Playing with the rules of the US Senate?

A service of National Write Your Congressman Friday, December 28, 2012www.nwyc.com get in touch Follow us on Twitter! phone: (214) 342-0299fax: (214) 324-2455address: 2435 N Central Expressway, Suite 300 Richardson, Texas  75080-2770 www.nwyc.com   Senators Not in Office After Jan. 3rd Retired  Olympia Snowe, R-ME Ben Nelson, D-NE Herb Kohl, D-WI Daniel Akaka, D-HI Jeff Bingaman, D-NM Jon Kyl, R-AZ Jim Webb, D-VA Joseph Lieberman, I-CT Kent Conrad, D-ND Kay B. Hutchison, R-TX   Defeated Scott Brown, R-MA Defeated by Elizabeth Warren, D Richard Lugar, R-IN Defeated by Richard Mourdock, R, in a primary Our reaction to the NWYC letter:  Agree with Part 1, but Part 2 may be asking to much?

National Action Alert Filibuster Rules  Mr Robin B Tucker, What is a filibuster?Unlimited debate. It's used in the Senate to block passage of a bill. Teamwork is often required as a group of senators holds the floor for days and even weeks. Of course, individual senators can filibuster. South Carolina's Strom Thurmond holds the record. A filibuster may be stopped by adoption of a cloture motion, which allows for a vote on passage. For adoption of a cloture three-fifths (sixty) of all senators is needed. The Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-NV) has vowed to change the filibuster rules. He wants filibustering senators to go back to doing it the old-fashioned way – talking on the Senate floor nonstop. He also wants the rules changed so that final votes only can be filibustered. Procedural steps could not be filibustered. He does not want to do away with filibusters. Currently, senators who wish to filibuster a piece of legislation declare a filibuster and leave the chamber. To change the Senate rules, 67 votes (two-thirds) are required. That means 12 Republicans would need to vote for the filibuster changes. Those in favor of changing the filibuster rules say the Senate has become an ineffective and dysfunctional body as it has held up legislation 389 times since 2007. They add that while a filibuster is fundamental to the democratic process, it is not mentioned in the Constitution. Those against changing the filibuster rules say that historically filibusters have kept the majority party from pushing through legislation that the minority party does not favor. They add that filibusters are a prime weapon minority members have to stall legislation, and say that as a weapon, it should not be weakened. It is protection from tyranny of the majority over the minority. Are you in favor of changing filibuster rules? (Click Here) Take action and voice your opinion now!

Wishing you and yours a Merry Christmas this Holiday Season near and far...

December 24-26, 2012 Holiday Season at Christmas

We enjoy time with family and friends for Christmas this year in Cedar Rapids.  Away from the hustle and bustle of employment and service to others in our occupation.  Away from the routine of a Noon Rotary Club meeting.

• Hope
• Joy
• Peace
• Love

Peace be with you this Christmas and always ...

Public Policy: Locally in Cedar Rapids to Washington D.C. with Congress...

December 10, 2012 - Rotary Club of Cedar Rapids City Council Members Monica Vernon, Pat Shey and Justin Shields - City of CR Nuisance Abatement Program (Chapter 22) will be the Noon program for the Rotary Club of Cedar Rapids. The City of Cedar Rapids is revising Chapter 22 of the municipal code, with a Public Hearing on Tuesday, December 18th, during the City Council Meeting.

Mr Robin B Tucker Login Username: rtucker@tuckerusa.com www.nwyc.com Vol. 16 No. 27 Monday, December 10, 2012 REVIEW UN Disabilities Treaty Defeated: A vote to ratify the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons With Disabilities fell short in the Senate, with the measure getting six votes less than the 67 needed for ratification. Thirty-eight Republicans voted against the treaty and eight voted in favor of it. While most Republican lawmakers felt the treaty threatened U.S. sovereignty, most Democrats said the treaty would promote equal rights for disabled people around the world.   Fiscal Cliff Talks: The stalled talks between the White House and House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) have resumed as a small but growing number of Republicans have indicated a willingness to raise tax rates on the wealthy. White House officials have indicated they would not insist on raising the top rate all the way back to the Clinton-era level of 39.6 percent. Click Here to express your opinion on this issue.   Defense Authorization Passes in Senate: The Senate passed a bipartisan defense authorization measure, 98-0, setting up a House-Senate conference that must settle differences before the new Congress convenes in January. The Senate bill contained 100 amendments. The House passed its version in May. The legislation would authorize discretionary funds for defense activities, for the base Defense Department budget, for Overseas Contingency Operations and for Department of Energy and other national security programs related to nuclear safety. The White House has threatened to veto the legislation because it would block Air Force personnel and aircraft cuts and prohibit enrollment fees for the military health insurance program. (H.R.4310) (S.3254)   Bill to Rid Law of Word 'Lunatic' Sent to President: The House passed a bill that would remove all references to the word “lunatic” from U.S. Code with the goal of refining legal language and increasing sensitivity to mental illness. (S.2367)   Stop Trading on Congressional Knowledge: The House passed a bill that would push back the deadline for the online disclosure of information federal employees are required to report on certain financial transactions. Under the Stop Trading on Congressional Knowledge (STOCK) law, lawmakers and some top executive branch employees must report certain financial information annually and upload reports of stock trades exceeding $1,000 within 45 days on a public database.  The date would change from Dec. 8 to April 15. (H.R.6634)   Farm Bill: Agriculture committees remain apart on key elements of a farm bill compromise, but are working toward a  broad deficit-reduction agreement. (H.R.2419) Click Here to express your opinion on this issue.   Trade with Russia: The Senate passed a bill to authorize the extension normal trade relations with the Russian Federation and Moldova and to require reports on the compliance of the Russian Federation with its obligations as a member of the World Trade Organization. (H.R.6156)   PREVIEW   Lawmakers Reid Wants to Change Filibuster Rules: Senate Majority Leader, Harry Reid (D-NV), is urging Congress to do away with the 60-vote threshold rule that applies to filibusters in the Senate.   Payroll Tax Extensions: Congress is considering the White House request for a continuation of the 2 percent payroll tax holiday.   Marijuana Sparks States' Rights Debate: A bipartisan group of House lawmakers has introduced legislation to ensure that states can move forward with their marijuana laws without federal interference. The bill would prevent a federal statute from pre-empting state laws on marijuana. (H.R.6606)   Only Black in Senate to Replace DeMint?: GOP  Gov. Nikki Haley will name retiring Sen. Jim DeMint’s replacement. Rep. Tim Scott (R-SC) is a likely successor. He's a down-the-line conservative with support from both the establishment and tea party wings. He'd be the only African-American serving in the Senate, and the first black politician to hold a Senate seat in the South since Reconstruction.   The Week Ahead: MONDAY, DECEMBER 10TH On Monday, no votes are expected. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11TH On Tuesday, the House will meet at 12:00 p.m. for morning hour and 2:00 p.m. for legislative business. Votes will be posted until 6:30 p.m. Motion to go to Conference on H.R. 4310 - National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2013 and Democratic Motion to Instruct Conferees WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12TH, AND THE BALANCE OF THE WEEK On Wednesday, the House will meet at 10:00 a.m. for morning hour and 12:00 p.m. for legislative business. On Thursday, the House will meet at 9:00 a.m. for legislative business. Last votes expected no later than 3:00 p.m. On Friday, no votes are expected. Legislation Considered Under Suspension of the Rules: 1) H.R. 6190 - Asthma Inhalers Relief Act of 2012 2) H.R. 5817 - Eliminate Privacy Notice Confusion Act, as amended  3) S. 3542 - No-Hassle Flying Act of 2012  4) S. 1998 - DART Act, as amended 5) H.R. 6364 - Frank Buckles World War I Memorial Act, to be amended 6) H.R. 4053 - Improper Payments Elimination and Recovery Improvement Act of 2012 7) S. 3315 - GAO Mandates Revision Act of 2012 8) S. 1379 - D.C. Courts and Public Defender Service Act of 2011 COMMITTEE ACTIVITY OF THE WEEK Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health hearing on “State of Uncertainty: Implementation of PPACA's Exchanges and Medicaid Expansion” (Thursday, December 13th, at 10:00 a.m.)   Thank you for being a responsible American. Your voice is making a difference.

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.

Mr Robin B Tucker www.nwyc.com   Fiscal Drama Part 2   Now that the election is over, Congress will begin to address the haze of tax issues and we will see how the tax writers are planning to deal with the “fiscal cliff”, along with a host of other issues that involve our economy. What happens next? What are the choices? President Obama has outlined two options: (1) extend the expiring breaks for those below a certain threshold of income and postpone, or slow, the government cuts, or (2) allow all the tax breaks to expire and the full government spending cuts to begin. In reality, there is another possibility which is to avoid the year-end time pressure by extending for one year all the expiring tax breaks and spending cuts in order to work out a true balanced reform-based approach. While allowing for more debate, it also allows for uncertainty to continue. What we know The uncertainty surrounding our deficit and tax rates has cast a shadow on private investment and spending because the business community, small business in particular, is not confidant about consumer demand for their services. Uncertain demand leads businesses to curb spending. The Bush-era tax cuts, all of them, are set to expire, and mandatory government spending cuts are scheduled to begin in 2013. Add the recent election to the mix and you have an uncertain environment for taxpayers. Tax Rates and Bush-era tax cuts for 2013 It is likely that a portion of the Bush-era tax cuts will be extended for some, and there is no guarantee that tax rates will not rise for others. President Obama’s comments as Congress reconvenes calls for $1.6 trillion in additional taxes over the next 10 years which is much higher than the $800 billion the Republicans were willing to ask for in the last years of negotiations. There is a clear message that the President intends to push for ending the Bush-era tax cuts for those making over $250,000 (joint), including capping itemized deductions at 28%, phasing out other personal deductions and reinstating the higher tax rates of 36% and 39.6%.   Other targets The White House has openly called for elimination of oil, gas and coal breaks, a reform of the U.S. International Tax System and Financial Services products, as well as modifying the estate rules to subject more income to the estate tax. 2012 business equipment While little mention has been made of business tax breaks, many issues remain unresolved. It is difficult to plan for business purchases without knowing the exact amount of any write-offs. Speculation exists that Congress will retroactively increase the 2012 “expensing” provision from its current level of $139,000 to $500,000, as well as possibly addressing bonus depreciation, which is at 50% for 2012. The probability that such action will take place is seen as high. Stock and dividend transactions Capital gains and dividend rates are expected to rise in the near future. The 15% tax rate on this type of income is valid through year-end. President Obama has been open about his desire to see this amount rise to 20% for capital gains. He also wants to remove altogether the preferential rates for dividends. NWYC Polls: Which Tax Will Affect You the Most? (Click Here) Should the Bush-era tax cuts be extended? (Click Here)   The information contained herein is general in nature and is not intended as legal, accounting or tax advice or opinion as provided by National Write Your Congressman. The reader should seek professional guidance prior to taking any action based upon this information. National Write Your Congressman shall have no obligation to inform the reader of any changes in tax laws or others which may affect the information provided. Thank you for being a responsible American; your voice is making a difference.

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

2012 Election Guide for the General Election of 11/6/2012

2012 Election Guide Dear Mr Robin B Tucker, Following is your 2012 Election Guide. We here at NWYC hope you find this helpful and please remember every vote counts! Keys to the 2012 Presidential Election Election Outlook Presidential Race Find a Candidate My Races Members Leaving Office Key Dates for the 2012 Presidential Election State and Territorial Election Offices If you have any questions about the election process or voting, contact your state or territorial election office: Alabama Kentucky Oklahoma Additional Resources: Voting Federal Election Commission (FEC) National Association of State Election Directors (NASED) (PDF document) The Democratic Party ( Platform ) The Republican Party ( Platform ) Alaska Louisiana Oregon American Samoa Maine Pennsylvania Arizona Maryland Puerto Rico Arkansas Massachusetts Rhode Island California Michigan South Carolina Colorado Minnesota South Dakota Connecticut Mississippi Tennessee District of Columbia Missouri Texas Delaware Montana Utah Florida Nebraska Vermont Georgia Nevada Virgin Islands Guam New Hampshire Virginia Hawaii New Jersey Washington Idaho New Mexico West Virginia Illinois New York Wisconsin Indiana North Carolina Wyoming Iowa North Dakota   Kansas Ohio NOTE: NWYC does not financially support nor endorse any candidate or Political Party                                     ***  ***  *** The Election of 2012 is extremely important at the various levels elections are being held.  Vote 2012!

Gun Rights Issue: Obama vs. Romney from National Write Your Congressman

National Action Alert

Gun Rights

Mr Robin B Tucker,

President Obama called for the reintroduction of the expired assault weapons ban in a recent presidential debate. Republican challenger Mitt Romney said he opposes new legislation that would limit the availability of firearms.

What is it?

The assault weapons ban enacted by the Democratic Congress and President Bill Clinton in 1994, banned some semi-automatic guns that lawmakers deemed too lethal for private use, including AK-47s and AR-15s. It expired in 2004. Democrats, led by Rep. Carolyn McCarthy (D-NY) have repeatedly tried to reinstate it since then.

In favor of the ban on assault weapons- President Obama

“Weapons that were designed for soldiers in war theaters don’t belong on our streets. And so what I’m trying to do is to get a broader conversation about how do we reduce the violence generally.”

Opposed to the ban on assault weapons - Republican candidate Mitt Romney

“I’m not in favor of new pieces of legislation on guns and taking guns away or making certain guns illegal.”

What are your thoughts on the assault weapons ban? (Click Here)

Take action and voice your opinion now!

Election Day is Tuesday, November 6th in Linn County, the State of Iowa and around the U.S.A.

Do you need help voting in Linn County, Iowa?

• Where to vote in Linn County, Iowa - Find your Polling Place, Election Districts & Elected Officials

• State of Iowa - Secretary of State web site
• Finding my polling place in America: Google your State's Secretary of State's office or "finding my polling place in (incert your state)"

We encourage all eligible voters in Iowa to vote on Election Day, Tuesday, November 5th.

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)

Cedar Rapids Civil Rights Commission Fair Housing Conference

Cedar Rapids Civil Rights Commission Fair Housing Conference

Current Fair Housing Issues

Thursday, November 8, 2012 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Kirkwood Training & Outreach Services (KTOS)

3375 Armar Drive, Marion

Registration: $25 (includes continental breakfast and lunch)
*Register by 5pm October 31 to receive lunch.
Late registrations and same day registrants will be accepted - Lunch will not be included for late registrants

This Conference is designed to give housing professionals, attorneys, social service staff, and community members, a strong understanding of Fair Housing laws, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and Credit. Come learn about your rights and your responsibilities!

REGISTER: http://www.eventbrite.com/event/4550536778/eivtefrnd#

This event has been approved for 1.75 hours of Continuing Legal Education activity credit.
Please notify us at Registration if you are requesting CLE credit.
Members of the Cedar Rapids Area Association of Realtors should contact the CRAAR for more information.  Scholarships are availabe for CRAAR members.

PROGRAM
8:00 Registration and Continental Breakfast
8:45 Welcome

• Karl Cassell, Executive Director, Cedar Rapids Civil Rights Commission
• Ron Corbett, Mayor, City of Cedar Rapids
• Snooks Bouska, Mayor, City of Marion

9:00 Keynote

• Betty Bottiger, Region VII Director, Housing and Urban Development

10:00 An Overview of Fair Housing Law.

• A discussion of recent court and administrative decisions. Areas of emphasis will include prohibited practices, protected classes and issues relating to persons with disabilities and families.
• Professor Allison Bethel, Clinical Professor, Director, Fair Housing Clinic, The John Marshall Law School

11:00 The Fair Housing Act, Persons with Disabilities, Animals and Pets.

1. This session will examine and compare federal, state and local laws that govern the rights of persons with disabilities to live with or be accompanied in public by animals who provide service, support, assistance or companionship. The workshop will focus on how to apply the federal Fair Housing Act, Iowa Civil Rights Act, Cedar Rapids Civil Rights Ordinance, Iowa's Rights of Persons with Disabilities law, and Dangerous Wild Animals law. Parrots and pooches and pigs, oh my!
2. Professor Len Sandler, Clinical Professor of Law, University of Iowa College of Law

12:00 Lunch

• Accessibility to and within Housing: Applicable Laws and Regulations for Dwellings and Common Areas.
• This session will cover The Americans with Disabilities Act and Amendments and The Fair Housing Act and Amendments, including purpose and overview, specific regulations to housing, common and public area regulations, and animals for companionship and service. We will also talk about the influence and confluence of related laws for persons with disabilities.
• Jim de Jong, Executive Director and Principal Investigator, Great Plains ADA Center

1:00 Credit Reports: The Good, the Bad, the Bottom Line.

• We will discuss information contained in a credit report, credit scoring, interpreting credit history – what’s important, what’s not, reading between the lines, and improving credit – creating opportunities.
• Scott Shook, Director of Consumer Credit Counseling Services, Horizons

LUNCH OPTIONS

• Turkey Sandwich on French Baguette
• Walnut Chicken Salad on Croissant
• Vegetarian Sandwich on Sourdough Bread

Lunch includes sandwich, fresh fruit, chips, and a cookie

If you have questions about this event, please contact the Cedar Rapids Civil Rights Commission at 319-286-5036.  I, Robin Tucker, am one of the eleven local residents that currently serves on the City's Civil Rights Commission.  My father, I.L. "Tommy" Tucker had the pleasure of being one of the original commissioners, when Cedar Rapids began to promote equal opportunity and civil rights in our community.  He served the Commission as a volunteer Commissioner for 32 years.

The Election is a little over a week ahead, but what about the Lame Duck Session of Congress?

The Election is 11/6/2012

Lame Duck Session

After the election, Congress will begin their Lame Duck Session. During this session they have indicated the three major pieces of legislation are the following issues. Make your voice heard by E-mailing this ballot to your Representative and Senators today.

(Click Here to Voice Your Opinion)

Bush Era Tax Cuts

The Bush Tax Cuts, are a series of temporary income tax relief measures enacted in 2001 and 2003. The tax cuts lowered federal income tax rates for everyone, decreased the marriage penalty, lowered capital gains taxes, lowered the tax rate on dividend income, increased the child tax credit from $500 to $1,000 per child, eliminated the phaseout on personal exemptions for higher-income taxpayers and eliminated the phaseout on itemized deductions, in addition to other taxes.

Should the Bush-era tax cuts be extended?

• Yes, but only on those who earn less than $250,000.00 a year?
• Yes, but only on those who earn less than $1 Million a year?

Sequester

Sequester is a package of automatic spending cuts. The cuts, which are projected to total $1.2 trillion, are scheduled to begin in 2013 and end in 2021, evenly divided over the nine-year period. The cuts are also evenly split between defense spending and discretionary domestic spending, which exempts most entitlements. The total cuts for 2013 will be $109 billion, according to the new White House report.

• Should Congress cancel the $109 billion in automatic discretionary spending cuts?
• Should Congress exempt defense spending from the cuts?

Farm Bill

The Farm Bill is a multi-year, multi-billion dollar measure to govern farm, nutrition and rural-conservation programs. Lawmakers are divided along regional, rather than party, lines. The kinds of protections to promise farmers and the balance that should be struck between funding for farm subsidy and nutrition (food stamp) programs are at the forefront of floor debates.

• Do you think the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) should be cut?
• Should SNAP applicants be required to take a drug test before receiving benefits?
• Should farmers receive payments for land they don’t plant?
• Should Congress raise import tariffs on foreign farm product producers?

Time is short, please voice your thoughts now?

Click Here to voice your opinion

11/6/2012

Voting in the State of Iowa

• 2012 General Election Information

• Voter Registration

• Absentee Voting

• Voting on Election Day

• Military Voters

• Overseas Civilian Voters

• College Student Voters


We encourage everyone of legal voting age and legal residence to vote in the upcoming election.  It our civic duty to participate in our neighborhoods, our communities, districts, states and in sending our representatives to the School Board, City Council, County Supervisors, State Houses and to Congress.

Where to vote in Linn County, Iowa - Find your Polling Place, Election Districts & Elected Officials

As a member of CR25 in Cedar Rapids, our new polling place is:

Calvin Sinclair Presbyterian Church

715 38th Street SE, Cedar Rapids

The major newspapers in Iowa have endorsed Governor Mitt Romney for President in Iowa.



October 2012 has arrived; 3/4 of 2012 now in the books ...

Each Monday, I normally enjoy a Noon luncheon with fellow Rotarians.  A look at this month in the Rotary Club of Cedar Rapids ...

• October 1, 2012 - Lois Buntz, Club President - The Rotary International Convention
• October 8, 2012 - Iowa Legislature Debate - House Speaker Kraig Paulsen (Republican) and Senate Appropriations Chair Robert Dvorsky (Democrat)
• October 15, 2012 - Congressman Bruce Braley, Democratic incumbent for Iowa's new First Congressional District
• October 22, 2012 - United States Senator Charles Grassley
• October 29, 2012 - Ben Lange, Republican candidate for Iowa's new First Congressional District.

Today, at Rotary, two articles were mentioned as the 2012 Judicial Retention Election Vote comes on Election Day, November 6, 2012.

• THE REGULARS: Outrage over court's gay marriage decision rings hollow - Christopher Rants for the Sioux City Journal
• On the bus, but out of context - Todd Dorman for The Gazette

National Action Alert

Ryan Medicare Plan

Mr Robin B Tucker,

With an estimated 10,000 baby boomers retiring each day, and declining numbers of workers paying into the program to support Medicare beneficiaries, Medicare has become the target of lawmakers who say reform is necessary if it is to survive.

Vice Presidential candidate and House Budget Chairman, Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI), has proposed a plan that he says would put Medicare on a sustainable path. But most Democrats don’t agree. Vice chairman of the Joint Committee on Taxation, Rep. Charles Rangel (D-NY) says the Ryan Medicare plan would primarily benefit only a select few.

Rep. Paul Ryan (R-WI)
“Unless Congress fixes what’s broken in Medicare, without breaking what’s working, the program will end up causing exactly what it was created to avoid – millions of American seniors without adequate health security and a younger working generation saddled with enormous debts to pay for spending levels that cannot be sustained.

“It is morally unconscionable for elected leaders to cling to an unsustainable status quo with respect to America’s health and retirement security programs. Current seniors and future generations deserve better than empty promises and a diminished country. Current retirees deserve the benefits around which they organized their lives. Future generations deserve health and retirement security they can count on. By making gradual structural improvements, Congress can preserve America’s social contract with retired workers.”

Rep. Ryan says his proposed Medicare plan would achieve these goals:

• Strengthen health and retirement security by taking power away from government bureaucrats and empowering patients with control over their care.
• Repeal the new health care law’s unaccountable board of bureaucrats empowered to cut Medicare in ways that would jeopardize seniors’ access to care.
• Save Medicare for current and future generations, with no disruptions for those in and near retirement.
• For younger workers, when they become eligible, Medicare would provide a premium-support payment and a list of guaranteed coverage options – including a traditional fee-for-service option – from which recipients can choose a plan that best suits their needs.
• Program growth would be determined by a competitive-bidding process – with choice and competition forcing providers to reduce costs and improve quality for seniors.
• Premium support, competitive bidding, and more assistance for those with lower incomes or greater health care needs would ensure guaranteed affordability for all seniors.

Rep. Ryan adds, “Letting government break its promises to current seniors and to future generations is unacceptable. The reforms outlined in the budget passed by the House protect and preserve Medicare for those in and near retirement, while saving and strengthening this critical program so that future generations can count on it to be there when they retire.”

Rep. Charles Rangel (D-NY)
“Despite recent polls indicating overwhelming support to keep Medicare intact, House Republicans continue to support the Ryan Medicare Plan that would end the Medicare guarantee and transform it into a privatized voucher system. The Congressional Budget Office calculated an approximate $6,400 increase in annual out-of-pocket health care costs for seniors by 2022 if the Ryan Medicare plan were to be enacted.

"For 47 years Medicare has provided access to quality health care for seniors and people with disabilities. The Affordable Care Act strengthened Medicare, extended its solvency, increased benefits and reduced prescription drug costs for our seniors. Over 2.8 million New Yorkers of all ages depend on the healthcare services provided by Medicare. So far this year, more than 71,000 New Yorkers with Medicare saved over $45 million on prescription drugs and nationally over one million people have already saved over $680 million.

“The proposed Ryan Medicare Plan focuses on a system that benefits a few while the rest of America gets dealt an unfair hand. Rather than ending Medicare, we should be working together to preserve and strengthen it for future generations. This program is one of the proudest achievements of the Democratic Party, and we will continue to defend the program and the principles for which it was created in 1964.”

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