A Month of Thanksgiving is winding down ...

We hope all went well this month of Thanksgiving for you and yours...

It continues to be a busy time of the year.  The Election is over, but plenty of talk about taxes and public policy.

The Thanksgiving holiday is now over, but every day offers an opportunity to be thankful for...

As we wind down the month of November this week, we will soon welcome the final month of 2012.  We wish everyone the very best.

Earlier in October the following e-mail was sent to us, as a member of National Write Your Congressman, a legislative research group that helps small business people, as well as regular consumers with information on what is happening in Washington D.C.  - Robin Tucker

Obama Vs. Romney on Fiscal Issues   Mr Robin B Tucker,

Fiscal Issues: As the presidential debates continue between Democratic President Barack Obama and Republican candidate Mitt Romney, we are bringing you a brief overview of major policy points each candidate supports concerning Fiscal Issues. President Obama General Philosophy: Economic stimulus now, deficit reduction over the long term. Tax the wealthy to raise additional revenues. Trim military spending, Medicare, federal pensions, and farm subsidies. This litany sums up the Obama administration’s approach to taxes, spending, and the federal deficit as outlined in the President’s fiscal 2013 budget. These policy proposals are part of the administration’s creed of tax fairness and progressivity: mainly, the principle that the wealthy should shoulder a greater burden of taxes than lower-income Americans. When it comes to the budget, the Obama administration is less concerned with reducing the deficit in the short run than with reviving the economy. Taxes: Much of the administration’s rhetoric on taxes involves ensuring that the wealthy pay their “fair share.” In addition to allowing the Bush-era tax cuts to expire for families’ income of more than $250,000 a year, the President would also institute the so-called Buffett Rule, which would limit the amount of deductions that high-income earners can claim and attempt to set up what amounts to a minimum tax rate for millionaires. The President has proposed to reduce the corporate tax rate from 35 percent to 28 percent and give manufacturers a special rate of 25 percent. Obama would also institute a minimum tax on the earnings that multinationals make overseas. Deficit Reduction: When the President unveiled his budget in February, Jeff Zients, the acting director of the Office of Management and Budget, pointed out deficit-reduction measures that he said amounted to more than $5 trillion in savings over 10 years—from the $1.5 trillion in tax increases to the $1 trillion in spending caps from the Budget Control Act to the $850 billion in war savings from the military draw down in Iraq and Afghanistan. The President’s budget does little to reduce spending on Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security—the biggest drivers of federal spending in the coming decades. Spending: The President’s deputies, such as White House Chief of Staff Jacob Lew, have emphasized that now is not the time for austerity. Obama proposes to increase spending on transportation projects, nondefense research, and teacher training. He also calls for a tax break for manufacturers that bring jobs back to the U.S. and for small businesses that hire new workers. Unlike Romney, he opposes a cap on spending as a share of GDP, arguing that such a cap would restrict the government’s flexibility to increase spending in tough times. Mitt Romney General Philosophy: Although some Republicans have fretted that Romney is a RINO—“Republican in Name Only”— his fiscal proposals tell a different story. In fact, they closely follow conservative thinking, down to his selection of House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan as his running mate and his support for Ryan’s controversial plan that calls for deep cuts in domestic spending, broad changes in Medicare and Medicaid, and lower tax rates, all while protecting defense spending. Romney believes that lower marginal tax rates for individuals and lower capital-gains rates will stimulate the economy, boost economic growth, and lift the country out of its economic doldrums. He says he is the person to lead this turnaround, citing his business background. Taxes:As President, Romney would tackle taxes two ways: reduce rates and overhaul the tax code. In addition to making the Bush-era tax cuts permanent, he has proposed slashing the corporate tax rate from 35 percent to 25 percent; reducing individual income-tax rates by 20 percent across the board; and eliminating the estate tax, the alternative minimum tax, and tax provisions from the 2010 health care law. He would end taxes on long-term capital gains, dividends, and interest for families who earn under $200,000. To pay for such large reductions, Romney has said he would make the tax code less complex by eliminating some yet-to-be-determined breaks. He also proposes to switch to a territorial tax system. Deficit Reduction: To reduce the deficit, Romney would make deep spending cuts and cap federal spending at 20 percent of GDP by the end of 2016—with the goal of eventually bringing it down to between 18 percent and 20 percent—well below its level in recent decades. He has made the country’s mounting debt a key point in his case against Obama. “A prairie fire of debt is sweeping across Iowa and our nation,” he said at a campaign stop in Des Moines, “and every day we fail to act, we feed that fire with our own lack of resolve.” Spending: Many of Romney’s spending proposals echo the budget proposals of his running mate, who is chairman of the House Budget Committee. Like Paul Ryan (R-WI), Romney would cap federal spending; repeal the 2010 health care law; cut the size and salaries of the federal workforce; and turn Medicaid into a block-grant program that would give control to the states, shifting it from an open-ended entitlement and limiting its funding. Romney has said he would follow the House GOP budget and cut non defense discretionary spending by 5 percent immediately.

To share your thoughts with Mitt Romney on Entitlements? (Click Here) To share your thoughts with President Obama on Entitlements? (Click Here)

Reflecting on the Past Week and looking ahead to the Week ahead ...

Last Monday, our Rotary Club held it's first meeting at our new location, the Scottish Rite Temple. The Cedar Rapids West Rotary have been meeting there, since The National Czech and Slovak Museum and Library was knocked out by the Flood of 2008.

For the past 32 years, the Rotary Club of Cedar Rapids held meetings at the Five Seasons Hotel in the Ballroom. The Ballroom, which has been part of the Five Seasons Center, now U.S. Cellular Center, was closed recently for redevelopment of the arena, hotel and completion of a new event center, which will have a new ballroom and convention space for our community.

Ironically, the movie "Cedar Rapids" was released this week in our Community. The hotel in the movie doesn't exist in our community. Originally, they were going to film in Des Moines, but due to the film tax credit scandal, the filming of the movie was moved to the State of Michigan. Like the movie "Ice Castles", which portrayed Cedar Rapids in the 1970s as having an indoor ice facility at the time, Cedar Rapids remains in need of a true convention center. The Events Center is the latest plan to overcome that shortcoming.

On Tuesday afternoon, the City held a neighborhood meeting at First Lutheran Church to discuss the traffic changes and road improvements associated with the closing of Second Avenue SE between 10Th and 12Th streets and the new PCI medical mall. The taxpayers of Cedar Rapids are contributing to this project with $13.24 million.

• Improvements to 13Th Street SE at corner of Third Avenue SE


• Traffic pattern changes on Third Avenue SE from 10Th Street to 13Th Street SE from one-way to two-way


• Third Avenue SE lane marking changes from Seventh Street SE to 13Th Street SE


• Improvements of intersection at Eighth Street SE at Second Avenue SE


• Changes to Tenth Street SE from First Avenue to Third Avenue, which will begin and continue to be completed throughout the construction of PCI.

Second Avenue SE will likely close as early as April 1, 2011 between 10Th and 12Th. By the end of May 2011, Third Avenue SE should be ready for two-way traffic between 10Th and 13Th per the City's comments at the neighborhood meeting.

A community activist brought up the following web site in our community early in the week. On Tuesday night, at a meeting I was attending, I ran into some of the people associated with that web site. I was told that it mirrors another community's alternative media. In 2004-05, when I served on the Home Rule Charter Commission that formulated our current form of government in our community. The following group began to provide me with information, while I served on that commission. It will be interesting to see, if I begin to hear from them again, if I am appointed to the Charter Review Commission? I haven't heard from them lately, other than one of the members wrote a column on Dr. Ralph Plagman and our local schools. The group was against the SILO for Linn County schools in February 2007.

"Urban Legend" comment on Wednesday in Cedar Rapids ...

On Wednesday, Mayor Ron Corbett was the luncheon program for the Cedar Rapids Area Association of Realtors. He gave a very well organized presentation on the local economy, the three sides in flood protection funding (Federal, State and local) and his reasons why he wants to place a public measure for a Local Option Sales Tax (LOST) extension, with new ballot language on May 3Rd. The current LOST was approved in March 2009 and will run through 2014.

The official ballot language has not been defined yet by the City Council, so we don't know how well written the public measure will be? On Wednesday, people commented to the Mayor about the ballot language. The community on May 3Rd will likely vote on whether to extend the LOST another 20 years for flood protection walls and repairs on existing public roads in Cedar Rapids. The rest of Linn County will be voting on May 3Rd for language and use for the municipal or unincorporated area they live.

Plenty of visits about taxation began on Monday at Rotary and continued throughout the week of February 14Th, St. Valentine's Day. How should flood protection walls and deferred existing road maintenance be paid in our community? Property taxes vs. sales taxes?

The public policy discussion and the need to develop opportunities to encourage a community dialogue continues to be strong in Cedar Rapids. As we look out at the Middle East and Northern Africa to Madison, WI and onto the State House, there are a lot of challenges ahead.

On Saturday, Vivace did well in Davenport at a show choir competition there. All three Washington High School show choirs performed in Davenport's competition.

On Sunday, NASCAR will start the 2011 racing season with the Daytona 500, with Cedar Rapids native finishing strong in Nationwide race.

This coming week ...

Local Realtors have a government affairs meeting on President's Day to discuss proposed Chapter 69 changes with Leonard Sandler, a University of Iowa Law professor working with the local civil rights commission. Then, a bus-in for Iowa Realtors to the State Capitol on Tuesday for our annual visit with the State Legislature and other members of State Government.

Tuesday night, the City Council Regular Session will be held. The Public Hearing on the Fiscal Year 2012 City Budget and ten year capital improvement program is the #1 item on the Agenda for the February 22Nd City Council meeting.

Wishing all a safe and enjoyable week ahead.

Robin Tucker

Friday, October 29, 2010: Only Four more days until Election Day ...

We received a nice E-mail from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce ...

Dear Robin,

We're in the final countdown to Election Day on November 2Nd. With only 4
days until the big day, take a moment to enjoy this weekend's festivities. The
real work starts on November 3rd.

Happy Halloween!



Thank you all for your continued support. Tuesday is
the day -- help make it happen. VOTE!

Sincerely,

Bill Miller
Senior Vice President and National Political Director
U.S. Chamber of Commerce

Here are some upcoming dates of note ...

• Halloween is Sunday, October 31, 2010


• All Saints Day is Monday, November 1, 2010


• Election Day is Tuesday, November 2, 2010 in Iowa and throughout the U.S.A.


• The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is right that the real work begins after the Election


• Daylight Savings Time Ends at 2 a.m. Sunday, November 7, 2010 (Clocks Fall Back)


• Veteran's Day (USA) and Remembrance Day (Canada) is Thursday, November 11, 2010


• Our offices will be closed for Thanksgiving Holiday November 25-28, 2010

tucker pole

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.

Robin Tucker

9/13/2010: Congress has returned from the August and Labor Day recess to Capitol Hill

http://www.nwyc.com/

Vol. 14 No. 2-26
Monday, September 13, 2010

REVIEW

(Congress returned to Capitol Hill today after observing a month-long Summer District Work Period.)

Stem Cell Research: Now that a federal appeals court has lifted a decision, the government is free to once again fund embryonic stem cell research. It is unclear when a final ruling will be made on the issue.

PREVIEW

$26.1 Billion Education, Medicaid Package: The Senate passed Nuclear Arms Treaty: Senate Foreign Relations Chairman John Kerry (D-MA) plans a Sept. 16 committee markup for his resolution that would ratify a nuclear arms reduction treaty with Russia. A substitute amendment by ranking minority member Richard Lugar (R-IN) is expected to be included.

Business-Related Tax: About 30 industry trade groups, whose members file their tax returns as individuals, have called on lawmakers to keep the current income tax structure in place even though it is set to expire Dec. 31. The Obama administration has called for top rates to rise on income above $200,000 a year for individuals and $250,000 for couples. That would equal a tax increase of roughly $40 billion next year, compared to today’s rates. The new taxes would impact about half the business-related income reported on individual tax returns, according to the Joint Committee on Taxation.

Click here to express your opinion, or go to www.nwyc.com.

Financial Protection Chief: A battle is headed for the Senate when the White House makes its upcoming decision about who is to lead the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection. Elizabeth Warren is widely viewed as the President's top candidate to lead the agency. Republicans were almost universally opposed to her, while Banking Committee Chairman, Christopher Dodd (D-CT) raised doubts about her confirmation.

Clean Energy: A coalition of environmental groups and clean-energy advocates are urging Congress to address federal fuel-economy and tailpipe emissions standards.
Homeland Security: Congress will be considering the possible need for a low- and slow-flying armed aircraft to supplement the nation’s alert fighter fleet.

Health Care Spending Up: A report by independent government economists and actuaries projects that the new health care law Congress recently passed will push the growth of national health spending slightly higher during the next decade. The law was designed to curb spending.

The Week Ahead: The House is expected to address a bill dealing with education, spending and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. The Senate will address the New Strategic Arms Reductions Treaty.

Click here to view the R&P Report as a PDF

*** *** ***

Now News on Miller-Meeks for Congress in the IA-2

"For people to say a marketplace will not work in health care, they're
wrong," ~ Dr. Miller-Meeks

Elections 2010: Physicians on the ballot‎ - American Medical News

Dr. Miller-Meeks said she is running for Congress for a second time to preserve the best parts of medicine and to make the health system more ...

Miller-Meeks says it may be time to delay enrollment in Medicare‎ - Radio Iowa
... 2010 An eye doctor from Ottumwa who's running for congress says it may be time to ... Marianette Miller-Meeks, the Republican challenging Democratic ...

We support Miller-Meeks and her commitment to step aside from her medical practice to represent our family and our neighbors throughout the Second Congressional District in Iowa as our next member of Congress. We encourage you to sit down and get to know Mariannette, as we have had the pleasure to do. Election Day is November 2Nd in the State of Iowa. If you would like an absentee ballot, you can visit this site.

US House race, District 2: Family setback threatened congressional ... - ‎DesMoinesRegister.com
She resigned from her practice in January 2009 to campaign full time for Congress. Even though her husband's new job offers insurance, Miller-Meeks, 55, ...

Barbara Grassley stumps for Miller-Meeks‎ - West Liberty Index
... to vote for in the US Congress race when they hit the polls in November. ... Miller-Meeks, who was victorious in the June Republican Primary with 47 ...

Robin Tucker

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.

Robin Tucker

The nwyc.com R&P Report for the week of Monday, May 24, 2010 ...

www.nwyc.com

Vol. 14 No. 2-16

Monday, May 24, 2010

REVIEW

Financial Regulations Pass Senate: The Senate passed a measure, on a largely party-line vote of 59-39, to reshape regulation of U.S. financial institutions. The bill would create a new regulator charged with safeguarding consumers from risky loans and investments, create a formal process for dismantling large financial companies on the verge of collapse and regulate the derivatives market more closely. The House passed its measure earlier. Now, both chambers will attempt to reconcile their bills. (S.3217) (H.R.4173)

Tax and Benefits Extension Bill Advances: Congress received a summary of sweeping tax legislation, along with the bill text and a partial Congressional Budget Office scoring last week. The measure could approach $200 billion and include such provisions as assistance for disaster-stricken farmers, extra pay for veterans and $1 billion for the National Housing Trust Fund. (H.R.4213)

Disaster Assistance: A proposal for a $1.5 billion agriculture disaster assistance package was included in the tax and benefits extension bill lawmakers are considering. The bill would provide $1 billion in supplemental direct payments to certain farmers who sustained losses in the fall of 2009. (H.R.4213)

Revenue Generators: A proposed change in the tax treatment of “carried interest” earned by real estate investors, venture capitalists and private equity fund managers is included in the Democrat’s tax bill to help pay for some of the costs. Such earnings are now taxed as capital gains. Under the bill, 75 percent of carried-interest earnings would be treated as ordinary income and would be taxed at a higher rate. (H.R.4213)

Mid-Air Refueling Planes: The defense authorization bill headed to the House floor this week could make it more difficult for a U.S.-based unit of a European company to win an Air Force mid-air refueling plane (tanker) contract. Boeing Co. is also vying for that contract, which could be worth as much as $35 billion. (S.3361) (H.R.5136)

New Rules for Political Spending: A panel gave voice vote approval to an amended bill that would provide new regulations for political spending by corporations, labor unions and other organizations. The House Administration Committee voted 5-3 to adopt a substitute amendment that would incorporate Republican proposals to provide exemptions from some of the disclosure rules for radio and TV ads. (H.R.5175)

PREVIEW

Defense Authorization: With $100 billion in contracts, thousands of jobs and a power struggle between Congress and the Obama administration at stake, lawmakers will be deciding whether to remove a provision to spend $485 million on the development of a second type of engine for F-35 fighter jets, or to buy only one model. (H.R.5136)

Employee–Sponsored Pension Plans: Congress is considering a bill that would allow multi-employer plans to spread out their losses over 30 years instead of 15 years and would give multi-employer plans that are in “endangered or critical status” an extra two years to improve their funding levels. (H.R.4213)

The Week Ahead: The Senate is expected to turn to a fiscal 2010 supplemental appropriation bill for war spending, Haiti relief and domestic priorities. The House will take up a compromise package of tax cuts and benefit extensions that Democratic tax writers in both chambers have labored over for weeks.

Click here to view the R&P Report as a PDF

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

Robin Tucker

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

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.

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)

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

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.

Robin Tucker

This week's R&P Report from National Write Your Congressman ...

Many are concerned what the majority party in Washington D.C. is doing these days to our Life, Liberty and Pursuit of Happiness. Here's a recap from National Write Your Congressman.

Vol. 14 No. 2-8

Monday, March 15, 2010

REVIEW

Tax Extenders: The Senate sent a package of tax breaks back to the House, bringing lawmakers a step closer to a conference committee on what Democrats are calling their jobs agenda. The Senate voted 62-36 to pass the bill. The tax bill would extend more than $30 billion worth of tax breaks that expired at the end of 2009. It extends, long-term unemployment benefits and health insurance subsidies for the jobless through Dec. 31. Other provisions, such as Medicaid funding assistance to states and physician payment rates under Medicare, would get shorter extensions. The bill is not fully offset, but the tax portion of it is. Because the safety-net spending is considered an “emergency” it is exempt from pay-as-you-go rules. (H.R.4213)

Jobs Measure: The Senate is taking final action on a $17.6 billion package that includes payroll tax relief for businesses that hire new workers. It would cost $13 billion over 10 years. The measure also includes extensions of the Highway Trust Fund, the Build America Bonds program and expense deductions for small businesses. The House passed the bill earlier this month but returned it to the Senate with amendments. (H.R.2847)

Tax on Bonuses: Lawmakers are considering a bill that would impose an additional tax on bonuses received from certain Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) fund recipients. The measure was sponsored by Rep. Charles Rangel (D-NY) and has 51 cosponsors. Eight other related bills have been introduced into the House.(H.R.1586)

To voice your opinion on this issue, go to www.nwyc.com.

Defense Department - F-35s: The Senate Armed Services Committee learned last week that the Pentagon’s most expensive weapons program, the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, will cost tens of billions of dollars more than previously disclosed and will be fielded much later than officials recently predicted. The growing costs and schedule-setbacks left Congress members exasperated. Some vowed to continue support of the program only if it is properly managed.

Financial Overhaul: Senate Banking Chairman Christopher Dodd (D-CT) announced plans to introduce his own proposal for overhauling financial regulations. The move came after two failed rounds of negotiations between Democrats and Republicans.

Earmarks: With Senate leaders from both parties under pressure to respond to voter anger over congressional spending, lawmakers announced plans to impose restrictions on earmarks. A champion of the “tea party” movement, Sen. Jim DeMint (R-SC) is pressing an amendment to impose a one-year ban on all earmarks.

Student Loan Package: Democrats debated wrapping a health care overhaul and a student loan bill into a single budget reconciliation package last week. The legislation would make the federal government the sole originator of student loans. (H.R.3221)

PREVIEW

Health Care Bill - Abortion Funding: Several Democratic lawmakers who supported a blanket ban on abortion funding in the House-passed health care bill have shown signs of wavering, an indication that they may accept the Senate version of the bill. House leaders are positioning for a final vote on health care overhaul legislation as soon as this week, (H.R.3590) (H.R.3962)

FAA Reauthorization: The Senate is continuing work on a bill that would reauthorize the FAA through fiscal 2011. It would expedite the transition to a new air traffic control system and provide airline passengers new “rights” against excessive tarmac delays, (H.R.915)

The Week Ahead: The House is expected to direct its efforts toward health care overhaul legislation, with floor votes possible. The Senate is moving forward on a bill serving as a vehicle for a $17.6 billion jobs measure (H.R.2847).

Click here to view the R&P Report as a PDF

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

Another good organization to follow is the Public Interest Institute located in the 2Nd Congressional District in Iowa, in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa.

Robin Tucker