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

National Action Alert



Increase Minimum Wage


to $10 Per Hour

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

Mr Robin B Tucker,


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


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


It raises the minimum wage to $10 per hour


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


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


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


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


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


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


Take action and voice your opinion now!


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


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

"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.

They asked for a donation and and Bill gave us his "profound thanks" for our efforts as an American small business.

Robin Tucker

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.

Miller-Meeks for Congress

The R&P Report for the week of June 6, 2010...

Getting back into the work flow for the shorter week, after the Independence Day holiday. We received a letter and supporting documentation from Senator Charles E. Grassley on TARP and our concerns over the budget deficits and government spending. It was nice to hear from our Senator about our concerns.

Here's this week's R&P Report from http://www.nwyc.com/

Vol. 14 No. 2-21

Tuesday, July 06, 2010

REVIEW

Unemployment Benefits: The House backed legislation by a vote of 270-153 last week that would revive expired unemployment benefits. The Senate is expected to pick it up when they return from July recess. (H.R.5618)

Immigration Reform Waffling: Lawmakers in the Senate are not expected to introduce an immigration overhaul until they have bipartisan support for the measure, despite President Obama’s recent urging of Congress to address the issue. Democratic party leaders stated they cannot pass a bill without Republican backing.

War Spending Bill Delayed: The House adopted a key amendment to the Senate-passed supplemental war spending bill last week. Democratic leaders put off enactment of the measure hoping that the Senate will agree to add domestic funding. The House package includes a $10 billion provision to help school districts avoid educator layoffs, along with $80 billion to pay for additional troops. (H.R.4899)

Financial Overhaul Legislation: Senate Democrats moved closer last week to securing the 60 votes necessary to approve financial regulatory overhaul legislation and send the bill to the President. It would create a new consumer protection agency and expand powers of the Federal Reserve. (H.R.4173)

Kagan Nomination and Gun Rights: The National Rifle Association announced its opposition to Elena Kagan’s nomination to the Supreme Court while the Brady Campaign to Prevent Gun Violence announced its endorsement of President Obama’s nominee.

Biosecurity Funding: House Democrats have proposed using biosecurity money to offset the cost of student aid provisions in the fiscal 2010 supplemental spending bill. This action drew fire from Republican lawmakers and a number of industry groups, which contend that the move will endanger national security. (H.R.4899)

Rig Explosion Compensation: The House passed a bill aimed at making it easier for victims of the Gulf oil rig explosion to be compensated for injuries and loss of life. The measure passed by voice vote, despite GOP objections about the scope of the bill. (H.R.5503)

$795 Million to Broadband Internet: President Obama is scheduled to announce dozens of new grants to help bring broadband Internet service across the country, as provided for under last year’s economic stimulus law. (H.R.4213)

PREVIEW

Airline Food Violations: Lawmakers are preparing legislation that would seek larger fines for airline catering companies with poor sanitation records. It will press federal regulators to ban the worst offenders from operating at U.S. airports altogether. The measure would raise fines from the current $1,000 per violation to $50,000 per violation. (S.510)

Transit Safety: Legislation that would allow the federal government to oversee transit safety has begun moving in the Senate, but its prospects in the House are not seen as good. The bill would create a certification program that would allow states to carry out their own safety programs, under certain conditions. (S.3015)

Mine Safety: Lawmakers in the House introduced mine safety legislation that backers say would help prevent accidents like the April explosion that killed 29 miners in West Virginia. Federal regulators would have additional power to shut down mines with serious safety violations. Industry groups and GOP members have come out against it saying it oversteps the bounds of government. (H.R.5663)

The Week Ahead: Congress is taking a July the Fourth break. The Senate and the House are scheduled to reconvene on Monday, July 12.

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

Robin Tucker

The NWYC R&P Report for Monday, June 28, 2010 ...

www.nwyc.com
Vol. 14 No. 2-20

Monday, June 28, 2010

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)

PREVIEW

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.

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

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.

Robin Tucker

Should the American Jobs an Closing Tax Loopholes Act of 2010 be enacted?

National Write Your Congressman's Mission
To encourage responsible Americans to use their influence in government to preserve the freedoms set forth by our Founding Fathers.

Quick Ballot

American Jobs and Closing Tax Loopholes Act of 2010

The Senate is scheduled to take up the $113 billion American Jobs and Closing Tax Loopholes Act of 2010, which was approved by the House (H.R.4213). The proposed legislation would revive a variety of business tax breaks, extend expanded unemployment benefits through Nov. 30 and prevent a scheduled payment cut for doctors under Medicare through 2011. Please note that this is a complex measure, go to http://www.spesend.net/SpeClicks.aspx?X=2R0QE581HVFHC2IS01NMW8 for additional information.

Should Congress pass H.R. 4213, the American Jobs and Closing Tax Loopholes Act of 2010?

For: Rep. Anna Eshoo (D-CA)

“There are four reasons I will vote for this bill. It extends unemployment benefits for America’s jobless workers at a time when they need it most, providing basic assistance for needy families. It extends the temporary increase in the federal Medicaid matching funds delivered to the states. ...It provides critical assistance to those struggling to pay for healthcare by extending the COBRA premium assistance program. It extends the Research and Development Tax Credit to the end of this year, a tax credit I have fought to make permanent...”

Against: Rep. Jim Himes (D-CT)

“I rise today with regret that I am unable to cast my vote in support of H.R.4213 as it stands. While I support many of the provisions contained in the bill, I generally will not and cannot support increased spending that does not meet the true spirit of the PAYGO…Today, I take a step towards thoughtfully rebalancing the budget. While we all know that the economy has by no means fully recovered, it’s time to pull back government spending so that we don’t find ourselves in an even more dangerous fiscal predicament down the road.”

Click here to voice your opinion!

Voice your opinion now!

We can voice our opinion to our Elected Officials often by mail, telephone or E-mail. But, tomorrow, in the State of Iowa, Democrats and Republicans can go to the polls for the Primary Election to determine our Federal, State and County candidates races for the November General Election in Iowa. Linn County info.

Don't forget to vote on Tuesday, June 8Th in either the Republican or Democrat primaries in our State. Don't forget to Vote on June 8Th.

Robin Tucker

Vote Miller-Meeks Tuesday

http://www.millermeeks.com/

Send Pelosi a message that Iowa doesn't want a puppet in Washington

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 for March 29, 2010 from National Write Your Congressman ,,,

www.nwyc.com

Vol. 14 No. 2-10

Monday, March 29, 2010

REVIEW

Health Care Overhaul Bill: The House voted 220-207 to send President Obama a bill that would make changes to the law he signed March 23. The vote capped a roller-coaster week that started with the House clearing the bulk of the overhaul for the President’s signature and sending the second measure to the Senate.

The Senate’s parliamentarian found that two provisions involving Pell grants violated reconciliation rules. After correcting that problem, lawmakers passed a companion bill 56-43. They then sent it back to the House where members voted immediately. Republicans did little to obstruct the vote, vocally opting to take their objections to the public in the months ahead.
Attorney generals from at least 14 states have filed lawsuits challenging the health care overhaul bill. The states are preparing to sue the federal government over the constitutionality of the bill.

For a complete synopsis and highlights of the health care bill, go to www.nwyc.com

Small-Business Loan Program: The Senate cleared a short-term extension of a small-business loan program. The bill would appropriate $40 million in emergency funds to extend a group of fee reductions and eliminations under the Small Business Administration 7(a) loan program. The bill does not include provisions to offset the cost. (H.R.3948)

Extension of Benefits Package: The Senate is considering an extensions bill that would cover long-term unemployment benefits, health insurance subsidies for "jobless workers" and higher payments for physicians who treat Medicare patients. It also would extend a national flood insurance program, satellite TV transmission laws and the use of 2009 poverty guidelines for federal programs. All of those provisions expire during the upcoming two-week recess that Congress will be observing. (H.R.4851)

Ranking GOP Additional Tax on Bonuses: The House passed a measure that would impose a 90 percent tax on bonuses received by certain TARP recipients. (H.R.1586) To voice your opinion on this issue, go to www.nwyc.com.

Panel Backs Bills for Legal U.S. Immigrants: A Senate panel approved a pair of measures to allow immigrants living legally in the U.S. to work overseas under certain circumstances without preventing their immigration status from being adjusted to lawful permanent residency.

Decision Reversed: A three-judge panel of the U.S. District Court in Washington ruled that the Republican National Committee cannot raise unlimited contributions. The decision is in agreement with The Campaign Reform Act, a measure also known as the McCain-Feingold Act.

PREVIEW

Bipartisan Climate Change Legislation: Sens. John Kerry (D-MA), Joseph Lieberman (I-CT) and Lindsey Graham (R-SC) are drafting a bill that they plan to unveil during the third full week of April. It addresses greenhouse gas control measures. The senators aim to move the bill to the floor by early summer after the CBO and the EPA have scored and reviewed it. The bill is being drafted in an effort to secure broad support and neutralize fierce opposition that a House-passed climate bill (H.R.2454) encountered.

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

First-Responder Network: The House Energy and Commerce Chairman, Henry Waxman (D-CA) announced he is drafting legislation to create a nationwide broadband communications network for first-responders in the event of a national emergency. The bill would implement a public safety communications network that would cost between $12 billion and $16 billion over the next 10 years.

The Week Ahead: Both chambers are scheduled to observe a spring break from March 29-April 9.

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

Robin Tucker

RP Report on Federal Legislation for November 9, 2009 ...

National Write Your Congressman’s Mission
To encourage responsible Americans to use their influence in government to preserve the freedoms set forth by our Founding Fathers.

REVIEW

Health Care Legislation (Go to www.nwyc.com for updated information)

House (H.R.3962): Lawmakers in the House are dealing with concerns over abortion services, immigration and the price tag of the 1,990 page health care overhaul measure. At press time the measure was headed for a vote during a rare Saturday session.

Even as the vote drew near, some anti-abortion lawmakers were asking for stronger guarantees against the use of federal funds to pay for abortions. The bill would neither require insurance plans to cover abortion nor forbid it.

The bill would require the government-run “public option” plan to cover abortions in the event of rape, incest or when the pregnancy could be fatal to the mother. The administration would be empowered to decide whether the public option would also cover elective abortion. It would have to use funds collected as premiums to pay for the procedure. Liberals were continuing to seek a more robust public insurance option.
Lawmakers decided the bill’s language on the immigration issue will remain intact despite the view of some that tighter restrictions are needed to prevent illegal immigrants from obtaining health insurance.

Senate (S.1796) (S.1679): The Senate is continuing to work on its health care overhaul measure with no vote expected in the near future. In a letter to Sen. Max Baucus (D-MT), the heads of three major integrated health systems said a proposal to tax health insurance companies and raise $60.4 billion over a decade would be unfair to their industry.

Science Funding: In a 60-39 vote, the Senate agreed to move forward on its version of a bill that would provide $65.1 billion in fiscal 2010 for the departments of Commerce and Justice, and other agencies such as NASA and the National Science Foundation.(H.R.2847)

Sidestepping the GOP in Cap and Trade: Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-CA) used an unusual
procedural maneuver to push global warming legislation through her committee last Thursday. The bill was approved without a single Republican present. Committee rules require at least two members of the minority to be present for votes on amendments and to approve legislation.

After Republicans made it clear that they would stay away from the markup until they were satisfied with the cost of the bill, Sen. Boxer used a broad interpretation of the rules that allows the committee to report out legislation with a simple majority vote on a bill — but no votes on amendments. (S.1733)

Click here to voice your opinion on this issue.

Unemployment Compensation: The House passed legislation that will extend unemployment benefits for jobless Americans across the nation, continue a popular tax credit for homebuyers and offer tax relief to money-losing businesses. (H.R.3548)

PREVIEW

Employment Discrimination: Lawmakers will be considering legislation to outlaw employment discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity in 2010. (S.1584)

Federal Reserve Transparency: A bipartisan pair of House negotiators say they agree in principle on legislation to beef up government auditing of the Federal Reserve, but a deal on exact language has not been made. (H.R.1207)

Tax Evasion: Some Democratic lawmakers are trying to move legislation that would impose new IRS reporting requirements on foreign financial institutions. The bill would give the IRS more data to detect fraud and tax evasion. It would raise $8.5 billion over 10 years. (H.R.3933) (S.1934)

Financial Regulatory Overhaul: The House Financial Services Committee will take two more weeks to finish work on a financial regulatory overhaul package. The measure is designed to mitigate the broad economic risks posed by the largest financial institutions, one of the last pieces of a regulatory overhaul package. (H.R.2609)

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

R&P Report from nwyc.com for November 2, 2009 ...

National Write Your Congressman’s Mission
To encourage
responsible Americans to use their influence in government to preserve the
freedoms set forth by our Founding Fathers.

REVIEW

Health Care Legislation: House Democratic leaders unveiled a comprehensive health care bill that differs from a Senate health care plan in the way it would finance the overhaul.

Public options are similar in the measures, though the Senate bill is expected to include a provision allowing states to “opt out” of participation if their legislatures pass a law rejecting the plan and their governors sign it. House Democrats want to finance the expansion of insurance coverage by levying a surtax on people earning more than $500,000 a year. Senate Democrats want to levy an excise tax on insurance plans with high premiums. Both the House and Senate bills would create health insurance “exchanges” — regulated marketplaces where people without insurance could shop for coverage. Both would subsidize the purchase of private insurance for low-income people, and both would expand Medicaid.

Floor debate is scheduled for this week. The Congressional Budget Office estimated that the legislation would cost less than $900 billion over 10 years, which is President Obama’s spending target for the measure. (H.R.3200)

PREVIEW

Unemployment Compensation: The Senate is expected to vote this week on a measure that would allow unemployed individuals in all 50 states to draw an extra 14 weeks of benefits, with six more weeks available to those in states with a jobless rate exceeding 8.5 percent. (H.R.3548)

Click here to view a list of unemployment rates for states.

Powers of the Fed: Lawmakers are considering draft legislation that would create a Financial Services Oversight Council to determine if firms pose a threat to the economy. It would require the Fed to gain approval from the Treasury secretary before providing money under certain conditions.

Homebuyer Tax Credit: Negotiators have reached an agreement on legislation that would extend the $8,000 tax credit for first-time homebuyers for sales contracts entered into by April 30, 2010, and closed within 60 days. It would also add a $6,500 credit for some owners of existing homes. It is still unclear what measure the proposal will be attached to. Click here to voice your opinion on this issue.

Credit Rating Rules: House lawmakers will be considering a bill that would require the Security Exchange Commission to strengthen regulations of credit rating firms. It would require banking regulators to report to Congress on modifications. (H.R.3890)

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

This week R&P Report from National Write Your Congressman for 10/19/2009 ...

National Write Your Congressman’s Mission
To encourage
responsible Americans to use their influence in government to preserve the
freedoms set forth by our Founding Fathers.

REVIEW

Health Care Bill (H.R.3200): As Democratic leaders meet behind closed doors to prepare health care overhaul legislation to be brought to the floor of the House and the Senate, they are weighing key options, including abortion, immigration and coverage choices.

Shrewdly Avoiding Filibuster - ‘Nuclear Option’: The House Ways and Means Committee structured their portion of the health care reform bill in a way that would allow the Senate to exploit a budgetary loophole to skirt a filibuster threat. Committee chairman Charles Rangel (D-NY) stated the move is simply to advance the legislation. But minority party lawmakers say that by circumventing rules and procedures, politicians are trumping the best interest of the nation and further fueling gridlock and partisanship. They charge that the majority party is showing poor quality and lack of character that will create more division and less cooperation in Congress. Though Republicans called this a “hit below the belt,” the panel voted 22-18 to transmit its portion of the chamber’s health care overhaul to the House Budget Committee. The reconciliation process would allow that bill to pass with a simple majority in the Senate, and not the usual 60 votes necessary to end a filibuster. Click here to express your opinion on this issue.

‘Public Option’: House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) offered a spirited defense of a ‘public option’ in health care overhaul legislation, framing it as an essential ingredient for helping America’s middle class deal with rising insurance costs. She said at her weekly press conference that if Congress is going to require nearly all Americans to obtain health insurance, it must include a public insurance plan that could compete with policies from private companies.

HIV/AIDS Bill: The House Energy and Commerce Committee approved a bill that would reauthorize a federal assistance program for HIV/AIDS patients. It would authorize $1.3 billion in fiscal 2010 for certain grants, with yearly increases until reaching $1.6 billion in fiscal 2013. (H.R.3792)

Defense Authorization: Lawmakers are considering a measure that would authorize
$680.2 billion for defense programs in fiscal 2010, with nearly $130 billion for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. It would also extend federal hate crimes laws to cover offenses motivated by a victim’s sexual orientation or disability and would prohibit attacks on military personnel based on their military service. (H.R.2647)

Homeland Security: The House adopted a $44.1 billion Homeland Security spending measure after rejecting a challenge from congressional Republicans to ban the transfer of detainees from the base at Guantánamo Bay, Cuba, to the United States. The vote was 307-114. It also would provide $5.4 billion for immigration and customs enforcement, including $1.5 billion for identifying and removing from the U.S. criminal aliens once an immigration judge has ordered them deported. (H.R.2892)

Energy-Water Spending Bill: The Senate sent a $33.5 billion Energy-Water spending bill to the President after long objections by Sen. Tom Coburn (R-OK). He objected to the elimination of language calling for transparency that was stripped from the bill during conference. By a vote of 80-17, the chamber passed the measure making it the third of 12 fiscal 2010 spending bills to be cleared for enactment. (H.R.3183)

PREVIEW

Baring Journalists’ Casualty Photographs: As President Obama weighs expanding the war in Afghanistan, some members of Congress are objecting to a new presidential policy barring journalists from publishing photographs of identifiable U.S. casualties. Click here to express your opinion on this issue.

Iran Sanctions: The Senate is considering a House-passed bill that would prevent investment in companies with investments of $20,000,000 or more in Iran’s energy sector. (H.R.1327)

Unemployment Aid: The Senate is expected to take up a bill this week that would provide 14 additional weeks of unemployment aid in all 50 states. Those in states with high jobless rates — defined as a three-month average rate of at least 8.5 percent — would get an additional six weeks of benefits, for a total of 20 weeks. (H.R.3548)

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

A Review and Preview of Federal Legislation from NWYC: Health Care Reform and More in Washington D.C ...

National Write Your Congressman’s Mission
To encourage
responsible Americans to use their influence in government to preserve the
freedoms set forth by our Founding Fathers.

REVIEW

Senate Health Care Bill
Who is Covered: Around 95 percent of Americans. Proponents of the bill claim Illegal immigrants would not receive government benefits.

Cost: $829 billion over 10 years, according to the Congressional Budget Office. Requirements for Individuals: Everyone must get coverage. It can be through an employer, on their own or through a government plan.

Requirements for Employers: Not required to offer coverage, but companies with more than 50 full-time workers would pay a fee if the government must subsidize their employees’ coverage.

House Health Care Bill: (H.R.3200)
Windfall Profits Tax: House Democratic leaders announced that they are considering a so-called windfall profits tax to help pay for expanding insurance coverage. The bill would impose a surtax on adjusted gross income above $280,000 for individuals and $350,000 for married couples. That provision drew complaints from those who said the tax could affect small business owners who pay their business taxes under the individual tax code.

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Financial Derivatives: The House is continuing work on a draft bill that includes an exemption designed to lessen the regulatory burden on businesses that use derivatives in their day-to-day operations, as opposed to banks and other institutions that use them more as purely financial instruments.

Agriculture Appropriations Bill: The House approved the Senate-passed measure that would fund agriculture, rural development and the Food and Drug Administration. It would reduce the maximum amount of FY2010 funds available for domestic food assistance programs.

Unemployment Benefits: Lawmakers in the Senate are considering an extension of unemployment benefits that would further boost assistance to jobless workers in all states. The bill would provide 14 additional weeks of benefits. (H.R.3548)

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Cap and Trade: In the Senate, lawmakers are moving toward marking up global warming legislation. The bill is expected to be brought to the floor in December 2009, or January 2010. Democrats in that chamber are seeking moderate GOP lawmakers who believe climate change is a genuine, man-made threat caused by fossil fuel emissions to support the bill. (S.1733) Click here to express your opinion on this issue.

Service Members Home Owners Act: The House passed a bill that would extend the first-time homebuyer tax credit through November 30, 2010, for individuals serving on official extended duty service outside the United States for at least 90 days in 2009. (H.R.3590)

PREVIEW

Homebuyer Tax Breaks: Speaker Nancy Pelosi said the House may extend and possibly expand the $8,000 tax credit for first-time homebuyers that is currently due to expire Nov. 30. Those in favor of the action say the tax break has given a much needed boost to the mortgage industry. Those against it say the government needs those funds so it doesn’t have to raise taxes elsewhere. They suggest that the tax break be reserved for those who buy homes in the weakest markets or in areas that are plagued with foreclosures. Click here to express your opinion on this issue.

“Buy American”: House Republicans are objecting to the “Buy American” provisions in the economic stimulus law. They say they have caused project delays for states and cities.

Ethics Probe: House Democrats rejected a Republican bid to force Ways and Means Chairman Charles Rangel to step down until his ethics probe is resolved. In August it was revealed that Rep. Rangel had not reported an additional $500,000 or more in assets on financial disclosure forms.

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

Good and Bad Unemployment News ...

Obama Still Expects 10 Percent Jobless Rate Update
White House on Friday welcomed a dip in nation's unemployment rate but said President Barack Obama still expects it to hit 10 percent this year ... continue

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Balance is very important right now in our society. We need to be disciplined in our spending today. While it is good news to hear there is some good national unemployment data today. We can't forget that all politics are local. Good news isn't everywhere in our vast and unique country of urban cities and rural communities, towns and markets.

Terex to Move Manufacturing from Cedar Rapids Plant - Business Wire

There are communities trying to transition. There are communities working to overcome natural disaster, like Cedar Rapids. Times are very challenging for many, especially in small business recovery, housing and public infrastructure.

Small business is the economic engine in rural Iowa, Cedar Rapids and our urban regions throughout the USA. We must promote sustainable practices.

We must be disciplined in our spending, our size of government. We need to promote Equality, Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness. As Professor Ken Washer said a recent article ...

"John Wesley was indeed correct when he preached to earn all you can
through honest labor, save all you can through disciplined spending and give all
you can to worthy causes. When we live these things, we not only benefit
ourselves, but we benefit the world.
Government and charities must be disciplined in their spending as
well."

peace

Robin Tucker