to an agreement and to focus on the consequences of exceeding the debt ceiling. Reports show that not raising the debt ceiling would delay payments due to Social Security beneficiaries, active military personnel, recipients of government assistance programs and federal contractors within the first few days. Under this scenario, Treasury officials would postpone payments until they have enough cash flowing in to make them. Mine Safety: Democratic lawmakers renewed their call for Congress to update the federal mine safety law after the Obama administration unveiled a final rule that allows more aggressive enforcement measures against mines that have had repeat safety violations. High Energy Drinks: Democratic lawmakers are calling for an investigation  into 14 energy drink companies. In question are marketing claims and ingredients connected with the companies. The Food and Drug Administration is also launching an investigation. The goal is to ascertain whether the products are harmful to young people, especially those with cardiac conditions. Disaster Relief Appropriations Act: The House passed a measure providing $51 billion for relief and recovery from Hurricane Sandy. An amendment to the relief package introduced by Tea Party-allied conservatives requiring across-the-board cuts to defense and domestic programs to pay for $17 billion of storm aid was defeated with a combination of GOP and Democratic votes. (H.R. 152) American Taxpayer Relief Act: The Senate passed a bill that makes permanent the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 for individual taxpayers whose taxable income is at or below a $400,000 threshold amount ($450,000 for married couples filing a joint return). Chief among these latest tax provisions is the one-year extension of 50 percent bonus depreciation through 2013. (H.R.8)   PREVIEW   Debt Ceiling: House Republican leaders said Friday that they will schedule a vote this week on a plan to extend the nation’s debt ceiling for three months, but that it would also require the Democratic-controlled Senate to pass a budget by April 15 for the first time in four years or see senators’ pay withheld. Check Your Email on Tuesday for Your  Debt Ceiling Action Alert. Fight Still Looming Over Federal Paychecks: Though the House voted against federal pay raises on Jan. 2, the 112th Congress adjourned before the Senate took up the bill. Now, the House is set to vote again on the issue. The bill would overturn President Obama’s Dec. 27 executive order giving small raises — about 0.5 percent — to people who work for the federal government, including Congress. Federal employee unions oppose it pointing out that those workers have not had a pay raise since 2010.  Click Here to express your opinion on this issue. Immigration Reform: Business leaders are urging Congress to reach an agreement on legislation that would define the legal path for illegal immigrants living in the U.S., as well as new entrance rules for those to come. While Democrats have voiced support for a comprehensive immigration overhaul, Republicans have shown favor for an incremental approach.   Keystone XL Pipeline: Republicans are urging the Obama administration to allow the pipeline to advance and create jobs, while environmental groups are stepping up pressure to stop the pipeline with new research that shows tar sands emissions are more carbon-intensive than previously thought. The Week Ahead: Please go to www.nwyc.com for the latest in congressional actions.  MONDAY, JANUARY 21ST On Monday, the House will meet at 10:00 a.m. for the Inauguration of Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States. No votes are expected in the House. TUESDAY, JANUARY 22ND On Tuesday, the House will meet at 10:00 a.m. for morning hour and 12:00 p.m. for legislative business. H.R. 307 - Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Reauthorization Act of 2013 (Suspension, 40 Minutes of Debate) WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 23RD On Wednesday, the House will meet at 9:00 a.m. for legislative business. Last votes expected no later than 3:00 p.m. Legislation Conditioning an Increase in the Nation's Debt Limit Upon Congress Passing a Budget THURSDAY, JANUARY 24TH, AND FRIDAY, JANUARY 25TH On Thursday and Friday, no votes are expected. COMMITTEE ACTIVITY OF THE WEEK Foreign Affairs Committee hearing on “Terrorist Attack in Benghazi: The Secretary of State’s View” (Wednesday, January 23, at 2:00 p.m.)   What are your thoughts and concerns? Click Here to write your elected officials about any topic you would like to voice your concern or opinion.   Thank you for being a responsible American. Your voice is making a difference.

Two Monday of the New Year & Washington Politics...

Mr Robin B Tucker www.nwyc.com   Fact Sheet on Fiscal Cliff Agreement   After two years of party wrangling, Congress has passed and President Obama has signed a permanent extension of the Bush-era tax breaks for individuals with annual incomes up to $400,000 and couples with annual incomes up to $450,000. Here is a look at the highlights of the new law. Small Business Tax Breaks Business Equipment Write-off: Retroactively increases 2012 maximum expensing amount from $139,000 to $500,000 and extends this amount through 2013. It also reinstates the $250,000 write-off of qualified real property improvements. Bonus Depreciation: Extends for one year, into 2013, accelerated “bonus” depreciation of business investments in new property and equipment tax deductions. Individual Breaks Income Tax Rates: Rates remain the same for couples with taxable annual incomes under $450,000. Those with over $450,000 will see their top rate go from 35% to 39.6%. Dividends and Capital Gains: The maximum rate remains at 15%, except for joint filers making more than $450,000. That maximum rate will be 20%. The President had proposed a top rate of 39.6% for dividends prior to the agreement.      Estate Tax: The amount of an estate exempt from the tax remains at $5 million for individual estates and $10 for family estates. The maximum tax rate increases from 35% to 40%.  The sharing of unused exemption amounts between spouses is also still alive.   Personal Exemptions and Itemized Deductions: The personal exemption and itemized deductions will be reduced for families earning more than $300,000. Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT): The law provides a permanent patch to keep more Americans from being subject to the increased tax level, and indexes it for inflation. The change prevents a tax increase that would have affected an estimated 30 million additional taxpayers. Unemployment Benefits: Unemployment benefits for the long-term unemployed are extended through 2013. Tax Credits: A five-year extension of tax credits was given to the child tax credit, earned Income tax credit and the college tuition tax credit. Medicare Doc fix:  A 27% reduction in payments to Medicare providers is postponed for 2013. Automatic Across-the-Board Spending Cuts: The sequester of funds will be delayed by two months and replaced with new half revenues and half targeted spending cuts. Other Breaks: Deductions for educator supplies,  sales tax, college tuition and exclusion for home mortgage debt were retroactively  included in the new law. Tax Increase Payroll Tax: The temporary 2% cut to the employee payroll tax rate was not renewed.   The information contained herein is general in nature and is not intended as legal, accounting or tax advice or opinion as provided by National Write Your Congressman. The reader should seek professional guidance prior to taking any action based upon this information. National Write Your Congressman shall have no obligation to inform the reader of any changes in tax laws or others which may affect the information provided. Thank you for being a responsible American; your voice is making a difference.

Mr Robin B Tucker www.nwyc.com Vol. 16 No. 25 Monday, November 19, 2012 REVIEW Petitions to Secede: The White House is reviewing petitions from citizens of Florida, Louisiana, and Texas requesting permission to secede from the union in the wake of President Obama’s reelection, complying with its standard practice of considering and responding to all petitions with at least 25,000 signatures. Bush-era Tax Cuts: President Obama escalated pressure on congressional Republicans to consent to legislation that would extend the Bush-era tax cuts on the first $250,000 of income, calling it the only means of averting an across-the-board tax hike (sequestration). At a recent news conference, the President vowed to let Bush-era tax cuts for the wealthiest 2 percent expire, and said addressing loopholes and deductions alone would not sufficiently close the budget deficit. Click Here to express your opinion on this issue, time is short. No Movement on Cybersecurity: Sen. Harry Reid  (D-NV) said, “Cybersecurity is essentially dead for this Congress,” when senators failed to move forward on the bill. The lack of action will make an executive order likely. (S.3414) Immigration Policy With GOP in Mind: Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) is attempting to shape immigration into an issue Republicans can embrace without being lambasted by the party base. He is doing it by introducing a draft measure that would move away from discussing whether the current undocumented population should have a path to citizenship and instead address the future flow of immigrants into the U.S. Hold on Defense Bill: Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) is holding up consideration of the fiscal 2013 defense authorization bill over an amendment he plans to offer that would require a jury trial for Americans detained in terrorism investigations. (S.3254) Combining Financial Commissions: Congress is considering combining the Securities and Exchange Commission and Commodity Futures Trading Commission, according to  a report by the House Financial Services Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations. The report concluded a year-long investigation into the collapse of brokerage firm MF Global, which declared bankruptcy in October 2011. Leadership in Chambers: Rep. John Boehner (R-OH) will remain Speaker of the House, while, Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-VA) will maintain his position, along with Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy (R-CA). Sen. Harry Reid (D-NV) remains Senate Majority Leader. Senate Majority Whip is Dick Durbin (D-IL). Democrats Try to Band Together on Entitlements Ahead of Fiscal Cliff Talk: As substantial talks on the fiscal cliff begin, Senate Democrats are seeking to stave off an apparent division in their party by keeping under wraps their ideas on entitlement spending. Republicans have stressed that they will insist on cuts to those programs as part of any agreement that would include more tax revenue.   Senators Focus Meningitis Hearing on New Options for FDA: Senators offered forceful criticism of regulators’ role in the recent fungal meningitis outbreak at a recent hearing, but both parties focused their questions on finding a solution to ensure events would not repeat themselves.  BP Agrees to $4.5 Billion Settlement of Spill Charges: Gulf Coast environmental efforts that have been the top priority of the region’s congressional delegation got a huge boost recently when BP agreed to pay $2.4 billion for restoration and conservation programs as part of a record $4.5 billion criminal settlement. PREVIEW   Senate Earmarks: The House rules committee is expected to consider an amendment that would allow earmarks that would benefit federal, state or local governments, rather that personal projects. Improving the Voting Process: The Senate is expected to consider legislation that would create a grant program to provide states with incentives to improve their voting processes after what was characterized as widespread and systemic balloting problems on Election Day.   The Week Ahead: Please go to www.nwyc.com for the latest in congressional actions.     Get the Most out of Your Membership Introducing The New Mobile App from NWYC We have some exciting news for our National Write Your Congressman Members. I am proud to introduce the new NWYC Mobile App. Now you can have the "Power of the People" in your hand wherever you go. Just follow this link www.nwycmobile.com/onthego and follow the instructions to install our exciting new NWYC Mobile App on your Smartphone or tablet.     Thank you for being a responsible American. Your voice is making a difference.

Do you think the minimum wage should be increased to $10 an hour and indexed to inflation?

National Action Alert



Increase Minimum Wage


to $10 Per Hour

We received the following e-mail today: from National Write Your Congressman.

Mr Robin B Tucker,


Jesse Jackson Jr. (D-IL) introduced legislation "The Catching Up To 1968 Act of 2012" that will raise the minimum wage to $10 an hour and index it to inflation. "That may sound like a hefty wage increase but it doesn't fully equal the purchasing power of the minimum wage in 1968 - which today would be closer to $11 per hour, stated Rep. Jackson. "The bill is really only allowing American workers a degree of 'catch-up.' Thus the name and theme around the bill: 'Catching Up To 1968.' Of course, the current federal minimum wage has been $7.25 per hour since 2007."


The Catching Up To 1968 Act of 2012 contains four basic elements:


It raises the minimum wage to $10 per hour


The minimum wage is raised immediately - not gradually as in the past - beginning 60 days after the date of enactment


Beginning one year after the $10 per hour minimum wage takes effect, and each year thereafter, the minimum wage will be indexed in proportion to the increase in the Consumer Price Index (CPI)


For workers earning their living on the basis of tips, the cash wage paid to such an employee is to be 70% of the minimum wage when the law takes effect, but in no case less than $5.50 an hour, adjusted annually as necessary thereafter


While running for office, President Barack Obama promised to raise the minimum wage to $9.50 an hour by 2011. Both the president and his 2012 campaign opponent Republican Mitt Romney have supported the idea of adjusting the minimum wage to keep up with inflation.


Opponents argue that increases in the minimum wage fall disproportionately on small businesses who are the least able to absorb such a dramatic increase in their labor costs, and that supporters aren’t factoring in the cost to the employer who’s paying it. The Nation is currently in difficult economic times, and the focus needs to be getting unemployment down. The increase would force employers to cut other payroll costs, such as limiting overtime or laying off part-time help, squeezing employers who already are under pressure.


Do you think the minimum wage should be increased to $10 an hour and indexed to inflation? (Click Here)


Take action and voice your opinion now!


Do you think the minimum wage should be increased to $10 an hour and indexed to inflation? (Click Here)


Personally, we view the Federal Minimum Wage should be eliminated, on the basis it is matter for the States.  The late Tip O'Neill said the following phrase "All politics is local" and when it comes to the minimum wage... we believe this matter should be left up to the States and local markets.  The minimum wage in Iowa certainly has no relationship with the economies of urban Chicago, Los Angeles or New York.
 
The increase will cost $5,725.00 over the first year of implementation for any employee currently on the Federal minimum wage at $7.25.  What impact will that have on first-time employees and people with disabilities, who are limited to how many hours they can work? 
 
Why isn' the Alternative Minimum Tax adjusted annually for inflation? 
 
Look at unemployment numbers today?  Is this a good idea for America and getting people stable and confident in America's economic future?

The R&P Report for Monday, March 14, 2011...

The R&P Report from National Write Your Congressman...

REVIEW

Short-Term Government Funding: Lawmakers in the House are moving ahead with another short-term continuing resolution (CR) that would keep federal agencies running past March 18, when the current spending law expires. Republicans and Democrats are able to agree on only two things in the current appropriations debate: Congress should avoid a government shutdown, and funding should be reduced in some areas. Beyond that, lawmakers have been unable to reach an agreement on how to fund the government through the end of September. The Senate defeated the current CR (H.R.1) by a vote of 44-56.

Spy Agencies: The House Intelligence Committee approved its annual authorization legislation that would set policies and spending for federal intelligence agencies. The bill seeks to limit leaks of classified information. In response to government information that appeared on the website WikiLeaks, the measure aims to make it more difficult to leak information to the public, other governments or rogue agents. The cost of the bill is classified. (H.R.754)

EPA Overreach?: Lawmakers have accused the Environmental Protection Agency of regulatory overreach and indifference to farmers as the agency toughens air quality rules on particulates. In one concession, the EPA said dairies would not be required to develop plans to contain large-scale milk spills. The agency is also expected to approve a blend of 15 percent ethanol in motor fuels for most U.S. vehicles, expanding biofuel markets.

FHA Program Termination: The House passed a measure that would permanently cancel funding for the Federal Housing Administration Refinancing Program which allows underwater borrowers who are current on their loans to refinance into an FHA-insured mortgage if their lender agrees to write off at least 10 percent of their principal. The bill goes next to the Senate. (H.R.830)

Debit Card Fees: Hundreds of small-business owners stormed Capitol Hill in an effort to sink a bipartisan draft bill that that would delay limits on debit card fees charged by banks.

PREVIEW

Rewriting No Child Left Behind:

A group Suspected Terrorist Detainees: Lawmakers in the House and Senate are considering legislation that would require all future detainees to be held in military, not civilian, custody unless the Secretary of Defense explicitly granted a waiver. That provision is aimed at limiting the likelihood of criminal trials in civilian courts, even for terror suspects detained within the U.S. The House version would bar families of current Guantánamo detainees from visiting them. The Senate version would not.

Pentagon Programs Funding Squeeze: In a draft bill, the Senate Budget Committee delivered a bipartisan message to the Defense and State departments that called for budget cuts even in the midst of war to help address the national debt.

2012 Budget Cuts: Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI), chairman of the House Budget Committee, announced he will unveil a fiscal 2012 budget resolution next month. The measure is expected to propose changes to entitlement programs — possibly including Medicaid and Medicare — that most experts agree are the major drivers behind the ballooning federal deficit. For more information and to voice your opinion on this issue, click here.

Public Broadcasting Corporation Funding: Lawmakers are considering a Senate Democratic amendment to a House-passed spending bill that would provide $445 million in funding to the PBC for fiscal 2013. The House-passed spending bill would zero out CPB funding for fiscal 2013. Democratic lawmakers trying to fend off GOP efforts to ban funding for public broadcasting say their work was made tougher when a video surfaced this week showing an National Public Radio executive disparaging the GOP and tea party members. (H.R.1) Click here to voice your opinion on this issue.

The Week Ahead: The House is expected to once again take the lead on a short-term CR aimed at preventing a government shutdown which the Senate would have to clear before the current extension expires by week’s end. The Senate is scheduled to vote on a judicial nomination and a small business technology bill before addressing the CR.

Locally, what's happening in government affairs?

• Look for Mayor Ron Corbett and the City Council to announce the Charter Review Commission at the first City Council meeting in April. The City of Cedar Rapids is seeking applicants to fill the final positions for the proposed 13 member citizen board/commission


• Debate continues in Iowa over enforcing records, meeting laws - The Gazette
  DES MOINES — Attorney General Tom Miller says people who criticize his enforcement of Iowa’s Public Records and Open Meetings laws as too lax are mistaken...

State of Iowa will honor final WWI vet to pass: Frank Woodruff Buckles

Half-staff flags to honor Cpl. Frank Buckles, World War I vets - WaterlooCedarFalls Courier
Mar 14, 2011 ... Terry Branstad has ordered all flags in Iowa be flown at half-staff from 8 a.m. until sunset Tuesday in honor ... Buckles was the last known surviving American veteran of World War I. Born in Missouri, Buckles died Feb. ...

Defense.gov News Article: Last American WWI Veteran Dies - American Forces Press Service
WASHINGTON, Feb. 28, 2011 – Frank Woodruff Buckles, the last surviving American World War I veteran, died yesterday at his ...

Robin Tucker

Monday, March 7, 2011 ...

This past Saturday was exciting to see Iowa upset #6 Purdue to close out the Big Ten regular season. The Creighton Bluejays season ended at the hands of Missouri State in the semifinals, after beating UNI in the quarterfinals of the men's Arch Madness game in the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament.

Washington High School had WPA on Thursday night. We enjoyed the pre-dance festivities involving many youngsters and parents.

We are less than two months away from the May 3Rd Local Option Sales Tax vote. How should a flood protection system be funded by the City of Cedar Rapids? Should local option sales tax money be used to help fix our roads that have been hit with deferred maintenance? It is an important community conversation.

The Rotary Club of Cedar Rapids on Monday, March 7Th had a program on the new Events Center for Cedar Rapids. The U.S. Cellular Center and Five Season's Hotel will be renovated and a new convention center will be added, with additional parking.

Last week, the Washington Warriors saw the ladies fall in the First Round of the girls State basketball tournament. On Wednesday, the boys will play Linn-Mar in the First Round of the boys State basketball tournament.

We received this week's R&P Report by fax, so it's not as easy to pass on.

In Washington D.C., the Federal Government voted to extend the government for another two weeks. Will legislation be hammered out that will avoid a government shutdown at the end of the week?

The U.S. House passed H.R. 4 Small Business Paperwork Mandate, which will repeal the 1099 reporting expansion to include payments of $600 or more to corporations. The bill now goes to the Senate.

H.R. 662 Highway Funding passed the U.S. House last week. This is a multi year law reauthorizing extension of federal-aid highway, highway safety, transit and other programs funded out of the Highway Trust Fund.

Preview of this week in Washington ...

• Arab Pro-Democracy: Democrat sponsored legislation pushing for more aid for Arab pro-democracy movements.
• Abortion Funding: H.R. 3 to prohibit taxpayer funded abortions. The bill would not pertain to cases of rape, incest or when the mother's life is danger.
• Rewriting No Child Left Behind
• Medicare Accountability
• Defense of Marriage Bill: H.R. 875 would allow funds for the House to defend in court the Defense of Marriage bill, when on Feb. 23 the Obama administration announced that it would abandon its legal defense of the law.
• Patent Law Revision: S. 23 would make "first to file" - instead of "first to invent" - the guiding principle behind awarding patents.
• National Defense and Spending Cuts: Both political parties are in disagreement over extent of GOP proposed cutbacks to department funding

For more information, we recommend you join http:/www.NWYC.com. A great source for what is going on in Congress.

Robin Tucker

The R&P Report from National Write Your Congressman for the week of Monday, January 31st ...

A service of National Write Your Congressman

http://www.nwyc.com/
Vol. 15 No. 3
Monday, January 31, 2011

REVIEW

Medicare: House GOP members are considering a draft measure to privatize Medicare that would be included in their alternative to President Obama’s annual budget. Under one scenario, people who turn 65 on or after January 1, 2021, would receive a voucher to buy private insurance in the “exchanges” expected to be formed by the new health care law. Meanwhile, the eligibility age for Medicare would increase incrementally from its current 65 years of age to 69 for those born in 2022 and later.

Balanced Budget Amendment: Republicans in the House have introduced a balanced-budget amendment to the Constitution. The measure, which would require two-thirds approval of both houses of Congress and ratification by three-fourths of the states, would require that federal spending in any year not exceed total revenue, cap federal spending at 20 percent of gross domestic product and require the president to submit a balanced budget to Congress every year. The amendment would also require a two-thirds vote in both chambers. Click here to voice your opinion on this issue.

Presidential Campaign Spending: The House passed the first in what promises to be a series of measures aimed at reducing the budget deficit, starting with ending a program that provides public funding during presidential elections. The bill would terminate the Presidential Election Campaign Fund. The Congressional Budget Office estimates the move would reduce mandatory spending by $617 million over 10 years. (H.R. 359) Click here to voice your opinion on this issue.

Race to the Top: President Obama urged Congress to model a rewrite of federal education law on the administration’s signature competitive grant, Race to the Top. The program provides federal money to states that tie teacher pay to student achievement, adopts common curriculum standards and expands charter schools, among other strategies.

Small-Business Programs: The Senate cleared by unanimous consent a four-month extension of small-business programs through May 31. The goal of the programs is to make funds more readily available to small business owners. (H.R. 366)

Senate Rule Changes: The Senate approved a standing order curtailing “secret holds” that senators use to anonymously block legislation and nominations. Party leaders agreed that majority Democrats will allow Republicans to offer more amendments to bills, and in return Republicans will not block legislation from coming to the Senate floor for consideration. Lawmakers also approved an order to prevent senators from forcing the reading of legislation or an amendment if the text has been available for 72 hours. New rules also eliminate the requirement for Senate confirmation of hundreds of executive nominations. Democrats were unable to get the two-thirds support necessary for approval for filibuster changes, including a measure that would have required senators to continuously talk if they want to filibuster legislation or a nomination.

PREVIEW

Federal Education Law: A panel of Senate members on the Education and Workforce Committee will begin hearings on the long-stalled rewrite of the No Child Left Behind program the week of Feb. 7.

Oil Spill Legislation: House and Senate Democratic leaders vowed to make oil spill legislation a top priority for the 112Th Congress, with two draft bills introduced in the House and a leading Senate Democrat promising to develop bipartisan legislation in the near future. The measures would establish new safety standards and improve oversight of the offshore oil industry.

Patriot Act: The chairmen of the House and Senate Judiciary committees will consider dueling proposals to reauthorize three sections of the anti-terrorism law known as the Patriot Act, which is set to expire at the end of February.

Nuclear Security: Pres. Obama announced plans to establish a jointly financed nuclear security center in China.

The week ahead: The House is in recess and is scheduled to reconvene Tuesday, Feb. 8. The Senate is expected to address oil spill legislation and continue work on measures that would help balance the budget.

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Thank you for being a responsible American; your voice is making a difference.

Interesting to note that the House is not in session for this week. Out of Florida, Federal Judge has ruled that Obama health care law is unconstitutional. Headlines on Tuesday, February 1 ...

Robin Tucker

The R&P Report for Monday, January 24, 2011 ...

A service of National Write Your Congressman
www.nwyc.com

Vol. 15 No. 2
Monday, January 24, 2011

The 112Th Congress is now in session. It’s leaders include:

• Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV)
• Senate Minority Leader, Mitch McConnell (R-KY)
• 53rd Speaker of the House, John Boehner (R-OH)
• House Majority Leader, Eric Cantor (R-VA)
• House Minority Leader, Nancy Pelosi (D-CA).
  
  

REVIEW

Memorial Observances: After a week long pause to reflect on the shootings in Arizona that left six dead and Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ) critically injured, the House reconvened on Monday last week. The Senate remained on recess until Jan. 25.

Repealing the Health Care Law: After seven hours of debate, the House passed a measure (245-189) to repeal the health care law. The bill goes next to the Senate, where it is not expected to reach the floor of the Democrat–led chamber. President Obama has vowed to veto the repeal. Lawmakers also passed a resolution calling for legislation to replace the health care law. (H.R.2)

Regulatory Reform: President Obama passed an executive order that requires federal agencies to review health and safety regulations to determine if they are too burdensome on businesses, in which case they may be changed or repealed. The President sent two memorandums directing enforcement agencies to make compliance information easily accessible online and to look for ways to reduce regulatory burdens on small businesses. While Republicans had hoped to take the lead in regulatory reform, and say this proposal is remarkably similar to theirs, most are praising the move.

Stop the Overprinting: The House considered a bill that would eliminate a current requirement that copies of all bills and resolutions introduced by members of Congress automatically be printed. It would require that bills and resolutions be made available in electronic format accessible on the Internet and printed at members’ request. (H.R.292)

Mine Safety: Democratic lawmakers in the House called for passage of stricter mine safety regulations after a preliminary report blamed the fatal explosion at West Virginia’s Upper Big Branch mine on a series of safety violations.

PREVIEW

House Tax Reporting: The House and Senate plan to considered separate measures that would repeal the 1099 requirement in the health care law that calls for businesses to report to the IRS any payment over $600 made to a vendor. The requirement is estimated to bring in $19.2 billion over 10 years. The Senate’s repeal draft bill would include an offset of $39 billion in spending rescission's. ( H.R.4)

Spending Limits: The House is expected to vote on a resolution that would require the Budget Chairman, Paul Ryan (R-WI) to move toward setting non-security discretionary spending limits at fiscal 2008 levels. Democrats criticized the GOP rule, which they say would give Rep. Ryan too much power. Republicans countered that the authority was necessary to set enforceable spending limits since Congress failed to enact a budget resolution for fiscal 2011.

Tax Code Overhaul: The House Ways and Means committee has begun a series of hearings to tackle what could be the most significant corporate and individual tax overhaul in 25 years. Under the microscope are corporations that outsource jobs overseas and tax breaks for big oil and gas companies.

Medical Malpractice: The House is expected to address legislation that would revamp the medical malpractice liability system. Many GOP members blame it for increasing health care costs, while many Democrats says patients deserve to be compensated when they have been injured at the hands of their physicians.

Reducing Federal Spending: Lawmakers in the House are preparing a measure that would reduce federal spending by $2.5 trillion over 10 years,

The Week Ahead: The House will consider medical malpractice legislation. The Senate is expected to address the 1099 issue as it returns to Capitol Hill.

The Senate and House meet in a joint session Tuesday night to hear President Obama’s State of the Union speech.

The House this week considers a resolution to reduce fiscal 2011 appropriations at least to fiscal 2008 levels. The House also considers a bill to end public financing of presidential campaigns and party nominating conventions.

House and Senate committees hold hearings on the health care overhaul.

The Senate could continue debate on an overhaul of its rules, including those on filibusters, which the chamber had discussed before it recessed Jan. 5. Look for your action alert later today!

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Thank you for being a responsible American; your voice is making a difference.

The year 2011 will be an interesting year for public policy at all levels, local, regional, state and Federal. At the Federal and State levels, we will likely continue to see the Tea Party movement to unfold. However, they appear focused more on Federal, than local issues.

At the State and local levels, the budget process will be extremely tight in 2011. In our local community of Cedar Rapids:

• The Home Rule Charter is up for review for the City of Cedar Rapids
• We will have redistricting across the State of Iowa. Iowa will lose a U.S. House member for the 2012 election
• The City's FY 12 budget will be discussed heavily in the month of February
• Changes to Chapter 69 of the municipal code have been recommended by the local civil rights commission
• The City of Cedar Rapids will likely look to extend the Local Option Sales Tax for 20 years with a proposed May vote
• Some in the City suggest that the City should revert back to our old form of government
• The City will have elections in November for District 2, 4 and one at-large position

Robin Tucker

A look at the past week at the Federal and State levels for the new Legislative Session

NWYC Issue Update

Health Care Law Repeal

On Wednesday, House Republicans made good on a campaign pledge by passing a bill to repeal the 2010 health care overhaul.

Following two days of heated partisan debate, the House passed the bill (HR 2), 245-189, which would overturn the health care law, often labeled the signature accomplishment of President Obama’s first term. No Republican opposed the measure and only three Democrats supported the repeal: Dan Boren (OK), Mike McIntyre (NC) and Mike Ross (AK).

The legislation is now headed for the Democrat-controlled Senate.

Take action and voice your opinion now!

Are you in favor of repealing the national health care law?

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Update on Iowa Legislature as the session finishes another week, including debate for the first time in the Iowa House.

Recent bills of interest (source: Chamber)

• House File 45 - which was the first bill debated of the new session
• Senate File 45
• Senate File 38
• House File 64
• House File 50
• House File 54
  New Legislative Web site

I didn't attend the Chamber legislative session on Friday, but one attendee said:

Legislative Forum sponsored by CR Chamber...more politics
& extremes..."mean-spirited" "don't care" & other hyperbole being used.
via Twitter

Robin Tucker

First R&P Report for 2011, the 112Th Congress and the Assassination Attempt on Congresswomen

A service of National Write Your Congressman

http://www.nwyc.com/
Vol. 15 No. 1
Tuesday, January 11, 2011

The 112Th Congress is now in session. It’s leaders include: Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV), Senate Minority Leader, Mitch McConnell (R-KY), 53rd Speaker of the House, John Boehner (R-OH), House Majority Leader, Eric Cantor (R-VA), House Minority Leader, Nancy Pelosi (D-CA).

REVIEW

The Senate: The new session of the Senate began with the traditional swearing-in of reelected and newly elected members. After the ceremony and the opening prayer, Vice President Biden administered the oath-of-office for 31 senators, which includes 16 new senators. Though they maintained the majority, Democrats lost six seats after the November mid-term elections resulting in the make-up of the current Congress at 51 Democrats, 47 Republicans and two Independents.

The House: After the swearing in of members and the election of , the new session of the House included a reading of the U.S. Constitution. The House is made up of 242 Republicans and 193 Democrats.

The Constitution allows Congress to determine the rules for its proceedings on the first day of a new session.

House Rules: The first order of business in the House was a rules package that covers scheduling (how many days worked, when votes can and cannot occur), the terms and conditions for debating bills (all bills will cite their constitutional authority and be posted online for 72 hours before a vote) and allows electronic devices on the floor of the chamber. The package passed 240-191.

Senate Rules: Sen. Tom Udall (D-NM) proposed three additions to Senate rules regarding filibusters. They state that senators must remain on the floor to maintain the filibuster; if a motion to proceed passes, then a cloture vote must be taken immediately to prevent delays by opposing senators; and senators may not put “secret holds” on bills. Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-TN) called the attempt “a brazen power grab.” Negotiations continue. No vote was taken.

Health Care: The House on Friday cleared a key procedural hurdle in repealing the landmark health care law, voting 236-181 largely along party lines to move ahead to next week's final vote on repeal. In their effort to preserve the law, Democrats pointed to a Congressional Budget Office (CBO) report that estimates repealing the overhaul would increase the national deficit by an estimated $230 billion over 10 years. But GOP members said Democrats “rigged the CBO score” on the overhaul by forcing the budget office to ignore $115 billion needed to implement the law, double-counting $521 billion in Social Security payroll taxes, premiums on a new long-term insurance program, cuts to Medicare and other moves. The unbiased CBO is completing a more detailed report. (H.R.2)

Highway and Transit Funding: Lawmakers in the House and Senate are working to adopt a transportation funding bill for the nation's aging highway system. The House adopted a rule that would make it easier to cut highway and transit spending by allowing certain motor-fuel taxes to be used on projects other than highways. Prior to the rule change, the House was barred from considering legislation that would shortchange authorized highway and transit spending levels.

Pay Cut for Congress: Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ) introduced a draft bill that would cut the salary of Congress members by 5 percent. Click here to voice your opinion on this issue or go to www.nwyc.com .

Congressional Budget Cuts: In a first act of the new Congress, lawmakers adopted a resolution to reduce the amount lawmakers may authorize for salaries and expenses of committee members, staffers and leadership offices in 2011 and 2012.

PREVIEW

The week ahead: The House of Representatives has postponed all legislative action for this week in wake of the shooting of Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ) and 17 others, according to the office of Majority Whip Eric Cantor (R-VA). The Senate will deliberate the debt limit after Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner warned that the government will hit its limit as early as March 31. Congress must also find a way to fund the government for the rest of fiscal 2011 after a stopgap funding measure expires March 4. The Senate is on recess until January, 25.

Thank you for being a responsible American; your voice is making a difference.

*** *** ***

It was tragic news on the assassination attempt of a Congresswomen from Arizona and then the complete disregard for human life in the shooting of 18 others in attendance at the gathering. We have family that are represented by Rep. Gabrielle Giffords. Family also apparently live near the neighborhood of the shooter, who has been arrested on Federal charges.

Our thoughts and prayers go out the victims, the family and friends, the NW Tucson and Pima County community, as well as our nation, after the murder of five people and the wounding of 14 others. Sadly, two Federal employees, including a U.S. Federal judge and social worker on the Congresswomen's staff; in additon to a nine year old girl and three senior citizens, who are all victims to this tragic event.

Violence like this may test our Republic. It may lead to recommendations that It can be an attack on our freedoms found in the U.S. Constitution, such as the First Amendment.

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or
prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of
the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the
Government for a redress of grievances. - First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution

Robin Tucker