18 May 2012

Veterinarian Proposes Law Recognizing Pets' True Value

By Rick Martin

A veterinarian is asking anyone who will listen - legislators, judges, fellow pet owners - if the loss of a pet is akin to the loss of furniture, a computer or a car.

Kenneth Newman, a 33-year veterinarian and author of Meet Me at the Rainbow Bridge (www.meetmeattherainbowbridge.com), has proposed a law that answers his question. Gracie's Law recognizes the emotional bond between pet and owner by entitling the owner of a pet killed through an act of malice or negligence to $25,000 in damages.

"It's time we change the laws to more accurately reflect what pets mean to the average American," says Newman.

Gracie's Law would not supersede current laws, he says, which entitle owners to the property value of their pet. And it would not replace criminal prosecution for acts of malice. And owners who decline a recommended veterinarian procedure to save a pet would not be held accountable under the law, he says.

Newman's dog Gracie was killed in April 2008 when a negligent driver backed up 25 yards without looking, crushing Newman and Gracie between two vehicles. The vet escaped with a broken leg; Gracie saved his life, he says.

"An attorney looked me in the eye and said that my dog was a piece of property, that I wasn't entitled to anything for the dog, and that this was a simple broken-leg case," he says.

In every state, he says, laws view pets as property. Owners are entitled to no more than replacement value; no law takes into consideration the loss of companionship, grief, or pain and suffering.

Newman says that doesn't jibe with Americans' attitude toward their pets. According to an American Animal Hospital Association survey, 90 percent of owners consider their animals part of the family. Other findings:

• 52 percent of Americans would rather be stranded on a deserted island with their pet than with another person.

• 83 percent call themselves "Mommy" or "Daddy" in reference to their pet.

• 59 percent celebrate their pet's birthday.

Cases involving pet owners' bonds are increasingly showing up in the courts, Newman points out:

• Matrimonial law: Attorneys have experienced a 23 percent increase in pet cases, according to the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers. This includes custody battles over pets, veterinarian bills and visitation rights. Harvard now has a course dedicated to pet law.

• The North Carolina Court of Appeals: While the plaintiff's wrongful death lawsuit was denied, animal activists applaud a judge's willingness to at least hear a case involving a Jack Russell terrier that died while undergoing tube feeding at a state facility.

• Texas justice: On Nov. 3, 2011, Fort Worth's 2nd Court of Appeals ruled that value can be attached to the love of a dog. That overruled a 120-year-old Texas Supreme Court case, which held that plaintiffs can only recoup the market value of their pets.

• Largest award: In April, a Denver judge awarded Robin Lohre $65,000 for the death of her dog, Ruthie. Lohre had accused Posh Maids cleaning service of negligence for allowing the dog to get outside, where it was hit by a car. Newman notes this sets a new precedent for pet value, but that such uncapped awards may threaten affordable veterinary care.

To read Gracie's Law and copy it to share, visit meetmeattherainbowbridge.com, click "image gallery" and scroll down.

About Kenneth Newman DVM

Kenneth Newman graduated from Purdue University with a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree in 1979, and has since been a practicing vet. He experienced a badly broken leg and the death of his Labrador retriever Gracie due to the negligence of a driver in April 2008. Since then, he has proposed and advocated Gracie's Law, which recognizes that pets are more than common property. Newman lives with his wife and their son, as well as several pets.

18 May 2012

Grassley Seeks Information on SEC Inspector General Office Turmoil

By Grassley Press

For Immediate Release

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

WASHINGTON - Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa is asking the Securities and Exchange Commission for information that would shed light on decisions affecting the agency inspector general's office.

"All federal agencies need a high-performing, independent inspector general's office to hold the agency accountable and protect employees from unwarranted criticism," Grassley said.  "The recent turmoil at the SEC inspector general's office raises questions about how well that office is functioning.  Information from all sides is necessary to try to establish where things went wrong and what the agency can do to refocus its watchdog capacity."

Grassley's review so far has found that the commission suspended the chief investigator in the inspector general's office over allegations that he caused security concerns among some fellow employees, but the investigator's counsel contends the investigator was retaliated against for reporting allegations about the recently departed inspector general to an outside group for review.  Allegations have also been made that the outside security firm that looked into the investigator was being investigated by the inspector general's office over contracting concerns.

In order to investigate those allegations, Grassley wrote to SEC Chairman Mary Schapiro, Acting Inspector General Noelle Maloney and Chuck Tobin, the president of At-Risk International LLC, the company that performed the security review.

The text of Grassley's letters are available here, here, and here.

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18 May 2012

A Beautiful Garden Starts Now - Memorial Day Means Gardening for Many

By Melinda Myers

Get out the shovel and trowels - it's almost Memorial Day weekend and that means gardening for many.  Spend a bit more time getting your garden off to a good start and reap the benefits all season long.  Proper planting and post planting care means less maintenance, fewer pests and more produce and beautiful flowers in your landscape.

Start by selecting healthy plants free of insect and disease problems.  There's no need to spend money on problems.  And keep in mind that bigger is not always better.  Instead look for compact plants with sturdy stems.  The leaves should be deep green or the proper color for that variety.  Avoid plants that show signs of stress such as spots, brown leaf edges, and holes.  And when all things are equal, purchase the perennials with multiple stems.

Keep your purchase properly watered before and after planting.  Check transplants daily and twice a day when temperatures rise, watering as needed.  Increase success and reduce the stress transplants often face.  Apply a plant strengthener such as JAZ Spray to protect potted plants from drying out until you are able to plant. Or apply to transplants to get your plants off to a vigorous start.  These organic products are not fertilizers but rather naturally occurring molecules that work like an immunization to help new and established plants better tolerate heat, drought, insects, disease, and other challenges plants face.

Prepare the soil before planting.  Though not glamorous building a good foundation for your garden will pay off this season and beyond.  Dig one or two inches of compost, peat moss or other organic matter and a low nitrogen slow release fertilizer into the top 12 inches of the soil.

Now slide, don't pull, the plants out of their containers to avoid damaging their roots and stems.  If they resist, gently squeeze small flexible pots or roll larger pots on their sides over the ground.  This loosens the roots, releasing the pot from the container.

Gently tease any roots that encircle (girdle) the root ball.  Or use a knife to slice through girdling roots or the tangled mass that often develops at the bottom of the pot.  This encourages the roots to explore the soil beyond the planting hole.  And a bigger root system means healthier plants that are more productive and beautiful.

Set your plants at the same depth they were growing in their container.  Tall leggy tomatoes are the exception.  These can be planted deeper or in shallow trenches to encourage roots to form along the buried stem.  Cover the roots with soil and gently tamp to insure good root to soil contact.  Water new plantings thoroughly; moistening the rootball, planting hole, and beyond.  Spread a thin layer of shredded leaves, evergreen needles or other mulch over the soil to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and keep the roots cooler when hot weather moves in for the summer.

Check new plantings every other day and water thoroughly and often enough to keep the soil slightly moist.  Gradually reduce the frequency until your plants only need to be watered once a week in heavy clay soils and twice a week in sandy soils. Of course you'll need to water more often in hot weather.

And don't forget about the rest of your landscape.  Plant strengtheners can be applied to established plants to prepare them for the often stressful season ahead.  Treated plants will be better able to tolerate heat and drought as well as attacks from insects and diseases.

So get out and start planting to make this the best gardening season yet.

Nationally known gardening expert, TV/radio host, author & columnist Melinda Myers has more than 30 years of horticulture experience and has written over 20 gardening books, including Can't Miss Small Space Gardening. She hosts the nationally syndicated Melinda's Garden Moment segments which air on over 100 TV and radio stations throughout the U.S. and Canada. She is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine and writes the twice monthly "Gardeners' Questions" newspaper column. Melinda also has a column in Gardening How-to magazine.  Melinda hosted "The Plant Doctor" radio program for over 20 years as well as seven seasons of Great Lakes Gardener on PBS. She has written articles for Better Homes and Gardens and Fine Gardening and was a columnist and contributing editor for Backyard Living magazine.  Melinda has a master's degree in horticulture, is a certified arborist and was a horticulture instructor with tenure.  Her web site is www.melindamyers.com

 

###

18 May 2012

Perceptions of Poverty...National Salvation Army Week

By Holly Nomura

REPORT: 38% OF AMERICANS HAVE RECEIVED HELP FROM CHARITY

Report Highlights Importance of Giving Back During 59th Annual National Salvation Army Week

(Alexandria, VA) May 16, 2012 - The American public is largely sympathetic to people in need, but drastically misunderstands the causes of poverty, according to a new report, "Perceptions of Poverty: The Salvation Army's Report to America," released today by The Salvation Army. Among other eye-opening statistics, the report showed that while 38 percent of Americans have received assistance from a charitable group in their lifetime, another 27 percent of Americans believe that laziness is a root cause of poverty. Still, an overwhelming majority continues to donate to charities to help others in need.

The report was based on a survey of more than 1,000 Americans, conducted in February 2012 by a third-party research firm in advance of the 59th annual National Salvation Army Week, celebrated this year from May 14-20.

"This report highlights the critical issue of poverty at a time when many Americans are struggling to get by," said Major George Hood, National Community Relations and Development Secretary for The Salvation Army. "It is more important than ever to raise awareness of not only the public's perception of poverty, but also the programs available to those in need. With the public's support, The Salvation Army will continue to provide assistance."

According to the survey commissioned by The Salvation Army and conducted on Vision Critical's Springboard America panel, nearly 40 percent of Americans have requested help, including housing, food, financial and other assistance, from charitable organizations at some point in their lives. In particular, Americans with lower household incomes are much more likely to have experienced a lack of shelter, or a need to request assistance from a charitable group.

Thirty-eight percent of Americans have received assistance from a charitable group, including food from food banks or financial assistance/housing support.

Thirteen percent of Americans reported having spent a night in a shelter or on the street due to a loss of housing.

Additionally, a majority of Americans believe people living in poverty deserve a helping hand, and sympathize with the challenges that people living in poverty face on a daily basis.

  • Eighty-eight percent of Americans believe people living in poverty deserve a helping hand.
  • Eighty-four percent of Americans believe it is almost impossible to survive on your own on minimum wage.
  • Seventy-five percent of Americans believe helping poor families sets up children from those families for success.
  • Sixty percent of Americans believe it is difficult to escape poverty once becoming poor.
  • However, there are a significant minority of Americans who are skeptical of the realities and reasons for poverty.
  • Notably, the further a person is from poverty, the less common he or she believes poverty is in society.
  • Forty-nine percent of Americans believe a good work ethic is all a person needs to escape poverty.
  • Forty-three percent of Americans believe people living in poverty can always find a job if they really want to work, with twenty-seven percent of Americans reporting that people are poor because they are lazy.
  • Twenty-nine percent of Americans believe poor people usually have lower moral values.


In total, Americans believe approximately thirty-four percent of the general population is living in poverty. However, Americans who earn less than $25,000 a year believe forty percent of the population lives in poverty, while Americans who earn at least $50,000 a year believe twenty-seven percent live in poverty.

The Perceptions of Poverty report, which can be viewed on The Salvation Army's website at www.SalvationArmyUSA.org, comes as The Salvation Army celebrates the 59th annual National Salvation Army Week with a variety of events and activities to honor donors, supporters and beneficiaries of Salvation Army programs. President Dwight D. Eisenhower declared the first National Salvation Army Week in 1954, proclaiming, "Among Americans, The Salvation Army has long been a symbol of wholehearted dedication to the cause of brotherhood. In time of war, the men and women of this organization have brought to those serving their country far from home, friendliness and warm concern. In the quieter days of peace, their work has been a constant reminder to us all that each of us is neighbor and kin to all Americans, giving freely of themselves, the men and women of The Salvation Army have won the respect of all."

"We are proud to celebrate our donors, volunteers and supporters, not only during National Salvation Army Week but every day throughout the year," said Major Hood. "As President Eisenhower recognized nearly sixty years ago, The Salvation Army is dedicated to serving our neighbors, families and friends in communities throughout America, and we want to take this time to give thanks to each person who makes this possible."

Since The Salvation Army began its social service work in the United States in 1880, the organization has grown into one of the largest social service providers in the country. Each year, The Salvation Army directly supports 30 million Americans through a variety of programs including transitional and family shelters, feeding programs, senior centers, adult rehabilitation, education, athletic programs for kids and more.

Though the dates have changed since the first National Salvation Army Week, the work of The Salvation Army has not. The Salvation Army is calling upon all Americans to consider donating money or volunteering time to charities and organizations fighting poverty in local communities. Donors and volunteers can learn more about The Salvation Army, including further information regarding the Perceptions of Poverty report and National Salvation Army Week, by visiting www.SalvationArmyUSA.org.

About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army, an evangelical part of the universal Christian church established in London in 1865, has been supporting those in need in His name without discrimination for 130 years in the United States. Nearly 30 million Americans receive assistance from The Salvation Army each year through the broadest array of social services that range from providing food for the hungry, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter to the homeless and opportunities for underprivileged children. 82 cents of every dollar spent is used Wednesday, May 16, 2012 to support those services in 5,000 communities nationwide. For more information, go to www.salvationarmyusa.org.

###

18 May 2012

A public service announcement from Davenport Parks and Recreation

By Kenneth Asta
Due to roof construction at Vander Veer conservatory, the conservatory and store will be closed through Tuesday, May 22.  Vander Veer Park will remain open, but the conservatory and store will be closed due to the construction.  We apologize for any inconvenience.  Both the conservatory and store will reopen at 10am on Tuesday, May 22.
16 May 2012

NASA asked to respond to allegations over Ames Research Center, Moffett Federal Airfield

By Grassley Press

WASHINGTON - Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa is asking the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to respond to allegations from whistleblowers regarding the agency's Ames Research Center at Moffett Federal Airfield in Santa Clara County, California.

The allegations involve whether the Google corporation leases space at the federal airfield at a rate below market value to house its corporate airplanes and whether the company has purchased jet fuel from the government at a discounted price, allegedly well below the market price due to tax treatment.  Last month, Grassley asked the NASA Administrator to respond to allegations that the Ames Research Center allows foreign nationals to access sensitive materials contrary to International Traffic in Arms Regulations.

"The allegations are substantive," Grassley said.  "NASA should address the allegations in the interest of public accountability."

Whistleblowers sought out Grassley with their concerns because of his reputation of receptiveness to whistleblowers.

Grassley wrote to NASA Administrator Charles F. Bolden, Jr. on April 18, seeking an agency briefing on the allegations involving foreign nationals and the director of the Ames Research Center.  His office has not received a briefing from NASA officials, despite repeated follow-up inquiries.

Grassley wrote to Bolden on May 14 regarding the Google allegations.

The text of Grassley's May 14 letter is available here.

The text of Grassley's April 18 letter is available here.

-30-


15 May 2012

National Dog Bite Prevention Week

By LeKisha Franklin
National Dog Bite Prevention Week is May 20th - 26th. This is a great time to help stop the many dog bites that happen every year.

"Veterinarians recognize, while there are 72 million good dogs in the United States, any dog can bite if it is frightened of feels threatened, even the family pet. Unfortunately, children are most often the victims," say Dr. Larry M. Kornegay, AVMA Immediate Past President.

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) provides resources to spread the word that dog attacks are preventable. Children, especially, should be taught the right and the wrong way to interact with dogs. These resources can be found at: http://www.avma.org/public_health/dogbite/default.asp.
15 May 2012

True Sovereignty Coalition Calls for Balance in Hearings on L.O.S.T.

By Travis Korson
Listen to More than the 'American Anti-Sovereignty Campaign'

Washington, D.C., May 11, 2012- In a choreographed roll-out yesterday - transparently timed to coincide with the end of Senator Richard Lugar's ill-fated primary race for reelection to the United States Senate, a group styling itself the "American Sovereignty Campaign" announced that it would be mounting an aggressive effort to secure ratification of the obsolete and defective Law of the Sea Treaty (LOST).  Given the threat LOST poses to U.S. sovereignty and vital interests, a better moniker for this entity would be the "American Anti-Sovereignty Campaign."

A previously organized coalition that actually supports American sovereignty - the Coalition to Preserve American Sovereignty - responded by calling on Sen. Lugar, the Ranking Minority Member on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and his Democratic counterpart, Chairman John Kerry, to assure the record reflects the insights of the treaty's many critics, not just its boosters.
In a letter to the two Senators (below), the pro-sovereignty Coalition identified a number of LOST's defects that should require close scrutiny.  It also identified a number of expert witnesses who could illuminate them and urged the Foreign Relations Committee to hear from such authorities.
The Coalition welcomes an honest, open debate about a treaty that was largely drafted when the Soviet Union and Non-Aligned Nations were still going concerns and dominated the United Nations and Law of the Sea negotiations.  If the Senate actually deliberates on this accord - rather than following the appalling 2010 precedent of hastily rubber-stamping the Obama administration's unverifiable and inequitable New START Treaty, the outcome seems certain:  The Senate will reject the LOST Treaty, as did President Ronald Reagan 30 years ago.

Text of the Letter

10 May 2012

Hon. John Kerry
Chairman, Senate Foreign Relations Committee
444 Dirksen Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510-0802

Hon. Richard G. Lugar
Ranking Minority Member, Senate Foreign Relations Committee
446 Dirksen Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510-0802

Dear Mr. Chairman and Ranking Member Lugar:

We understand that you will soon convene hearings in connection with possible U.S. ratification of the United Nations' Law of the Sea Treaty (LOST).  It is our view that this accord is seriously defective in a number of respects (several of which are enumerated below.)  Accordingly, we write to request that the individuals listed below be afforded an opportunity to testify in connection with the Foreign Relations Committee's consideration of LOST with respect to the following problematic provisions of that treaty - an opportunity largely not afforded to critics of LOST during the last round of your panel's hearings on the matter in 2003 and 2007.

First, ratification of LOST would commit the United States to submit to mandatory dispute resolution with respect to U.S. military and industrial operations.  While LOST proponents argue that the United States will choose available arbitration mechanisms to avoid legal decisions from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) or the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS), such arbitration panels are no-less perilous for U.S. interests as the decisive, "swing" arbiters would be appointed by generally unfriendly UN-affiliated bureaucrats.  The arbitration panels can also be relied upon to look to rulings by the ICJ or ITLOS to inform their own decisions.

Furthermore, while there is a LOST provision exempting "military activity" from such dispute resolution mechanisms, the Treaty makes no attempt to define "military activity," virtually guaranteeing that such matters will be litigated - in all likelihood to our detriment - before one or another of LOST's arbitration mechanisms.  And the rulings of such arbitrators cannot be appealed.

Subjecting our military to the risks of such mandatory dispute resolution is all the more imprudent given that LOST provides the Navy with no navigational rights and freedoms beyond those it already enjoys under customary international law and the U.S. Freedom of Navigation Program.  The Navy has successfully protected American interests on the seas for the past two hundred years without the United States becoming a party to LOST - including during the thirty years since LOST was concluded, in 1982.  We see no compelling reason why that record will be improved upon by entrusting the job to international legal arrangements.

Second, the Law of the Sea Treaty contains provisions that risk putting sensitive, militarily useful information and technology in the hands of America's adversaries and its companies' commercial competitors.  That accord's proponents would have you believe that there is no problem with technology transfer since the Treaty's relevant mandates were eliminated by a 1994 agreement relating to the implementation of LOST's Part XI.  Unfortunately, this is another area that cries out for close examination by the Senate and the Nation.

For one thing, it is unclear to what extent the Treaty could be and was amended by the '94 accord.  For another, a number of provisions obligating the transfer of potentially sensitive technology and data were not addressed in the latter agreement.  For example, LOST arbitration procedures specify that parties to a dispute would be required to provide an arbitral tribunal with "all relevant documents, facilities and information" - a potential avenue for compelling such transfers.

Third, the Law of the Sea Treaty entails commitments that have far-reaching implications for U.S. businesses, far beyond the possibility of mandatory technology transfers.  These include : embroiling this country in treaties bearing on commercial activities to which it is not a party; wide-ranging, intrusive and expensive environmental obligations; creating standing for foreign nationals to pursue alien torts in our courts; and jeopardizing our rights under the World Trade Organization, which was established after 1994.

Of particular concern is the fact that LOST creates an international taxation regime.  It does so by empowering the International Seabed Authority (ISA) to tax Americans for the purposes of meeting its own administrative costs and of globally redistributing revenue derived from the exploitation of seabed resources.  The wisdom of such compulsory payments to the ISA is highly questionable, considering the poor track record of international organizations' management of finances.  Moreover, the ISA would be unconstrained in its discretion as to which countries or entities were to receive this redistributed American wealth, the recipients of which could include highly corrupt and undemocratic regimes or even countries identified by the Department of State as sponsors of terrorism.   

We believe the Foreign Relations Committee's deliberations on the Law of the Sea Treaty will be incomplete, perhaps misleadingly so, unless they are informed by testimony on these and related points.  We formally request that you and your colleagues ensure that the following individuals are afforded an opportunity to provide such testimony:

Donald Rumsfeld                       Former Secretary of Defense
Edwin Meese                          Former United States Attorney General
John R. Bolton                         Former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations
John F. Lehman                         Former Secretary of the Navy
William Middendorf                     Former Secretary of the Navy
Douglas J. Feith                          Former Under Secretary of Defense for Policy
Admiral James A. Lyons                    Former Commander-in-Chief, U.S. Pacific Fleet
Vice Admiral Robert Monroe             Former Director, Research, Development, Test and Evaluation
Phyllis Schlafly                       Eagle Forum
Fred Smith                          Competitive Enterprise Institute
Frank J. Gaffney, Jr.                           Center for Security Policy
Doug Bandow                         Cato Institute
Steven Groves                         Heritage Foundation
Baker Spring                         Heritage Foundation
Thomas P. Kilgannon                      Freedom Alliance
Peter Leitner                        Author, Reforming the Law of the Sea Treaty
Kevin Kearns                         U.S. Business & Industry Council
John Fonte                          Hudson Institute
Jeremy Rabkin                         George Mason University School of Law

Sincerely,

Frank J. Gaffney, Jr.
Coalition to Preserve American Sovereignty
###
14 May 2012

Braley, DeLauro Introduce Legislation to Strengthen Middle Class

By Jeff Giertz

Braley, DeLauro Introduce Legislation to Strengthen Middle Class

Comprehensive Bill Makes Investments, Creates Stability, Restores Fairness Necessary to Rebuild America 

 

Washington, DC - Representatives Bruce Braley (D-IA) and Rosa DeLauro (D-CT), co-chairs of the Populist Caucus, today introduced the Rebuild America Act, comprehensive legislation to rebuild the American middle-class.  The bill invests in our future through three main tenants: investment to foster jobs and growth, creating financial stability for middle-class families and restoring fairness to the tax code.  This stands in direct contrast to the vision for America Republicans are pushing today: slashing the social safety net to fund tax cuts for the wealthy.

 

"The Rebuild America Act is the kind of comprehensive plan we need to strengthen the middle class, grow America's economy, and invest in the future," Braley said.  "From the modernization of America's schools to the expansion of renewable energy, from a national manufacturing strategy to raising the minimum wage, this bill is the kind of bold vision that will put America back on a path to prosperity and progress.  Congress has been paralyzed by inaction, but I believe this common sense plan can appeal to people regardless of partisanship."

 

"The debate in Washington has gone on for too long.  We need to stop talking and start implementing solutions to get America back to work," DeLauro said.  "The Rebuild America Act makes bold, critical investments in our future to create jobs and promote the financial stability so crucial to middle-class Americans.  These families have been facing pressures on all fronts, from struggling schools to declining manufacturing to the squeeze on pensions and retirement security.  This bill will help both individuals and businesses start to pull themselves out of the morass we have been in and prepare our economy for future challenges."

 

The Rebuild America Act has three overarching principles:

 

  1. Investing in America to Create Jobs and Future Growth
  2. Creating Financial Stability and a Better Future for Middle-Class Families
  3. Restoring Fairness to the Tax Code and Ensuring Fiscal Responsibility

 

Investing in America to Create Jobs and Future Growth

Creating solid middle-class jobs that cannot be outsourced will lay the foundation for long-term economic growth.  To do this, we need to move from being a nation that consumes to one that builds and exports.  The Rebuild America Act invests in our schools and teachers, renewable energy and roads, bridges and infrastructure.  It also rebuilds our manufacturing power through expanded tax credits and access to credit for business.

 

Creating Financial Stability and a Better Future for Middle-Class Families

Middle-class families are facing enormous financial pressures, both during their working years and in retirement.  The Rebuild America Act helps ease this stress by strengthening social security, establishing a fair minimum wage and ensuring paid sick days are available for workers across the country.

 

Restore Fairness to the Tax Code and Ensuring Fiscal Responsibility

Our current tax system is unfair, too complex and keeps us on a path of perennial deficits.  The Rebuild America Act takes action to level the playing field for all Americans.  The bill includes the Buffet Rule, ends tax breaks for companies that ship jobs overseas and makes Wall Street take responsibility for their irresponsible actions that led to the 2008 financial collapse.  Crucially, the Rebuild America Act protects the pensions that workers are counting on to get through retirement by encouraging employers to continue to provide pensions and creating additional protections for people whose pension is a casualty of bankruptcy.

 

The following organizations support the Rebuild America Act:

 

SEIU

AFSCME

AFL-CIO

AFT

Building Trades Unions

Machinists Union

UAW

NEA

IAFF

USW

IUPA

Main Street Alliance

American Sustainable Business Council

Campaign for America's Future

American Dream

National Women's Law Center

National Partnership for Women and Families

National Employment Law Center

Urban League

US Action

Community Change

Moms Rising

NAACP Legal Defense Fund

Children's Defense Fund

Young Invincibles

Social Security Works

Coalition on Human Needs

Family Values at Work

ADA

First Five Years Fund

NAEYC

CLASP

NWLC

PEW

PreKnow

Independent

NACCRAA

ECE Consortium

Zero to Three

Head Start

First Focus

Voices

NAWB

Workforce Alliance

JAG

American Progress

Knowledge Works

Alliance for American Manufacturing

American Small Manufacturer Coalition

Industrial Unions Council

United Spinal Association

The Arc

 

Formed in 2009, the House Populist Caucus is the only caucus in Congress dedicated soley to strengthening America's middle class.  The Populist Caucus has 28 members.

 

# # #
14 May 2012

Reports dings IRS whistleblower progress, President should engage

By Randy Stalsberg

May 10 


Today the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration released a report calling for better Internal Revenue Service (IRS) management of the IRS whistleblower program aimed at curbing big-dollar tax cheating.  Sen. Chuck Grassley of Iowa last week expressed his "extreme disappointment in the management of the program" in a letter to the agency.  Grassley wrote the 2006 law improving the IRS whistleblower office.

Grassley made the following comment on today's report.

"This report confirms my concern that the IRS isn't serious about processing whistleblower claims in a timely way.   Open-ended timeframes don't get the job done.  Ironically, taxpayers are subject to strict deadlines and stiff penalties for foot-dragging with the IRS.  The accountability is one-sided.  Meanwhile, while the grass grows at the IRS, big-dollar tax cheating continues.   Whistleblowers who are trying to expose the wrongdoing are left twisting in the wind.   If the IRS and the Treasury Department really want to close the tax gap, they need to focus on cleaning up the processing of claims and issuing awards.   Instead of going to conferences in Miami and San Diego, they should process whistleblower claims and make these payments.    For example, the whistleblower office director's approval of an award apparently has to be reviewed by an executive committee before a whistleblower can be paid.   As I said in my letter last week, the IRS needs to get the process moving.   President Obama should make this a priority.  While he promotes higher taxes on millionaires, his own administration is allowing big-dollar tax cheating to continue by letting whistleblower cases sit on the shelf.  He could do a lot for tax compliance by lighting a fire under the IRS on whistleblowers."


Today's report is available here.

The text of Grassley's latest letter is available here.

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