Two Monday of the New Year & Washington Politics...

Mr Robin B Tucker www.nwyc.com   Fact Sheet on Fiscal Cliff Agreement   After two years of party wrangling, Congress has passed and President Obama has signed a permanent extension of the Bush-era tax breaks for individuals with annual incomes up to $400,000 and couples with annual incomes up to $450,000. Here is a look at the highlights of the new law. Small Business Tax Breaks Business Equipment Write-off: Retroactively increases 2012 maximum expensing amount from $139,000 to $500,000 and extends this amount through 2013. It also reinstates the $250,000 write-off of qualified real property improvements. Bonus Depreciation: Extends for one year, into 2013, accelerated “bonus” depreciation of business investments in new property and equipment tax deductions. Individual Breaks Income Tax Rates: Rates remain the same for couples with taxable annual incomes under $450,000. Those with over $450,000 will see their top rate go from 35% to 39.6%. Dividends and Capital Gains: The maximum rate remains at 15%, except for joint filers making more than $450,000. That maximum rate will be 20%. The President had proposed a top rate of 39.6% for dividends prior to the agreement.      Estate Tax: The amount of an estate exempt from the tax remains at $5 million for individual estates and $10 for family estates. The maximum tax rate increases from 35% to 40%.  The sharing of unused exemption amounts between spouses is also still alive.   Personal Exemptions and Itemized Deductions: The personal exemption and itemized deductions will be reduced for families earning more than $300,000. Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT): The law provides a permanent patch to keep more Americans from being subject to the increased tax level, and indexes it for inflation. The change prevents a tax increase that would have affected an estimated 30 million additional taxpayers. Unemployment Benefits: Unemployment benefits for the long-term unemployed are extended through 2013. Tax Credits: A five-year extension of tax credits was given to the child tax credit, earned Income tax credit and the college tuition tax credit. Medicare Doc fix:  A 27% reduction in payments to Medicare providers is postponed for 2013. Automatic Across-the-Board Spending Cuts: The sequester of funds will be delayed by two months and replaced with new half revenues and half targeted spending cuts. Other Breaks: Deductions for educator supplies,  sales tax, college tuition and exclusion for home mortgage debt were retroactively  included in the new law. Tax Increase Payroll Tax: The temporary 2% cut to the employee payroll tax rate was not renewed.   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.

Our first full week of 2013 and the 113th Congress...

It's 2013, both the Iowa State Houses and the 113th Congress in Washington D.C. represent the status quo after the November election, and leadership in Washington D.C. isn't really changing any either...

Mr Robin B Tucker www.nwyc.com Vol. 17 No. 1-1 Monday, January 7, 2013 REVIEW 113th Congress Sworn In: The Senate and House have ushered in a new Congress. The 113th Congress convened on Thursday, January 3rd at 12 noon EST. In the Senate, Vice President Joe Biden swore in 12 new members elected in November, along with lawmakers who won another term and South Carolina Republican Tim Scott. Sen. Scott, a former House member, was tapped by Gov. Nikki Haley to fill the remaining term of Sen. Jim DeMint, who resigned to head a Washington think tank. In the House, newly reelected House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) swore in dozens of new lawmakers in the afternoon. Balance of Party Power: Democrats tightened their grip on the Senate for a 55-45 edge in the new Congress, ensuring that Reid will remain in charge. Republicans maintained their majority in the House but will have a smaller advantage with 233 Republicans and 200 Democrats. President Signs Fiscal Cliff Legislation: President Obama has signed a bill that boosts taxes on individuals making more than $400,000 and families making more than $450,000. It preserves tax cuts for most American households. The bill, which averts a looming fiscal cliff that had threatened to plunge the nation back into recession, also extends expiring jobless benefits, prevents cuts in Medicare reimbursements to doctors and delays for two months billions of dollars in across-the-board spending cuts (sequestration) in defense and domestic programs. President Obama, who is vacationing in Hawaii, signed the bill using an autopen, a mechanical device that copies his signature. (H.R.8) GOP Maintains Speaker of the House Position: House Speaker John Boehner (R-OH) has narrowly regained a second term as Speaker of the House. The position calls for the Speaker to oversee the Republican-led chamber that has proved extremely difficult for him to manage. His reelection was uncertain in the face of a push by the most conservative wing of the GOP caucus. The final vote tally was 220 for Rep. Boehner to 192 for House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-CA). Hurricane Sandy Disaster Relief: The House has passed legislation that northeast lawmakers whose states were damaged by Hurricane Sandy have been seeking for months. The measure is the first installment of the more than $60 billion the White House has requested for aid to the area. The $60.4 billion package the Senate passed in December died in the House when the 112th Congress ended and the 113th was sworn in. Congress Votes Not to Raise their Pay: Congress has voted to freeze the salaries of lawmakers and federal employees. Despite Democratic objections in the House, the bill passed 287 to 129, with 55 Democrats voting with Republicans to approve the measure. Some Democrats expressed fear that Republicans would use the vote to save face if the House did not reach an agreement on fiscal cliff legislation. President Obama signed an executive order in December that lifted a ban on pay freezes for federal employees. Congressional Pay: The U.S. Constitution requires Congress to set its own pay. Currently, members of Congress earn an annual base salary of $174,000 with leadership salaries higher than rank-and-file members. For years, Congress used stand-alone legislation for pay increases. However, beginning in 1975, annual adjustments took place automatically unless members voted not to accept them.   PREVIEW   Raising the Debt Ceiling: With the government expected to run out of borrowing authority by the end of next month, both parties are preparing for the battle over how much to raise the limit. Republicans are vying to leverage new spending cuts in return for a debt limit increase while Democrats are promising to hold firm in opposition. President Obama has vowed not to bargain for an increase in the debt limit as he did last year. Gun Rights and Restrictions: Democratic members of both chambers have vowed to introduce legislation that would tighten restrictions on gun sales and ownership. The semiautomatic assault weapons and high capacity ammunition clips. Corporate Tax Overhaul: Lawmakers are considering tax code revisions for 2013. The Week Ahead: Please go to www.nwyc.com for the latest in congressional actions. What are your thoughts and concerns? Click Here to write your elected officials about any topic you would like to voice your concern or opinion.     Thank you for being a responsible American. Your voice is making a difference.

Happy New Year: 2013, January 1 ...

We have written 2012 into the history books, as we welcome 2013 and the promise of the New Year...

January will welcome a variety of themes, as we celebrate special days, week-long observances, as well as special events during the month.

The month of January is National Poverty in America Awareness Month ...

There are week-long observations during the month of January:

• Women’s Self Empowerment Week, January 3-7
• No Name Calling Week, Jan. 21-25

Day-long observations during the month of January:

• New Years Day, January 1
• Epiphany (Christian), January 6
• Religious Freedom Day, January 16
• Dr. Martin Luther King Day, January 21 - Two Cedar Rapids celebrations occur during this day, as 27th annual Remembering Martin Luncheon at Kirkwood CC at 11:30 a.m. and Dr. Martin Luther King Day Celebration at 7:00 p.m. at St. Paul's UMC on Monday, January 21st
• Maulid an Nabi (Islam), January 24
• Tu B’Shevat (Jewish), January 25-26
• Data Privacy Day, January 28

A fun exercise my mother liked to give, when we were growing up, was to write the words Happy New Year on the side of a piece of paper and ask us to use the letters and make New Year's Resolutions.  She would also do it at Christmas and Thanksgiving with the family...

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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.