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Showing posts with label Small Business. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Small Business. Show all posts
Monday, January 14, 2013
Two Monday of the New Year & Washington Politics...
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Another Tax on Small Business is coming down the pike per U.S. Chamber of Commerce
As a small businessman, we are concerned about the economic impact this will have for our business, our customers and clients. The following information was passed on recently from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. We are members of the local Chamber of Commerce in Cedar Rapids.
RepealThe negative impact on our life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness is very real in today's economic times.
Withholding Now is a project of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce in
partnership with the Government Withholding Relief Coalition,
as part of our collective efforts to repeal the 3% Withholding Tax -- another
roadblock for small businesses when they can least afford it.
The 3%
Withholding Tax will mandate that federal, state, and local governments withhold
3% from payments for goods and services, not only causing an unprecedented
paperwork burden for the government and companies who provide goods or services
to them, but forcing firms to increase costs to offset the impact of delayed
payments and disrupting business's cash flows. Through our site, you can take
action by encouraging Congress to repeal this burdensome withholding tax and
job-killing mandate, and instead focus on measures that will create jobs.
Monday, January 31, 2011
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
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.
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.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Thank you for being a responsible American; your voice is making a difference.
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 ...
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
"We need leaders on Capitol Hill who will help create opportunity and facilitate prospertity" ...
At work, we received the following e-mail from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce ...Robin,
With one week to go in this midterm election,
it’s safe
to say a lot of new faces will be packing their bags for Capitol
Hill after next
Tuesday -- with plenty of offices set to change hands. In
the closing days of
this election, pay close attention to three of the most
crucial Senate races the
Chamber has invested vast resources into: PA, IL
and CA. Our candidates are
polling strong in the former two … and in
California -- a seat that has not been
competitive for years -- Carly
Fiorina is gaining momentum.
When we
launched our political program
earlier this year, we knew the stakes had never
been higher.
A recent article from Barron’s summarized what we
are up against:
“With an economic growth rate of 1.7%, the
country is in serious
trouble, [U.S. Chamber President & CEO] Donohue
says. He's right: Growth
will stay low until Congress begins to help
business instead of tying it down.
It's not too late for the president to
listen to Tom Donohue.”
Unemployment is still over 10% in many states
across the country.
Spending and taxes are on the rise, while jobs and
opportunity remain on the
decline. That needs to change.
We need
leaders on Capitol Hill who will
help create opportunity and facilitate
prosperity, leaders who will address the
uncertainty that has been
paralyzing the business community, leaders who will
remove the roadblocks to
economic reform and help employers grow their
businesses and put people back
to work.
Elections have consequences, and
this is one of the most
consequential elections in recent history. Your efforts
have continued to
impress us all at the U.S. Chamber. But the final week is the
most important
and there is still work to do. We have one week to close strong
and finish
what we started.
Your continued involvement over the next
seven days
CAN make the difference next Tuesday.
Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness
We the People can Vote on November 2, 2010
- In November of 2009, I had the pleasure of being asked by Dr. Mariannette Miller-Meeks
to serve as her Linn Chair for her campaign. I, along with others throughout Linn County and the other 14 counties that serve the Second Congressional District of Iowa, have volunteered time and effort to help get out the vote for Miller-Meeks. Please join us in supporting Miller-Meeks for Congress on November 2ND or earlier, if you choose to vote before election day. The 99 county auditor's office will be open Saturday, October 30, 2010 for the final day of early voting in Iowa.
Monday, October 11, 2010
National Write Your Congressman on Small Business: Federal Legislation ...
http://www.nwyc.com/
Monday, October 11, 2010
Major tax breaks and access to capital in new jobs bill
In an attempt to jumpstart business activity, a new small business jobs bill was passed that has several attention-getting provisions that add new twists to some old tax breaks. Also, this bill contains a $30 billion small business lending feature targeted to small and mid-sized community banks.
Substantial increase in popular business equipment write-off for 2010 and 2011
While certainly not new, the increase in the amount of this tax break is stunning. As you know, business asset purchases normally must be depreciated over a period of time. However, the tax code allows a business to elect to expense (immediately write-off) the purchases which yields an immediate tax deduction and large tax savings. In 2010, the ceiling on immediate write-off was $250,000, but, was scheduled to significantly decrease after 2010.
Small Business Jobs Act: The small business bill retroactively doubles the 2010 expensing amount to $500,000 of equipment purchases and applies to 2011 as well.
First time ever: tax break for certain real estate improvements
Effective immediately and retroactive to all of 2010 as well as 2011, and, for the first time ever, the first $250,000 of real property improvements to leased property, restaurant property and improvements to retail-business property can be applied against taxable income in the year the cost is incurred. (Typically, these costs are recouped using long depreciation periods.) This has never happened!
Back in play: large bonus depreciation
New life! Given up for dead with its expiration after 2009, this new legislation retroactively allows for “bonus depreciation” equal to 50% of the cost of equipment purchased in 2010 and 2011. Any cost left over after bonus depreciation can be deducted under the normal depreciation write-off rules. NOTE: Bonus depreciation is taken AFTER the equipment expensing election discussed above. This potentially allows the majority of the cost of equipment purchased in 2010 and 2011 to offset taxable income.
Sole proprietors can deduct health insurance on Schedule C in 2010
Small businesses that operate as unincorporated sole proprietors have never been able to deduct the cost of health insurance in calculating the 15.3% self employment tax. Instead, only one-half the insurance cost was deducted as an above the line deduction. The Small Business Jobs bill moves the deduction to Schedule C where it reduces self-employment tax.
Access to credit for small business
In an attempt to stimulate lending to the small business community, the bill creates a $30 billion Small Business Lending Fund that will make capital available solely for small business lending by local and mid-market community banks.
The interesting part of this program is that community banks have a huge incentive to loan the money because the banks repayment rate to the feds is tied to increased lending to small business. Participating banks can lower their rate by increasing small business lending by 10 percent over the previous year.
1099 reporting requirements failed to make the cut.
Included among the controversy of health care reform is expanded reporting requirements of all payments received from vendors beginning in 2012. It has been a major target of repeal by virtually all the small business sector. A repeal of the very unpopular expanded 1099 reporting requirements did not make it into this bill as two separate amendments were defeated.
NOTE: The battle over this issue is far from over and will receive major attention in virtually all proposed legislation in the coming year.
Expiring tax cuts: what’s the latest?
It’s looking more like the decision on expiring Bush-era tax breaks will occur after the November elections. There seems to be consensus on both sides that many of the tax breaks will be extended. The disagreement in Congress is on the tax breaks for upper-incomers: should they be extended or expire. Also included in this debate is what to do about the estate tax which is scheduled to increase in 2011 to significantly higher tax rates.
Tax Planning: Capital gain, dividend and income tax rates
Because we may not know until December whether these rates expire or not, you’ll want to have scenarios ready for stock sales, paying or deferring bonuses and expenditures so that you make the right choices as the tax rates become available.
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.
Monday, October 11, 2010
Major tax breaks and access to capital in new jobs bill
In an attempt to jumpstart business activity, a new small business jobs bill was passed that has several attention-getting provisions that add new twists to some old tax breaks. Also, this bill contains a $30 billion small business lending feature targeted to small and mid-sized community banks.
Substantial increase in popular business equipment write-off for 2010 and 2011
While certainly not new, the increase in the amount of this tax break is stunning. As you know, business asset purchases normally must be depreciated over a period of time. However, the tax code allows a business to elect to expense (immediately write-off) the purchases which yields an immediate tax deduction and large tax savings. In 2010, the ceiling on immediate write-off was $250,000, but, was scheduled to significantly decrease after 2010.
Small Business Jobs Act: The small business bill retroactively doubles the 2010 expensing amount to $500,000 of equipment purchases and applies to 2011 as well.
First time ever: tax break for certain real estate improvements
Effective immediately and retroactive to all of 2010 as well as 2011, and, for the first time ever, the first $250,000 of real property improvements to leased property, restaurant property and improvements to retail-business property can be applied against taxable income in the year the cost is incurred. (Typically, these costs are recouped using long depreciation periods.) This has never happened!
Back in play: large bonus depreciation
New life! Given up for dead with its expiration after 2009, this new legislation retroactively allows for “bonus depreciation” equal to 50% of the cost of equipment purchased in 2010 and 2011. Any cost left over after bonus depreciation can be deducted under the normal depreciation write-off rules. NOTE: Bonus depreciation is taken AFTER the equipment expensing election discussed above. This potentially allows the majority of the cost of equipment purchased in 2010 and 2011 to offset taxable income.
Sole proprietors can deduct health insurance on Schedule C in 2010
Small businesses that operate as unincorporated sole proprietors have never been able to deduct the cost of health insurance in calculating the 15.3% self employment tax. Instead, only one-half the insurance cost was deducted as an above the line deduction. The Small Business Jobs bill moves the deduction to Schedule C where it reduces self-employment tax.
Access to credit for small business
In an attempt to stimulate lending to the small business community, the bill creates a $30 billion Small Business Lending Fund that will make capital available solely for small business lending by local and mid-market community banks.
The interesting part of this program is that community banks have a huge incentive to loan the money because the banks repayment rate to the feds is tied to increased lending to small business. Participating banks can lower their rate by increasing small business lending by 10 percent over the previous year.
1099 reporting requirements failed to make the cut.
Included among the controversy of health care reform is expanded reporting requirements of all payments received from vendors beginning in 2012. It has been a major target of repeal by virtually all the small business sector. A repeal of the very unpopular expanded 1099 reporting requirements did not make it into this bill as two separate amendments were defeated.
NOTE: The battle over this issue is far from over and will receive major attention in virtually all proposed legislation in the coming year.
Expiring tax cuts: what’s the latest?
It’s looking more like the decision on expiring Bush-era tax breaks will occur after the November elections. There seems to be consensus on both sides that many of the tax breaks will be extended. The disagreement in Congress is on the tax breaks for upper-incomers: should they be extended or expire. Also included in this debate is what to do about the estate tax which is scheduled to increase in 2011 to significantly higher tax rates.
Tax Planning: Capital gain, dividend and income tax rates
Because we may not know until December whether these rates expire or not, you’ll want to have scenarios ready for stock sales, paying or deferring bonuses and expenditures so that you make the right choices as the tax rates become available.
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.
*** *** ***
The Governor's Debate was last week, now we turn to IA-02 for Congress.
It will be interesting on Tuesday, October 12Th at Mt. Mercy University to see the debate in IA-02. For more information on the debate:
Next up, the race for Congress in Iowa — specifically, the state’s 2Nd Congressional District seat ...
Vote now or on Tuesday, November 2Nd in Iowa.
Monday, October 4, 2010
The R&P Report for Monday, October 4, 2010 ...
www.nwyc.com The R&P Report from National Write Your Congressman
Vol. 14 No. 2-29
Monday, October 4, 2010
REVIEW
Voting Day Reminder: midterm elections Nov. 2.
Small-Business Bill: The House cleared a small-business measure sending it to the Funding the Government: The House cleared a stopgap funding measure to ensure the federal government will keep running while Congress is out for the midterm elections recess. As the last major item on the agenda before lawmakers head for the campaign trail, the continuing resolution was sent to the President for a signature. (H.R.3081)
Small-Business Bill: The House cleared a small-business measure sending it to the Funding the Government: The House cleared a stopgap funding measure to ensure the federal government will keep running while Congress is out for the midterm elections recess. As the last major item on the agenda before lawmakers head for the campaign trail, the continuing resolution was sent to the President for a signature. (H.R.3081)
Federal Election Act: The House passed a measure to prohibit certain state election administration officials from actively participating in electoral campaigns. (H.R.512)
Plain Writing Act: The House passed a bill on to the White House that would require the federal government to write documents, such as tax returns, federal college aid applications, and Veterans Administration forms in simple easy-to-understand language. The bill’s final version passed the House by a vote of 341-82. Earlier last week, it received unanimous consent in the Senate. (H.R.946)
Expiring Tax Cuts: House Democrats punted a vote on extending the 2001 and 2003 (Bush) tax cuts until after the elections.
Financial Services Overhaul: In the first major legal challenge to the implementation of the financial services overhaul enacted this summer, two key business lobbies pressed a federal judge to overturn a new rule giving shareholders power to install or oust members of corporate boards of directors.
Child Nutrition: Despite the President’s push for action, the House put off consideration of a Senate-passed child nutrition bill until the lame-duck session. To help offset new spending on school nutrition programs, the bill taps $2.2 billion from a temporary boost in food stamp benefits scheduled in 2013. (S. 3307)
Water and Chemical Plant Security: For the third time in four years, lawmakers are set to extend the existing authority of the Department of Homeland Security to regulate chemical facilities that present high levels of risk. The provision is in the fiscal 2011 small-dollar stopgap spending bill and is the latest signal that lawmakers are struggling over how strictly the department should police the industry. (H.R.3081)
Minority Class Action Settlements: Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) blamed Republican opposition for blocking the Senate from ratifying settlements of longstanding legal claims by black farmers and American Indians. Fraud and lax oversight in awards made in past settlements were sighted as a reason for concern.
Cuba Travel: A House committee is expected to mark up a bill this year that would lift the U.S. ban on travel to Cuba. (H.R.4645)
Military Budget Cuts: Adm. Mike Mullen said the military was near a “tipping point” where reductions could make it unable to meet its requirements. “We need to fund the war we are in because I have people on the front line sacrificing their lives,” he said and urged lawmakers not to cut funds for weapons.
Fallen Soldiers’ Insurance: The House passed a bill that would require insurance companies to provide increased transparency when dealing with the families of fallen soldiers. The measure is in response to questions about how Prudential was explaining benefits available to families of deceased service members. Rather than giving them the opportunity to receive lump sum settlements, Prudential was automatically putting their money into “retained asset accounts,” where the company can earn interest on any money not drawn out of the account. (H.R.5993)
PREVIEW
Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell: The military is now reviewing the results of surveys it requested from service members and their families about ending the ban on openly gay individuals serving in the military. Almost half a million military personnel were surveyed. Congress is expected to revisit the issue after the elections.
The Week Ahead: The House and the Senate are on recess until after the midterm elections. They are scheduled to return to Capitol Hill Nov. 15.
Voting has begun for the November 2Nd Midterm Election in Iowa!
Satellite voting begins today at the River of Life Church @ 3801 Blairs
Ferry RD NE. Hours are Noon to 6PM. - from http://twitter.com/lc_elections
October 4, 2010 WATCH LIVE: Branstad Meets With Editorial Board - The Gazette
The Gazette editorial board is meeting with Republican gubernatorial candidate Terry Branstad today, starting at 1:30 p.m...
Prior to meeting with the Gazette Editorial Board, Terry Branstad was the program at the Rotary Club of Cedar Rapids on Monday, October 4Th.
Miller-Meeks will work hard for Iowa -Muscatine Journal
While Miller-Meeks has participated in telephone town halls, there is nothing like actually meeting people to gauge their sincerity and commitment. ...
While Miller-Meeks has participated in telephone town halls, there is nothing like actually meeting people to gauge their sincerity and commitment. ...
"Mariannette Miller-Meeks has proven that she's ready to take on Democrat
incumbent Dave Loebsack, a Washington insider who has blindly supported his
party's failed agenda of job-killing policies and reckless spending.
Mariannette's campaign is a symbol of the growing momentum behind Republican
candidates in Iowa and across the country. As Democrats and their party bosses
continue to force their..." - NRCC Chariman Pete Sessions (R-TX)
Miller- Meeks Campaign: Mariannette Miller- Meeks advances to top level of ... - IowaPolitics.com (press release)
The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) announced today that Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-02) has reached 'Young Gun' status, the premiere ...
The National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC) announced today that Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-02) has reached 'Young Gun' status, the premiere ...
Monday, September 27, 2010
The R&P Report from National Write Your Congressman for Monday, September 27, 2010 ...
http://www.nwyc.com/ Vol. 14 No. 2-28
Monday, September 27, 2010
REVIEW
Voting Day Reminder: midterm elections Nov. 2.
Small-Business Bill: The House cleared a small-business measure sending it to the President to sign into law. The bill would establish a $30 billion lending fund to provide community banks with capital for small business loans. The measure includes $12 billion in tax incentives aimed at small businesses. It would revive an expired bonus-depreciation provision and allow all capital gains from certain small-business stock to be excluded from taxation. (H.R. 5297)
National Defense Bill: The bill is on hold after Democrats amended it with a provision that would extend legal status and a path to citizenship for certain children of illegal aliens. It also included language that would eliminate the ban on gays serving openly in the military. Lawmakers voted not to bring the measure to the floor for a vote. (S.3454)
Expiring Tax Cuts: Senate Democrats signaled that they are unlikely to schedule a vote on extending the expiring 2001 and 2003 (Bush) tax cuts before Congress leaves Capitol Hill for the campaign trail this week. (S.3816)
Cyber-security: The leader of the Pentagon’s Cyber Command asked lawmakers to continue to provide funding to the new unit as it works to find ways to combat threats to computer networks. (S.773) (S.3480)
Food Safety: A Senate Committee approved a measure to strengthen criminal penalties for companies and individuals that knowingly violate food safety standards. The bill would increase penalties for distributing tainted food products and establish fines and prison sentences of up to 10 years for violations. Under the measure, such an offense would be a felony. (S 3767)
“Fair Elections Fund”: A House panel approved a bill that would provide public financing of congressional elections to the House. It would provide primary and general election candidates who abide by certain restrictions with federal financial support from a newly created “Fair Elections Fund” and would receive 400 percent matching payments for certain small-dollar contributions. The bill would use proceeds from spectrum (electromagnetic wavelengths) auctions to help finance political campaigns. (H.R.6116)
Click here to express your opinion or go to www.nwyc.com
Campaign Finance Bill: The Senate again rejected (59-39) an effort by Majority Leader Harry Reid to call up a campaign finance disclosure measure. GOP members united against the bill. (S.3628)
Prescription Drug Monitoring: The House passed a bill aimed at preventing drug abuse. It would reauthorize a program to assist states in monitoring prescription drug use and would authorize $15 million for fiscal 2011 and $10 million annually from fiscal 2012-2013. (H.R.5710)
Autism Grant: The House passed a measure to expand aid to those with autism and their families. The bill would authorize $17 million annually for fiscal 2012-16 for grants for services rendered to children and adults with autism. (H.R. 5756)
PREVIEW
Continuing Resolution (CR): The Senate is expected to pass a short-term CR to fund most government operations past the end of the 2010 fiscal year. It may contain extra funding for the Pell Grant program for low-income college students.
Child Nutrition: The House is expected to consider legislation that would authorize the first increase in decades for per-meal reimbursement to schools. (S.3307) (H.R.5504)
China Currency: The House is expected to advance a bill aimed at China’s currency practices. Many experts say that China maintains the yuan at an artificially low value to keep Chinese exports cheap and imports expensive. (H.R.2378)
The Week Ahead: Before Oct. recess, lawmakers in both chambers will address a CR to keep the government funded. The House is expected to address a loan guarantee program for home construction and a child nutrition measure. The Senate will address a Social Security payroll tax bill.
Click here to view the R&P Report as a PDF
Early voting has begun for the 2010 General Election on November 2, 2010 in the State of Iowa.
Both parties pushing the early vote - The Des Moines Register
- Need to Register to Vote in Iowa? pdf link!
- Obtain an Absentee Ballot in the State of Iowa
News on Miller-Meeks campaign in the 2Nd Congressional District of Iowa.
Miller-Meeks for Congress » Welcome
Miller-Meeks within 1 point of Loebsack, 41-40% (September 16th ... 09-20-2010 MILLER-MEEKS FOR CONGRESS EVENT SCHEDULE FOR SEPTEMBER 20-25 ...
Miller-Meeks wants less stimulus, lower taxes - UI The Daily Iowan
"And that will require a change in Congress." Miller-Meeks spoke to a small group of people Sunday in Iowa City about the changes she wants to bring to ...
AFL-CIO sends out more campaign mailers in Iowa - DesMoinesRegister.com (blog)
A union group is sending out more mailers that promote two Iowa Democrats seeking re-election to Congress.
American Future Fund Political Action: Endorses Mariannette Miller ... - IowaPolitics.com (press release)
Miller-Meeks changes stance on Social Security privatization - Mason City Globe Gazette
If you are in Cedar Rapids and have questions regarding voting, please contact me at my office at 319.366.7791 x 103. It is important that we participate in our election process.
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
We are supporting MIller-Meeks for Congress in Iowa's 2Nd Congressional District ...
Did any of you catch the new radio advertisement for Dr. Mariannette Miller-Meeks for Congress?
My wife called me today, when she was out in the car, after she had heard the 60 second radio ad. To learn more about Miller-Meeks, we would encourage you to visit her web site.
Miller-Meeks for Congress » Welcome
Miller-Meeks down just 5 points among most likely voters. Congressman Dave Loebsack has yet to respond. Click here to read Mariannette's biography. ...
Recent news on our candidate for the 2Nd Congressional District in Iowa ...
Miller-Meeks was not behind negative push polling - Muscatine Journal
In his letter, Mr. Bentley wrongly accused the Miller-Meeks campaign of conducting a push poll. For those of you unfamiliar with push polls, a caller asks a ...
We have enjoyed the opportunity to get to know Mariannette over the past 2+ years. We have been impressed with her knowledge of the issues, her willingness to work hard and even step away from her medical practice to seek the opportunity to represent us in Congress. Here's a recent comment she had on the added paperwork burden on small business in America.
Get to know the candidates - DesMoinesRegister.com
Join us for a conversation with Mariannette Miller-Meeks, a Republican running to represent the 2nd Congressional District in the US House of ...
If you haven't had a chance or opportunity to meet Mariannette, we would encourage you to contact her on the campaign trail. She has a web site, uses social media and is a great person to sit down and visit with one on one or in small or large groups.
Debates arise as campaign issue in Iowa races as challengers seek ... - WQAD
When I spoke to our current representative in August at a industry event, he suggested that there would be debates, but other than one debate here in Cedar Rapids in October, we haven't heard any more news. Hopefully, our current Congressman will step up and allow for a debate of the issues dear to Iowans in our District. Why not debate in all fifteen counties that make up the Second District of Iowa?
We hope everyone had a safe and enjoyable Labor Day weekend. We certainly did and we are aware that Miller-Meeks is working hard on her campaign. We hope you will take the time to get to know her and discuss the issues with her as we approach Election Day on November 2Nd.
We are proud to support Miller-Meeks for Congress!
Monday, August 16, 2010
A push away from Limited Government and more government control into those who choose a small business lifestyle?
Today's hot political affairs topic, from a meeting we attended this morning is HR. 5297. Here's the update we received:
Many of you may have seen an email from ASAE on the IRS 1099 Reporting Requirement. NAR (National Association or Realtors) has been working on this issue and wanted to provide you with a legislative update.
The health care legislation enacted earlier this year included a controversial and burdensome new requirement, effective in 2012, that would require all businesses to provide IRS 1099 information returns to any vendor (and to the IRS) when the business makes payments of more than $600 to the vendor in any calendar year. This 1099 reporting provision came out of nowhere in the final days of the health care debate.
No sooner was the ink dry on the bill itself than efforts began to repeal the new 1099 rule. Many REALTOR organizations are aware that ASAE is among the groups opposing the new rule. NAR has signed on to the ASAE letter to signal its opposition to the 1099 reporting requirement. When Congress reconvenes in mid-September, among the pending bills is a small business bill (HR 5297) that includes a modest tax title. (The bill has several non-tax provisions that NAR fully supports.) HR 5297 is expected to be brought up some time during the week of September 13.
When the Senate considers HR 5297, there will be a two-part amendment procedure related to the 1099 requirement. The first part will be an amendment that would completely repeal the 1099 requirement. That effort is expected to fail. The second will be an amendment offered by Majority Leader Reid (D-NV) and Finance Chairman Baucus (D-MT) and others. That amendment would limit the application of the 1099 reporting requirement so that only employers with more than 25 employees would be subject to the 1099 reporting requirement. Further, only payments of more than $5000 would have to be reported. That amendment is expected to pass.
While the full repeal has broad support among ASAE members and in the small business community, we would anticipate that the 25 employee threshold would mean that most local boards and many state associations would be exempt from the reporting requirement. Similarly, the 25 employees threshold should provide adequate relief for most of our members. (Real estate sales agents are independent contractors, and so would not be included as employees of their respective brokers.) The $5000 threshold for reporting will also provide substantial relief to members and to associations.
At such time as HR 5297 (with some sort of 1099 amendment) achieves final passage in the Senate, it will have to go back to the House. The House version of the bill is substantially different from the Senate version. The House will then have two choices: It may simply pass the Senate version of the bill and send it on to the President, or it may request a conference between the House and Senate to reconcile their different versions of the bill. (Note that a conference would involve at least 4 different committees, so could be a cumbersome process.) We presently have no prediction of which option the House would choose. Congress plans to adjourn for the election on October 8. A post-election lame duck session has already been announced, so this 1099 issue may remain unresolved for a few months.
Note that the IRS has made public statements that it does not have adequate capacity to process all of the 1099s that would be filed if the health care bill's reporting requirement remains in the law as originally enacted. The IRS public statement should bolster the effort to eliminate or significantly narrow the application of the new reporting provision before it comes into effect in 2012
*** *** ***
HR 5297 Hits Turbulence in Senate - National Underwriter Life and Health Insurance News
Backers of HR 5297, the Small Business Jobs Act bill, today had trouble getting the bill to the Senate floor. Members of the Senate voted ...
Many of you may have seen an email from ASAE on the IRS 1099 Reporting Requirement. NAR (National Association or Realtors) has been working on this issue and wanted to provide you with a legislative update.
The health care legislation enacted earlier this year included a controversial and burdensome new requirement, effective in 2012, that would require all businesses to provide IRS 1099 information returns to any vendor (and to the IRS) when the business makes payments of more than $600 to the vendor in any calendar year. This 1099 reporting provision came out of nowhere in the final days of the health care debate.
No sooner was the ink dry on the bill itself than efforts began to repeal the new 1099 rule. Many REALTOR organizations are aware that ASAE is among the groups opposing the new rule. NAR has signed on to the ASAE letter to signal its opposition to the 1099 reporting requirement. When Congress reconvenes in mid-September, among the pending bills is a small business bill (HR 5297) that includes a modest tax title. (The bill has several non-tax provisions that NAR fully supports.) HR 5297 is expected to be brought up some time during the week of September 13.
When the Senate considers HR 5297, there will be a two-part amendment procedure related to the 1099 requirement. The first part will be an amendment that would completely repeal the 1099 requirement. That effort is expected to fail. The second will be an amendment offered by Majority Leader Reid (D-NV) and Finance Chairman Baucus (D-MT) and others. That amendment would limit the application of the 1099 reporting requirement so that only employers with more than 25 employees would be subject to the 1099 reporting requirement. Further, only payments of more than $5000 would have to be reported. That amendment is expected to pass.
While the full repeal has broad support among ASAE members and in the small business community, we would anticipate that the 25 employee threshold would mean that most local boards and many state associations would be exempt from the reporting requirement. Similarly, the 25 employees threshold should provide adequate relief for most of our members. (Real estate sales agents are independent contractors, and so would not be included as employees of their respective brokers.) The $5000 threshold for reporting will also provide substantial relief to members and to associations.
At such time as HR 5297 (with some sort of 1099 amendment) achieves final passage in the Senate, it will have to go back to the House. The House version of the bill is substantially different from the Senate version. The House will then have two choices: It may simply pass the Senate version of the bill and send it on to the President, or it may request a conference between the House and Senate to reconcile their different versions of the bill. (Note that a conference would involve at least 4 different committees, so could be a cumbersome process.) We presently have no prediction of which option the House would choose. Congress plans to adjourn for the election on October 8. A post-election lame duck session has already been announced, so this 1099 issue may remain unresolved for a few months.
Note that the IRS has made public statements that it does not have adequate capacity to process all of the 1099s that would be filed if the health care bill's reporting requirement remains in the law as originally enacted. The IRS public statement should bolster the effort to eliminate or significantly narrow the application of the new reporting provision before it comes into effect in 2012
*** *** ***
HR 5297 Hits Turbulence in Senate - National Underwriter Life and Health Insurance News
Backers of HR 5297, the Small Business Jobs Act bill, today had trouble getting the bill to the Senate floor. Members of the Senate voted ...
Who's Really Leaving Small Business Behind? - Shopfloor
This bill will increase paperwork on the backs of an economy that is witnessing poor job growth, high unemployment and increasing strains on the American Dream and on Main Street.
Monday, August 9, 2010
The R&P Report for Monday, August 9, 2010 ...
Vol. 14 No. 2-25
Monday, August 9, 2010
REVIEW
Elana Kagan Confirmed: The Senate confirmed Elena Kagan to the Supreme Court as the 112th justice and the fourth woman ever to sit on the high court. The vote was 63 - 37. She is one of three women currently serving on the Supreme Court. She succeeds retired Justice John Paul Stevens.
$26.1 Billion Education, Medicaid Package: The Senate passed a $26.1 billion state-aid package that the House is set to consider this week. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi has called House members back from summer recess to take action on the legislation aimed at preventing tens of thousands of public sector layoffs. Cuts to food stamps and a renewable-energy loan initiative were used to pay for the package. (H.R.1586)
Renewable-Energy Funds: Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid promised that Congress will restore $1.5 billion rescinded from an Energy Department renewable-energy loan program to help pay for emergency education and Medicaid aid for states. “That money is just temporarily gone,” Sen. Reid said, referring to the funds used to offset the cost of the Senate-passed $26.1 billion state fiscal aid package .
Small-Business Bill: Senate Democratic leaders are urging action on a bill that would establish a $30 billion lending fund for small businesses and provide $12 billion in tax breaks, including some that have a much bigger impact in the next year or two by creating incentives for immediate investment. (H.R.5297)
Border Legislation: Senate Democrats unveiled a $600 million spending bill that they say is fully paid for by increases in visa fees. The bill would fund 1,000 new border patrol agents and call for acquisition and deployment of unmanned aircraft systems and construction of up to three Border Patrol forward operating bases along the Southwest border.(H.R.5875)
Aquatic Resources: The House passed a bill that directs the Secretary of the Interior to take specified actions regarding oil and gas royalties, including the formation of a pilot project assessing costs and benefits of automatic transmission of certain data produced under federal leases on the Outer Continental Shelf. (H.R.3534)
The Week Ahead: The House is expected to address an education, jobs and Medicaid assistance bill. The Senate is on August break. Both chambers are scheduled to observe a summer recess for the remainder of August and to reconvene on September 10.
*** *** ***
Local issues in the news:
If the City Council agrees with Mayor Ron Corbett’s request, the council will continue a practice put in place this summer and ...
Draw back? Meeting four times per month would likely reduce the length of each meeting and they would be more time efficient for all. Further, what impact does two meetings have on the consent agendas?
Wes Des Moines holds formal meetings twice a month, the article states. How many non-formal meetings are used in the community?
The recession has cut into travel, and that cut is showing up in decreased hotel and motel room rentals, as well as in the income cities receive from the 7 percent hotel-motel tax ...
First checks go to flood victims for possessions - The Gazette
Traffic camera rolls include plenty of notable names- The Gazette
Council members look at sprucing up gateways into city - The Gazette
State revenues open fiscal 2011 flat - The Gazette
peace
Monday, August 2, 2010
R&P Report for Monday, August 2, 2010 ...
www.nwyc.com
Vol. 14 No. 2-24
Monday, August 2, 2010
REVIEW
Immigration Bill: Democratic members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus renewed their calls for a broad immigration overhaul bill, while Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC), a former ally of Democrats on the issue, said he may introduce a constitutional amendment that would deny citizenship to U.S-born children whose parents are in the country illegally. (H.R.5875) To express your opinion on this issue, go to www.nwyc.com. Energy Measure and Oil Spill Cap: The Senate is preparing a bill for floor action that includes language to hold oil companies liable for all economic damages stemming from any offshore spills they cause. It would eliminate the $75 million cap on economic liability for oil spills. (S.3472)
Small-Business Lending: The Senate stalled in its consideration of a bill that would create a $30 billion small-business lending fund, extend $12 billion in tax breaks and enhance federal programs designed to help small businesses. A stalemate over billions of dollars in domestic funding amendments left both sides frustrated. (H.R.5297)
Educating Seniors About Fraud: The House passed a $150 million bill that aims to educate senior citizens about financial fraud. (S.3494)
Tax Package and Health Care Law: A tax package was pulled from the floor after GOP members threatened to take steps that could change the health care overhaul enacted this year. The GOP motion would have repealed the provision that requires small businesses to file a 1099 form to the IRS for payments of more than $600 made to any vendor during a tax year. It goes into effect in 2012. (H.R.4849)
13 Counts Against Rangel: Rep. Charles Rangel will face a rare public ethics trial in September on charges that he violated House rules in his personal finances and fundraising.
Corporate Political Spending: A House committee approved a bill that would require corporations to give shareholders an annual vote on how much money to spend on political activities. The committee rejected a GOP amendment that would prevent the measure from being enacted until Congress enacts a bill requiring labor unions to obtain approval for their political expenditures and to disclose those activities to members. (H.R.5860)
Financial Services and Generic-Drug Bill: A Senate committee approved a spending bill to fund the Treasury Department, the Small Business Administration and the Securities and Exchange Commission. The draft bill includes a provision that is expected to hasten enactment of a generic-drug bill that would prohibit brand name drug companies from compensating generic drug companies in order to delay the entry of a generic drug into the market. (S.369)
PREVIEW
Abortion Policy Permanent Repeal in Spending Bill: Senate appropriators approved a $213 billion fiscal 2011 spending bill that includes language to permanently repeal a ban on abortion. The policy barred U.S. financial assistance to any organization that performs or promotes abortion. Repealing it allows assistance to be given to organizations that perform abortions. Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) offered the amendment. To express your opinion on this issue, go to www.nwyc.com.
START Treaty: Democratic lawmakers in the Senate are pushing for Republican support of the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START) that is being drafted. The treaty would require both the U.S. and Russia to reduce their strategic nuclear arsenals.
The Week Ahead: With the House out for the August recess this week, the Senate returns for one more week to vote on education jobs funding aid to states and the confirmation of Elena Kagan to the Supreme Court.
Click here to view the R&P Report as a PDF
*** * ***
From a more local prospective, what are some of the public policy issues and concerns:
Is it time to eliminate gender to resolve the Marriage or Civil Union debate? From our Christian-Catholic prospective, we continue to view marriage as a sacrament between one man and one women. We can understand the interest in same-sex couples desiring civil unions, however, why not give it a name that defines each relationship? Instead, we have partner #1 and partner #2 in Iowa ...
Same-sex marriage issue focus of competing rallies - The Gazette
The Flood of 2008 is changing some of the landscape in our community ...
Escalators are going down in post-flood Cedar Rapids - The Gazette
The City of Cedar Rapids appears to want to close two blocks of Second Avenue SE, but at what cost to the City, the taxpayers and those who walk, bike and drive through this neighborhood?
Street system could cope with closed Second Avenue - The Gazette
New mandates by City and other changes to Chapter 29 bring lawsuit against the City ...
Landlords of Linn County suing Cedar Rapids over new rules - The Gazette
In closing, there is a new political organization getting started in the State of Iowa and the roots start in the City of Cedar Rapids and the fallout of the Flood of 2008.
Monday, June 28, 2010
The NWYC R&P Report for Monday, June 28, 2010 ...
www.nwyc.com
Vol. 14 No. 2-20
REVIEW
Banking Industry Overhaul Legislation: House and Senate negotiators made slow progress last week toward finalizing the bill that would amount to the most significant rewrite of the nation’s financial laws in decades. The deadlock centered on two key provisions of the legislation: a new framework for derivatives regulation and a proposed ban on proprietary trading by banks. (H.R.4173)
Iran Sanctions: The House and Senate adopted a conference report that would penalize foreign companies for doing business with Tehran. (H.R.2194)
Tax Extenders: Senate Democrats’ months-long effort to pass a package of tax cut extensions and unemployment benefits collapsed last week amid partisan disagreements. The measure had been a core component of the Obama administration’s economic recovery agenda. It is not expected to be brought to the floor in the near future. (H.R.4213)
Campaign Disclosure Bill: The House narrowly passed a White House-backed campaign finance disclosure bill by a margin of only 13 votes. In the Senate, Republicans have pledged an all-out fight against the measure that would exempt large nonprofit organizations from some reporting requirements. (H.R.5175)
Senate Panel Backs TSA Nominee: A Senate panel backed the nomination of President Obama’s latest pick to head the Transportation Security Administration. Senate confirmation is expected for John Pistole to fill the seat that has been vacant for several months.
Aid for Nuclear Plants: A disagreement about federal aid for new nuclear power plants triggered the June 23 postponement of a markup of the fiscal 2011 Energy-Water spending bill. The bill did not include $36 billion in nuclear plant loan guarantees requested by President Obama for the fiscal 2011 budget.
Cybersecurity Measure: A Senate panel approved legislation that would establish an executive office to create a plan to combat terrorism attacks that target the nation’s cyber infrastructure. (S.3480)
Oil Spill Restitution: A Senate committee approved a measure that would increase penalties for environmental crimes and require compensation to its victims. The bill aims to help residents of the Gulf Coast oil spill, who are facing the loss of their livelihood. It is expected to be brought to the floor in the coming months.(S.3466) For more information and to express your opinion on this issue, go to www.nwyc.com.
War Spending and Withdrawal: Anti-war lawmakers who object to the Obama administration’s strategy in Afghanistan are hoping to force policy changes this week when a fiscal 2010 supplemental war spending bill is expected to come to the House floor. The House is asked to vote on $33.5 billion in supplemental spending for the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Lawmakers are seeking the administration’s assurance that President Obama is committed to beginning the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Afghanistan in July 2011, depending on conditions in that country. (H.R.4899)
Energy Bill: Democratic lawmakers are still pledging to pass energy legislation this year, though they have reported little headway on the central question of whether to include broad climate change provisions in their bill. (S.2877)
The Week Ahead: Next week, as lawmakers prepare for the upcoming July Fourth recess, the House is will take up a war spending bill while the Senate is expected to consider a small-business jobs package. Both chambers are also scheduled to consider the conference report for a financial regulatory overhaul bill.
Mrs. Barbara Grassley campaigns in Ottumwa - KTVO
Dr. Mariannette Miller-Meeks made a campaign stop in Ottumwa on Friday morning ... The Iowa Republican State Convention began on Friday night in Des Moines ...
Vol. 14 No. 2-20
Monday, June 28, 2010
REVIEW
Iran Sanctions: The House and Senate adopted a conference report that would penalize foreign companies for doing business with Tehran. (H.R.2194)
Tax Extenders: Senate Democrats’ months-long effort to pass a package of tax cut extensions and unemployment benefits collapsed last week amid partisan disagreements. The measure had been a core component of the Obama administration’s economic recovery agenda. It is not expected to be brought to the floor in the near future. (H.R.4213)
Campaign Disclosure Bill: The House narrowly passed a White House-backed campaign finance disclosure bill by a margin of only 13 votes. In the Senate, Republicans have pledged an all-out fight against the measure that would exempt large nonprofit organizations from some reporting requirements. (H.R.5175)
Senate Panel Backs TSA Nominee: A Senate panel backed the nomination of President Obama’s latest pick to head the Transportation Security Administration. Senate confirmation is expected for John Pistole to fill the seat that has been vacant for several months.
Aid for Nuclear Plants: A disagreement about federal aid for new nuclear power plants triggered the June 23 postponement of a markup of the fiscal 2011 Energy-Water spending bill. The bill did not include $36 billion in nuclear plant loan guarantees requested by President Obama for the fiscal 2011 budget.
Cybersecurity Measure: A Senate panel approved legislation that would establish an executive office to create a plan to combat terrorism attacks that target the nation’s cyber infrastructure. (S.3480)
PREVIEW
War Spending and Withdrawal: Anti-war lawmakers who object to the Obama administration’s strategy in Afghanistan are hoping to force policy changes this week when a fiscal 2010 supplemental war spending bill is expected to come to the House floor. The House is asked to vote on $33.5 billion in supplemental spending for the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Lawmakers are seeking the administration’s assurance that President Obama is committed to beginning the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Afghanistan in July 2011, depending on conditions in that country. (H.R.4899)
Energy Bill: Democratic lawmakers are still pledging to pass energy legislation this year, though they have reported little headway on the central question of whether to include broad climate change provisions in their bill. (S.2877)
The Week Ahead: Next week, as lawmakers prepare for the upcoming July Fourth recess, the House is will take up a war spending bill while the Senate is expected to consider a small-business jobs package. Both chambers are also scheduled to consider the conference report for a financial regulatory overhaul bill.
Mrs. Barbara Grassley campaigns in Ottumwa - KTVO
Dr. Mariannette Miller-Meeks made a campaign stop in Ottumwa on Friday morning ... The Iowa Republican State Convention began on Friday night in Des Moines ...
"She's very strong on the defense of our country and our
liberties. That is what it is. It is about defending our liberties," ~
Mrs. Barbara Grassley
A similar event was held Thursday night for Mrs. Grassley and Dr. Mariannette Miller-Meeks in Cedar Rapids. The event was held at the home of Steve and Connie Armstrong and was well attended.
Monday, June 14, 2010
The R&P Report for Monday, June 14, 2010: Flag Day ...
This week's R&P Report from www.nwyc.com
Vol. 14 No. 2-18
Monday, June 14, 2010
REVIEW
Climate Change: Senate Democrats remained divided over whether to bring comprehensive climate change provisions to the floor next month as part of an energy bill. By a vote of 47-53, senators rejected a procedural motion - and thus shelved a Republican resolution that would have overturned an EPA finding that greenhouse gases endanger human health and thus should be regulated under the Clean Air Act. (H.R.1462),
Financial Bill: House Financial Services Chairman Barney Frank (D-MA) is leading conference talks as the House and the Senate attempt to reconcile their separate financial bills. Among other issues, negotiators will be deciding how to implement consumer protection and ways to liquidate failing banks. (H.R.4173)
Cyberspace Defense: Leaders of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee introduced a measure that would restructure parts of the federal government to combat computer attacks. The legislation would create a Senate-confirmed official to oversee the nation’s computer defenses, establish a cybersecurity hub and grant power to the President to direct the private sector during an emergency. (S.773)
Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty: The Senate Foreign Relations Committee plans to hold a vote on a new strategic arms reduction treaty with Russia before Congress takes its August recess. This is seen as a key step in efforts to approve ratification of the pact by year’s end.
Stalled Intelligence Authorization Bill: Now that senators are reporting fewer objections to President Obama’s selection of James Clapper Jr. as director of national intelligence, the long-stalled fiscal 2010 intelligence authorization bill is expected to pass. The bill is aimed at improving congressional oversight of spy agencies and bolstering the powers of the “intelligence czar’s” office. (H.R.2701)
Cruise Ship Safety: The Senate passed a bill that would require cruise ships to maintain videotape surveillance, logs of reported deaths and missing individuals and alleged crimes on board. Personnel would have to be trained in crime scene investigation techniques, and rape kits would have to be available aboard the ships, along with a forensic specialist trained to deal with allegations of sexual assault.(S.588)
Federal Housing Administration: The House passed legislation to raise the maximum annual mortgage insurance premium on loans that it guarantees, thus boosting its dwindling capital reserves. (HR 5072)
Oil Spill Cleanup Fund: The House voted 410-0 to pass a bill that would remove limitations on the amount of money the administration can use for cleanup efforts from the Oil Spill Liability Trust Fund for the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill. The vote came one day after the Senate passed the bill. The President is expected to sign it this week. (S.3473)
PREVIEW
Toxic Chemical Regulations: An environmental coalition is urging Congress to overhaul federal regulation of toxic chemicals. It says dispersants used to break up thick oil in the Gulf are why the law needs to be strengthened. Under current law, dispersant manufacturers do not have to disclose what chemicals are used in their products and they are not required to safety test them.
$8 Billion Funding Boost: Child nutrition programs, including school lunches, could get an $8 billion boost in funding over the next 10 years under a newly introduced bill. Budget offsets or tax increases are required to pay for the increase. (S.3307) To express your opinion on this issue, go to www.nwyc.com.
The Week Ahead: The Senate will continue work on a $140 billion tax and benefits package. The House is expected to consider bills related to small businesses, campaign finance and supplemental spending.
Click here to view the R&P Report as a PDF
Small Business appears to be impacted by ObamaCare, with recent news on the impact of the new Federal Legislation.
According to the report, by 2013 51% of all employers — 66% of small
employers (3-99 employees) and 45% of large employers — would have to relinquish
current coverage. In a worst-case scenario, 69% of firms would lose their
grandfathered status - Investors Business Daily
Administration: 51% Of Companies’ Health Plans Won’t Pass Muster - Investors Business Daily
Internal White House documents reveal that 51% of employers may have to relinquish their current health care coverage by 2013 due to ObamaCare. That numbers soars to 66% for small-business employers ...
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Feeling Positive and Buidling Trust about Our Government is Important ...
"Thank you for reading this letter supporting Mariannette Miller-Meeks. I have
considerable depth and breadth of knowledge of Miller-Meeks, as I was on the
committee that chose her out of several hundred applicants to be an Iowa Eye
resident for three and one half years." ~ Frank Judisch of Iowa City
A couple letters from a person supporting Miller-Meeks for Congress ...
Vote Miller-Meeks to balance budget piece - Iowa City Press-Citizen
Miller-Meeks stands out - The Daily Iowan
Enjoyed visiting with a local businesswomen today about the Miller-Meeks campaign over my lunch hour. The biggest concern was how Heath Care was pushed through Congress and put up for sale in getting support for votes. She supports Chuck Grassley and Governor Terry Branstad in the primary, as well.
Our Heritage
We the People of the United States of America, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.
The Preamble to the Constitution of the United States of America
We the People of the United States of America, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.
The Preamble to the Constitution of the United States of America
Monday, April 26, 2010
The R&P Report on Current Federal Legislation for the week of April 26, 2010 ...
We received the following R&P Report from National Write Your Congressman ...
Vol. 14 No. 2-12
Monday, April 26, 2010
Monday, April 26, 2010
REVIEW
Unemployment Package: Senate Democrats won a key test in their push to extend unemployment benefits and several other recently lapsed federal programs in an extension bill. After hitting a procedural snag earlier in the day, the Senate voted 60-40 to advance the bill that would extend programs for an additional month. Only four Republicans voted in favor of the bill. Offsetting costs is a point of contention.(H.R.4851)
Republican Appointment: Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) appointed Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX) to serve as counsel to the Republican Senate leadership team.
Campaign Finance Bill: With their campaign finance bill due to be introduced in coming days, House Democrats revealed details of how they plan to promote the bill. It is expected to increase campaign finance disclosure, political coordination and disclaimer requirements, while imposing new limits on political involvement by government contractors and foreign governments.
Financial Services Overhaul: Although the gulf between Democrats and Republicans over how to revamp the nation’s oversight of financial services appears to be growing, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid is moving overhaul legislation to the floor. Republicans immediately objected to the motion to consider the legislation. Sen. Reid responded by scheduling April 26 as the day to cast a vote on the motion to proceed. The GOP has vowed to block that. (S.3217)
Immigration: As midterm elections approach, lawmakers are under constituent pressure to show progress on an immigration overhaul. Including a path toward citizenship for undocumented immigrants that is viewed as a way to avoid the risk of alienating Latino voters, a constituency whose turnout is expected to prove pivotal in states such as Nevada, where Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid faces a tough re-election race.
Climate Change Measure: Authors of a Senate climate change draft bill are attempting to rewrite a core section addressing transportation sector emissions, raising doubts that the long-awaited unveiling will proceed as scheduled this week.
The section being revised was decided upon after numerous meetings with representatives of oil and gas companies. It would have imposed a fee on petroleum-based motor fuels linked to the amount of carbon in the fuel and other elements. The fee would be added to the price of fuel at the pump. New language could include expanding nuclear power.
Republican Appointment: Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) appointed Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-TX) to serve as counsel to the Republican Senate leadership team.
Campaign Finance Bill: With their campaign finance bill due to be introduced in coming days, House Democrats revealed details of how they plan to promote the bill. It is expected to increase campaign finance disclosure, political coordination and disclaimer requirements, while imposing new limits on political involvement by government contractors and foreign governments.
Financial Services Overhaul: Although the gulf between Democrats and Republicans over how to revamp the nation’s oversight of financial services appears to be growing, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid is moving overhaul legislation to the floor. Republicans immediately objected to the motion to consider the legislation. Sen. Reid responded by scheduling April 26 as the day to cast a vote on the motion to proceed. The GOP has vowed to block that. (S.3217)
Immigration: As midterm elections approach, lawmakers are under constituent pressure to show progress on an immigration overhaul. Including a path toward citizenship for undocumented immigrants that is viewed as a way to avoid the risk of alienating Latino voters, a constituency whose turnout is expected to prove pivotal in states such as Nevada, where Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid faces a tough re-election race.
Climate Change Measure: Authors of a Senate climate change draft bill are attempting to rewrite a core section addressing transportation sector emissions, raising doubts that the long-awaited unveiling will proceed as scheduled this week.
The section being revised was decided upon after numerous meetings with representatives of oil and gas companies. It would have imposed a fee on petroleum-based motor fuels linked to the amount of carbon in the fuel and other elements. The fee would be added to the price of fuel at the pump. New language could include expanding nuclear power.
PREVIEW
Tax Writers and S Corporations: Lawmakers looking for revenue to offset the costs in a tax bill are taking a close look at certain types of small businesses. They are considering a provision that would make it harder for owners of those companies to avoid paying employment taxes.
A similar provision that would have affected companies organized as S corporations was included in a 2007 proposal. That provision would have required employees who are also owners of service businesses to pay self-employment taxes on their profits. (H.R. 4213)
A similar provision that would have affected companies organized as S corporations was included in a 2007 proposal. That provision would have required employees who are also owners of service businesses to pay self-employment taxes on their profits. (H.R. 4213)
To voice your opinion on this issue, go to www.nwyc.com.
Financial Services: The House Financial Services Committee is expected to approve higher premium limits for the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) in an effort to secure the mortgage insurer’s long-term financial solvency. The bill considered by the panel would allow the FHA to raise the maximum allowable annual mortgage insurance premium on loans that it guarantees. (H.R.5027)
The Week Ahead: The Senate is scheduled to take up a financial regulatory overhaul bill. The House is expected to consider bills dealing with misspent federal funds, overhauling the Pentagon’s acquisition system, and Puerto Rico’s political status.
Click here to view the R&P Report as a PDF
Financial Services: The House Financial Services Committee is expected to approve higher premium limits for the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) in an effort to secure the mortgage insurer’s long-term financial solvency. The bill considered by the panel would allow the FHA to raise the maximum allowable annual mortgage insurance premium on loans that it guarantees. (H.R.5027)
The Week Ahead: The Senate is scheduled to take up a financial regulatory overhaul bill. The House is expected to consider bills dealing with misspent federal funds, overhauling the Pentagon’s acquisition system, and Puerto Rico’s political status.
Click here to view the R&P Report as a PDF
In District 2 Iowa news ,,,
The Democrat and Republican parties in Iowa both conducted district conventions for the 2Nd Congressional District in the State of Iowa at separate locations in Fairfield on Saturday, April 24Th. Both parties elected members of to each party's State Central Committee and major candidates for various Statewide and District offices addressed the delegates, along with the party chairs for each party.Delegates for each party will also attend State conventions in June, after the June 8, 2010 primary election for both major parties in the State of Iowa. The Democrats will conduct their State Convention on June 12Th, while the Republicans will hold their State Convention on June 26Th in Des Moines.
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