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.