Senator Brown - Let’s Cut Middle Class Taxes

Photo from Wikipedia

If we want to cut taxes for the middle class, let’s cut taxes for the middle class.

This latest attempt by Republicans in Congress to turn what should be a bipartisan effort to cut middle class taxes into a backdoor repeal of the Affordable Care Act is shameful.

Instead of cutting taxes for working people, this bill takes away Ohioans’ healthcare and cuts the Medicare they have paid into for years – all to pay for tax cuts for corporations that send Ohio jobs overseas.

Last week, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) confirmed that Senate Republicans’ supposed tax bill would cause 13 million people to lose their insurance and raise insurance premiums for Ohioans by about 10 percent each year.

And if that weren’t bad enough, the current Republican proposal would hike taxes on middle-class families in 2027, and encourage more corporations to ship Ohio jobs overseas.

During a Finance Committee hearing last week, I questioned one of the expert witnesses directly about the ways this bill encourages outsourcing, asking him, “the tax incentive is to move jobs out of the United States under this bill. Correct?” And the witness responded, “there seems to be an incentive under the Chairman’s mark to achieve a lower tax rate by having manufacturing outside the U.S.”

This is no way to reform our tax code.

We should be encouraging companies to create good-paying jobs at home – not giving them special tax treatment for shipping Ohio jobs to China or Mexico, while taking healthcare away from families and raising premiums for Ohioans.

I’ve offered to work with Republicans for months now. I met with President Trump and offered him ideas. And I filed amendments to the Senate bill to increase tax cuts for the middle class. My door has been open, and it continues to be open.

The best way to cut taxes on the middle class is to cut taxes for the middle class.

Instead of giving money to outsourcing corporations, and hoping some of it ends up in the pockets of working people, let’s cut out the middle man and give the money directly to working people.
Sherrod

I’m mad as hell and I’m not taking it anymore - Black America wrong to blame white racism for woes

Author L. Todd Wood

EDITOR'S NOTE: It pains me that it is necessary to make this "disclaimer", but it is so.  I have friends of many races and ethnicities; my children are multi-ethnic.  NONE of them are part of the culture being discussed, herein.

By L. Todd Wood

I know of no white person alive today in the United States who has ever legally owned a black slave, or any slave for that matter. Almost 700,000 mostly white men died 160 years ago to end slavery. Jim Crow ended generations ago. Yet black America, for the most part, is still locked in inner-city gang violence and economic hardship. Why?

Is it because America is racist?  Is it because of some overhanging white supremacy?  Is it because of the Illuminati?

No, unfortunately, it is because of black culture and the adoption of Democratic Party government dependency.

We have just had eight years of the first black president.  Black athletes, and entertainers, routinely earn multi-million dollar incomes.  I can easily name several black billionaires without even trying too hard. A large percentage of black America is very successful. But, it is not enough. Too many black youth are being left behind.

And it is no one but black America’s fault.

No one can solve this problem but black America.  No one can throw enough money at it.  We’ve tried that.  Black America needs to look in the mirror and stop blaming others, especially white people.

I am obviously white and conservative, and I served in the military, which, during my time, was as color blind as you could be. I can also honestly say I don’t give a damn what color your skin is, neither do any of my friends.  I do care about your actions.

Blacks are around 15 percent of the population. Depending on what study you look at, they commit around 40 percent to 50 percent of violent crime in America. Of course, there is going to be a problem with police.  And, of course, there are some bad policemen. However, those bad apples do not kill black people statistically anymore than they kill white people.  Even Harvard said that recently. If you were a cop, and you had to work in a neighborhood infested with crime and murder, wouldn’t you act differently than in a neighborhood where there was little crime? The most effective thing black America could do to improve its relationship with police is to significantly reduce violent crime where they live.  Yes, that means change the culture of where you live and your community.

Photo of the Day

Mom's Garden

If you have a great photo from anywhere in the south central Ohio vicinity that you would like to share, please forward it for consideration for the Photo of the Day to SouthCentalBulldog@gmail.com.
(Unless otherwise credited, all photos are by the editor.)

MegaVote for the Ohio Senate and 10th Congressional District

In this MegaVote for Ohio's 10th Congressional District: Recent Congressional Votes Senate: Kan Nomination – Confirmation Senate: Bradbury Nomination – Confirmation Senate: Esper Nomination – Confirmation Senate: Zatezalo Nomination – Confirmation Senate: Otting Nomination – Confirmation House: Flood Insurance Reauthorization House: Fiscal 2018 National Defense Authorization-Conference Report House: Tax Overhaul Editor's Note: The House of Representatives and Senate are not doing legislative business this week.

Recent Senate Votes

Kan Nomination – Confirmation - Vote Confirmed (90-7, 3 Not Voting) The Senate confirmed the nomination of Derek Kan to be undersecretary of Transportation for policy. Sen. Rob Portman voted YES Sen. Sherrod Brown voted YES Bradbury Nomination – Confirmation - Vote Confirmed (50-47, 3 Not Voting) The Senate confirmed the nomination of Steven Bradbury to be general counsel of the Department of Transportation. Sen. Rob Portman voted YES Sen. Sherrod Brown voted NO Esper Nomination – Confirmation - Vote Confirmed (89-6, 5 Not Voting) The Senate confirmed the nomination of Mark T. Esper to be secretary of the Army. Sen. Rob Portman voted YES Sen. Sherrod Brown voted YES Zatezalo Nomination – Confirmation - Vote Confirmed (52-46, 2 Not Voting) The Senate confirmed the nomination of David G. Zatezalo to be assistant secretary of Labor for mine safety

CHAMBER of COMMERCE MEMBERS OFFER SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY SPECIALS

While everyone is getting their Black Friday lists ready, the Fayette County Chamber of Commerce reminds you to also remember Small Business Saturday on November 25th. The Chamber and several of its members are teaming up to offer specials and a chance to win big by shopping small, says Chamber President Whitney Gentry.

The public is invited to stop by the Chamber office, at 206 E. Court Street, on Saturday between 9am and Noon for free coffee and doughnuts. Shoppers will receive a Small Business Saturday canvas tote, a passport, and a list of participating Partner Stores.

“We want people to support all small business in Fayette County, but our participating Chamber members will be stamping passports and offering discounts and deals on a variety of gift giving ideas,” said Gentry, “Money spent at a local business generates three and a half times more wealth for the local economy.”

By shopping small, there is a chance to win big, explained Gentry. Shoppers will have until December 8th to return their passports to the Chamber office to be entered in a raffle prize for one of three items. Two gift baskets of items donated by the Partner Stores or a $50 Visa Card donated by the Chamber.

In an effort to support local places that make our communities strong, American Express launched Small Business Saturday in 2010 on the Saturday after Thanksgiving — hoping to help bring more holiday shopping to small businesses. This is the first year for a collaborated Small Business Saturday push in Fayette County and Gentry expects the Chamber to work with the community to grow the event in future years.

Stratfor - The Rise of a Not-So-New World Order

The Brief   The Rise of a Not-So-New World Order

For decades the United States has sat atop a unipolar world, unrivaled in its influence over the rest of the globe. But now that may be changing as a new, informal alliance takes shape between China and Russia. The two great powers have a mutual interest in overturning an international order that has long advantaged the West at their own expense. And as the Earth's sole superpower turns inward, they will seek to carve out bigger backyards for themselves. Will their marriage of convenience once more give rise to the bipolarity that characterized the Cold War, or will it unravel in the face of a natural rivalry rooted in geopolitics?   Essential Reading The Calm After Zimbabwe's Coup Mugabe's departure could happen in a number of ways, but most likely, he will soon step aside or be pushed out. In a less likely scenario, he could stay on as a figurehead while the ruling party, the Zimbabwe African National Union-Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF), looks for a consensus candidate. Regardless of exactly which path is chosen, the only leader Zimbabwe has known since 1980 will eventually leave power. Consequently, it should come as no surprise that the country's leadership has planned for the aging Mugabe's eventual demise.   Saudi Arabia's New City Doesn't Have What It Takes With all the news coming out of Saudi Arabia over the past few weeks, it would be easy to overlook the announcement of the country's latest proposal for a new megacity. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman recently revealed his plan for a $500 billion project to build a brand-new, robot-powered metropolis that, according to a promotional video, "will change the way we live and work, forever." Neom, as the city is to be named, is in many respects like several other so-called new cities proposed or underway in Saudi Arabia and around the world. China unveiled a similar plan this year to turn land 100 kilometers (about 60 miles) south of the capital into a megacity, the Xiongan New Area, that is intended to serve as the new site of Beijing's nongovernmental functions.

Photo of the Day

A September sunset, from the corner of North and Gregg streets.

If you have a great photo from anywhere in the south central Ohio vicinity that you would like to share, please forward it for consideration for the Photo of the Day to SouthCentalBulldog@gmail.com.

Sen. Portman - Week in Review

Senator Portman

Senator Portman spent his week working around the clock to improve and advance the Tax Cuts & Jobs Act, legislation approved Thursday by the Senate Finance Committee that will fix our broken tax code to help the middle class, create more jobs, and increase wages for American workers.

Notably, the legislation would save the typical Ohio family $2,375 annually on their tax bill.  That’s $2,375 for Ohio families to use more of their own money for groceries, gas, a car payment, retirement and college costs, a family vacation, or whatever they choose, and that’s why Portman is working so hard to get this legislation signed into law. Also this week, Portman saw his legislation to provide additional funding to the 180th Fighter Wing in Toledo, the JSMC in Lima, and the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton pass through Congress as part of the FY 2018 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) Conference Report. It now heads the president’s desk for his signature.

For more on Senator Portman’s week, please see the following:

Saturday, November 11

On Saturday, Senator Portman received the Panetta Institute for Public Policy’s bipartisan Lincoln-Jefferson Award. The Panetta Institute bestowed this prestigious award upon Senator Portman and Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) to honor their exceptional commitment to the principles of our democracy and dedication to encouraging the healthy function of the United States system of government through an informed electorate.

“I am humbled to receivethe Panetta Institute’s 2017 Jefferson-Lincoln Award,” said Portman. “My focus each and every day is to work with my bipartisan colleagues to get things done for Ohio in the Senate. The issues facing the American people aren’t dependent upon political affiliation, and the solutions shouldn’t be either. Whether it is reforming our broken tax code to bring more jobs back to America and increase wages, turning the tide of the opioid epidemic, or ending the heinous crime of sex trafficking, I will continue to work in a bipartisan manner to deliver results and get meaningful legislation passed for the people of Ohio.”

“In presenting the Jefferson-Lincoln Awards, the Panetta Institute recognizes individuals who have dedicated their careers to the most vital principles of our democracy,” said Secretary Leon E. Panetta. “In presenting these awards annually, we pay tribute to those leaders who are committed to the principles that have historically made our country an inspirational example of the democratic process at its best.”

NOTE:  In his first Senate term, more than 50 of Portman’s bills were signed into law by then-President Obama. These measures are making a difference for Ohio’s working families, whether it is helping those struggling with addiction, helping to combat the horrific crime of human trafficking, creating jobs and boosting wages for Ohio workers, cracking down on unfair and illegal imports, increasing energy efficiency and protecting our environment, and much more.

What's Next for the GOP Tax Plan?

Join AMAC         AMAC - The Association of Mature American Citizens is now over 1,300,000 Members Strong!                 Politics             House Passes Tax Cuts and Jobs Act | What's Next for the GOP Tax Plan? By - Cole P. Zail On Thursday, the House approved the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act with a vote of 227-205. The bill passed along party lines, with no Democrats voting in support of it. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act aims to simplify taxes for Americans, reducing the country's seven tax brackets down to four. According to House Speaker Paul Ryan, the bill would save the...             READ MORE                 Poll         How do you expect the GOP tax plan to affect your personal taxes once it is enacted into law? • I expect to see a decrease in my taxes • I expect my taxes to remain about the same • I expect my taxes will increase • Unsure         TAKE POLL               Press Release         AMAC: Aging Is a Disease and Science Is Determined To Find a 'Cure' For It By - John Grimaldi Is old age a disease? Dan Weber, president of the Association of Mature American Citizens [AMAC], says a significant amount of scientific research indicates that aging is, indeed, a disease. "More important there are many...         READ MORE               Politics         Trump Delivers on Trade Deals With China By - D.J. Wilson President Donald J. Trump has proven that his desire to 'Make America Great Again' is more than just a campaign slogan. China, which possesses one of the fastest growing economies in the world, has a reputation for ...         READ MORE

The Old Farmer's Almanac - The Value of Leaves

Foliage season is a mixed blessing. I have one eye on the gorgeous spectacle of changing colors and the other eye on the value of these leaves—and how I can put them to work.

Leaves that were just beginning to show some color yesterday will soon be brown and on the ground, their brief moment of glory gone. Here's how to use those fall leaves to feed your soil instead of sending them to a landfill.

Free Soil Amendment
Look at all those leaves as brown gold. The leaves of one large tree can be worth as much as $50 worth of plant food and humus. They are a rich source of calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and trace minerals the tree roots have mined from deep in the subsoil. Pound for pound, leaves contain twice the mineral content of manure. The huge amount of organic matter they offer can be used to improve soil structure. Leaf humus can lighten heavy clay soils and increase the moisture retention of dry sandy soils. No organic gardener should pass up this opportunity for a free soil amendment.

Composting Leaves If you are not already composting, now is a good time to start. Rake or blow your leaves into loose piles or enclose them in bins, if you wish. If you want to speed up decomposition, mow over the leaves a few times with your lawn mower or shred them into smaller pieces with a leaf shredder or chipper. Many leaf vacs have a shredder in them to reduce the volume of the leaves being inhaled. Mix a shovelful of soil in each layer of leaves to introduce helpful microorganisms to the pile. Leaves are high in carbon but low in nitrogen so it helps to add a source of nitrogen like manure or grass clippings to help feed the bacteria that will be doing all the work of breaking down the leaves. Spent plants from the garden that were not diseased or infested with insects can be added to the pile along with kitchen scraps.

LEARN MORE: ECHO's National Sales Event—Big fall savings with instant rebates

Making Mulch Shredded leaves also make a good mulch. Just blow them into your flower beds and under trees and shrubs while mowing. We use a lightweight, no-noise leaf blower these days; it’s just so much quicker. We cover the beds in our vegetable garden with a layer of chopped leaves to keep the soil from washing away over the winter. The best time to mulch perennials is after the ground has frozen, so put aside another pile of shredded leaves to use later in the fall. Improve the Soil Don’t want to rake or blow your leaves at all? Researchers at Michigan State University have proven that mowing leaves on your lawn improves the soil, lessening the need for fertilizer in the spring. They recommend setting your mower blade 3 inches high and mowing once a week while the leaves are falling. As long as you don't have excessive leaf cover, do not be concerned. Mowed leaves feed worms, fungi, and soil bacteria. Don't be a perfectionist or fret if you don’t pick up every single leaf!

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