Roskam calls for job-creating tax-code overhaul

A simpler tax-code, Rep. Peter Roskam (R-IL) argues, will create more jobs. The House Chief Deputy Whip lays down his argument in The Hill:

Let's make a bet. Imagine I gave you the task of coming up with a rational tax system. Starting with a blank sheet of paper, I bet that you would create a system nothing like our current one.

In fact, you'd be foolish to take that bet, because there is such broad agreement on the need for fundamental tax reform. A recent Rasmussen Poll showed that only 9 percent of Americans think the U.S. has the best tax system in the world. There is good reason for that harsh reality.

We need a comprehensive fundamental tax reform overhaul — one that produces a system that raises the necessary revenue for the government to run as efficiently as possible, while removing barriers to private-sector job creation. More specifically, we need a revenue code that is fairer, simpler and no longer hinders our economic competitiveness — all of which cost jobs.

A fairer and simpler tax code would reduce costs for American citizens and job creators. Right now, the tax code often forces employers to make investment decisions based on the tax code, not by what is best for their business. The tax code should not be used to favor one widget over another, or one sector over another.

Technorati tags: politics news Republican Congress Illinois illinois politics dupage county peter roskam gop Congress

Walker axes Wisconsin budget

Paul Bunyan's Cook Shanty,
Minocqua, WI

With his Paul Bunyan ax, Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker slashes spending in his proposed budget. State Senate President Mike Ellis tells the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "It's the first budget we've had in 12 years that's going to actually be a balanced budget without any funny money."

More from the Journal Sentinel:

Gov. Scott Walker vowed Tuesday to close a $3.5 billion budget gap by remolding Wisconsin government at every level: slashing aid to public schools and local governments while setting up increases in private school aid; eliminating 1,200 state jobs; and placing the tightest limits on property taxes that the state has seen.

To balance the budget without raising taxes or fees, the Republican governor is calling for sacrifices and changes affecting residents across the state, from students and participants in the SeniorCare prescription drug plan to poor families receiving health care or welfare from the state.

The two-year, $59.2 billion budget proposal also has a host of effects on Milwaukee, including ending the requirement that Milwaukee Public Schools teachers live in the city; expanding the use of voucher schools; and studying the possibility of converting the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee into a separate authority - a shift already being targeted for UW-Madison in the bill.

"We are returning to frugality and making the long-term decisions to balance our budget now and more importantly into the future. We will do the heavy lifting to protect our children and grandchildren from having to make the hard decisions that were once avoided," Walker said.

The Upper Midwest has a new Paul Bunyan.

Technorati tags: wisconsin Politics wisconsin politics scott walker milwaukee education Republican college

Public-sector union tool Quinn named chief fundraiser for Democratic Governors Association

Illinois: Where public-sector
unions prevail

If there was ever any doubt that the Democratic Party is the party of the public-sector unions, here is the clincher: Illinois Governor Pat Quinn, who eked out a win last fall with the financial help of those unions, is the new finance chair of the Democratic Governors Association.

There are four gubernatorial races this fall--in Kentucky, Louisiana, West Virginia, and Mississippi.

Illinois is suffering under a $15 billion deficit. In January, Quinn rammed through an income tax increase that was double the one he said he favored during the campaign. The public-sector unions of course favored those tax hikes.

While other states, even some with Democratic governors, are talking about cutting spending, Quinn is spending more, he wants to borrow billions--despite the tax increase--and he wants to add jobs to the state payroll.

DGA chairman Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley is said to be "very pleased" Quinn is on board.

Forget about O'Malley: Quinn is the face of the Democratic governors.

Quinn's two-time running mate, Rod Blagojevich, was also quite adept at collecting cash from public-sector unions.

Hat tip to Capitol Fax.

Technorati tags: chicago labor unions organized laborDemocrats Illinois illinois politics

"Staggering level of duplication" in Washington

More waste.

From the Senate Republican Communications Center:

"Staggering Level Of Duplication"

New GAO Report Shows Billions In Government Waste, ‘Could Serve As A Template’ For Reducing Spending

‘A Staggering Level Of Duplication Is Plaguing The Bloated Federal Budget’

“Sen. Tom Coburn (R., Okla.), Who Pushed For The Report, Estimated It Identifies Between $100 Billion And $200 Billion In Duplicative Spending.” (“Billions In Bloat Uncovered In Beltway,” The Wall Street Journal, 3/1/11)

GAO: “Reducing Or Eliminating Duplication, Overlap, Or Fragmentation Could Potentially Save Billions Of Taxpayer Dollars Annually And Help Agencies Provide More Efficient And Effective Services.” (“Government Overlap Costs Taxpayers Billions, GAO Reports,” The Washington Post, 3/1/11)

ABC NEWS: “With Congress Currently Embroiled In A Contentious Spending Fight, A Congressional Watchdog Has Found That A Staggering Level Of Duplication Is Plaguing The Bloated Federal Budget – And Chewing Up Billions Of Dollars In Funding Every Year.” (“GAO: Duplication, Waste Costs Taxpayers Billions Each Year, Coburn Says Report Makes Congress Look Like 'Jackasses',” ABC News, 3/1/11)

THE WALL STREET JOURNAL: “[I]t Could Serve As A Template For Lawmakers In Both Parties As They Move To Cut Federal Spending And Consolidate Programs To Reduce The Deficit.” (“Billions In Bloat Uncovered In Beltway,” The Wall Street Journal, 3/1/11)

THE WASHINGTON POST: “The Study, Mandated Last Year As Part Of Legislation Raising The Federal Debt Limit, Is Likely To Be Cited By Lawmakers Pushing For Deeper Spending Cuts As Part Of Ongoing Budget Negotiations.” (“Government Overlap Costs Taxpayers Billions, GAO Reports,” The Washington Post, 3/1/11)

GAO: Massive Overlap In Government Programs

“The U.S. Government Has More Than 100 Programs Dealing With Surface Transportation Issues, 82 Monitoring Teacher Quality, 80 For Economic Development, 47 For Job Training, 20 Offices Or Programs Devoted To Homelessness And 17 Different Grant Programs For Disaster Preparedness.” (“Government Overlap Costs Taxpayers Billions, GAO Reports,” The Washington Post, 3/1/11)

·         “Another 15 Agencies Or Offices Handle Food Safety, And Five Are Working To Ensure The Federal Government Uses Less Gasoline.” (“Government Overlap Costs Taxpayers Billions, GAO Reports,” The Washington Post, 3/1/11)

“The Agency Found 82 Federal Programs To Improve Teacher Quality; 80 To Help Disadvantaged People With Transportation; 47 For Job Training And Employment; And 56 To Help People Understand Finances, According To A Draft Of The Report Reviewed By The Wall Street Journal.” (“Billions In Bloat Uncovered In Beltway,” The Wall Street Journal, 3/1/11)

·         “The Report Took Particular Aim At Government Funding For Surface Transportation, Including The Building Of Roads And Other Projects, Which The Administration Has Made A Major Part Of Its Push To Update The Country's Infrastructure.” (“Billions In Bloat Uncovered In Beltway,” The Wall Street Journal, 3/1/11)

·         “The Report Said Five Divisions Within The Department Of Transportation Account For 100 Different Programs That Fund Things Like Highways, Rail Projects And Safety Programs.” (“Billions In Bloat Uncovered In Beltway,” The Wall Street Journal, 3/1/11)

·         “The Report Says There Are 18 Federal Programs That Spent A Combined $62.5 Billion In 2008 On Food And Nutrition Assistance, But Little Is Known About The Effectiveness Of 11 Of These Programs Because They Haven't Been Well Studied.” (“Billions In Bloat Uncovered In Beltway,” The Wall Street Journal, 3/1/11)

·         “The GAO Highlighted 80 Different Economic Development Programs At The Department Of Commerce, HUD, Department Of Agriculture And Small Business Administration, That Spent A Combined $6.5 Billion Last Year And Often Overlapped.” (“Billions In Bloat Uncovered In Beltway,” The Wall Street Journal, 3/1/11)

GAO: Billions In Stimulus Relied On Distribution System That Is ‘Mired In The 1950s’

THE WASHINGTON POST: “Much Of The Obama Administration's Economic Stimulus Program Has Relied On The Distribution Of Federal Highway Construction Dollars, But The Government's Approach To The Issue Remains Mired In The 1950s, Auditors Said.”  (“Government Overlap Costs Taxpayers Billions, GAO Reports,” The Washington Post, 3/1/11)

·         “Federal Transportation Issues Now Involve More Than 6,000 Workers At Five Agencies Within The Transportation Department, Running About 100 Separate Funding Streams For Highways, Transit Systems, Rail And Transportation Safety, The Report Said. The Overlap Costs An Estimated $58 Billion Annually.” (“Government Overlap Costs Taxpayers Billions, GAO Reports,” The Washington Post, 3/1/11)

Gingrich forms presidential exploratory committee

Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich is forming a presidential exploratory committee, becoming the first top-tier Republican to take this step--so says the National Journal.

I expect other big names to quickly follow.

Gingrich has a keen mind and is able to opine--without a teleprompter--on almost any issue. His presence in the presidential race, win or lose, will elevate the debate in Iowa, New Hampshire, and beyond.

Technorati tags: elections Politics Republican gop conservative newt gingrich

San Francisco stinks because of costly low-flow toilets

-

One of the thrones in the liberal Valhalla of San Fransisco is the low-flow toilet. These commodes uses less water--perhaps. But stubborn "solid matter" doesn't cooperate with the mind flow of environmentalists, so multiple flushing is often required to finish the job.

The city offers $125 rebates to install low flow toilets. But the costs don't end there. The paucity of flowing water has caused sludge to back up in San Francisco sewers--causing a stench in the area of AT&T Park.

The San Francisco Chronicle says the city has already spent $100 million to fight the sewer stench, and will spend $14 million to pour bleach into the city's sewers and water supply to fight the stench.

These environmental initiatives sure are expensive. And that really stinks.

Technorati tags: California san francisco green environment Democrats news politics

Kirk to advance anti-piracy legislation in wake of slaying of four Americans on Arabian Sea

Just hours before this press release was issued, Somali pirates seized seven Danes, including three children, on the Indian Ocean. There are barbarians on the high seas.

Kirk to Advance Anti-Piracy Legislation in Wake of Slaying of Four Americans on Arabian Sea

"Decatur Initiative" Would Establish 'Pirate Exclusion Zone' To Allow Boarding or Sinking of Vessels


Kirk: "The murder of four Americans shows the requirement for a tough response to Somali pirates."

CHICAGO—In the wake of the killings of four Americans last week, U. S. Senator Mark Kirk (R-Ill.) drew attention Monday to a recent New York Times report detailing the escalating threat to the international shipping industry from increasingly demanding and violent Somali pirates.

Senator Kirk said he will advance anti-piracy legislative options to safeguard U.S. economic and security interests off the coast of east Africa.

"The murder of four Americans shows the requirement for a tough response to Somali pirates"” Senator Kirk said. "This is a growing problem, not only victimizing innocent Americans handing out Bibles, but also the safe passage of oil-filled tankers bound for the United States."

Senator Kirk, who plans a mission this spring to the Horn of Africa to get a first-hand look at current anti-piracy efforts on both land and sea, said published reports confirm that bloody Somali pirate attacks are on the rise, expanding their threat to critical oil shipping. The Horn of Africa has the most growth potential for two burgeoning al Qaeda franchises: al Qaeda in the Islamic Magreb (AQIM), a morph of an earlier ultraviolent Algerian Islamist movement, and Somalia’s al-Shabaab group, which effectively controls 80 percent of Somalia, pledging loyalty to Osama bin Laden in early 2010.

The New York Times reported Sunday the Somali pirates now sail more than 1,000 miles from east Africa to find prey. They have extorted more than $100 million in ransom. Today’s ransom demands are as high as $5 million for ship owners—costs that get passed on to consumers.

The "red zone" patrolled by Western forces, including the United States, also has expanded to more than one million square miles of water, an area that naval officers told the New York Time is impossible to control.

Senator Kirk is calling his effort to explore anti-piracy options the "Decatur Initiative," named after the legendary Navy captain Stephen Decatur, who became a national hero when he recaptured the U.S. frigate Philadelphia from pirates in Tripoli during the Barbary War of 1801-1805.

"Captain Decatur, for whom Decatur, Illinois, is named, torched the Philadelphia so it couldn't be used by the pirates again," Senator Kirk said. "I think we could learn an important lesson from that strategy."

Senator Kirk said he is studying the advancement of several anti-piracy legislative options, including but not limited to, establishment of:

•A 'Pirate Exclusion Zone' that would allow the immediate boarding and/or sinking of any vessel from Somalia not approved and certified for sea by allied forces;

•An Expedited Legal Regime permitting trial and detention of pirates captured on the high seas;

•Blockade of pirate-dominated ports like Hobyo, Somalia.

•Broad powers and authority to on-scene commanders to attack or arrest pirates once outside Somalia’s 12-mile territorial limit, including the sinking of vessels if a local commander deems it warranted.

Through his position on the Senate Banking Committee, Senator Kirk will explore financial links between pirates and the terrorist groups al Shabaab and IQIM, and target pirates with financial sanctions in the same way as other terrorist networks.

With his position on the Senate Appropriations Committee, he will review U.S. expenditures to support stabilizing governments in the region.

"This effort will recall the spirit of President Thomas Jefferson and the first major mission of the U.S. Navy," said Senator Kirk, a 20-year intelligence officer in the Naval Reserves. "The open ocean should become increasingly dangerous for pirates to operate against the world’s most powerful navy."

With each successful Somali pirate operation, expert worry about profits used to support terrorism against America and her allies. According to a report compiled by the Congressional Research Service, authorities reported 445 incidents of piracy and armed robbery against ships in 2010, representing the fourth consecutive year of increased reports of piracy incidents since 2006.

In 2010, 1,201 crew members were taken hostage, kidnapped or ransomed in increasingly violent attacks, according to the CRS report. USA Today reported that the pirate attacks around the Horn of Africa increased another 10 percent in 2010 to 160 from 145 in 2009. Somali pirates were responsible for the majority of those attacks.

According to the New York Times, the pirates currently hold more than 50 vessels and more than 800 hostages—figures that are consistently on the rise.

Experts say the hostages normally are held an average of six months while the pirates await their ransom. Recently, however, pirate attacks have become increasingly violent as the seafaring predators troll the waters far from their homeland.

The four Americans killed February 22 were sailing these troubled waters when Somali pirates seized their 58-foot yacht in the Arabian Sea. U.S. Navy forces trailed the yacht, the Quest, and stormed the vessel upon hearing gunfire.

Authorities said by the time U.S. forces boarded the yacht, pirates had already shot and killed Californians Jean and Scott Adams. The Adams family had been handing out bibles to new acquaintances during a sailing trip around the world. Fellow sailors Phyllis Macay and Bob Riggle, both of Seattle, were also murdered. Authorities said the killings marked the first time the Somali pirates had killed U.S. citizens they had taken hostage.

President Obama authorized Navy warships to follow the Americans' yacht and use deadly force if necessary just as he did in 2009 when four Somali pirates captured the container ship Maersk Alabama in the Indian Ocean. Navy SEALS shot and killed four Somali pirates who had taken the ship.

For a map showing the range and rapid expansion of pirate attacks, visit here.

Technorati tags: terrorism Illinois Senate Democrats politics news current events Mark Kirk illinois politics gop Republican denmark danmark somalia military defense