Author Archives: Jim Sutliff

Millionaire Tax –

The millionaire tax is a hot button tax issue in  several states.  The results from an increased tax rate for high earners are questioned by many analysts.  Supporters of the millionaire tax argue that it increases revenue and effects a very small percentage … Continue reading

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Gulf Oil Drilling Permits –

The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement, is expected to issue more oil and gas deep water drilling permits in the Gulf of Mexico.  The drilling permits may be issued within the next week.  In addition, some offshore leases … Continue reading

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Tax Rate Cut –

The House Ways and Means Committee on tax writing will propose tax rate cuts for individuals and corporations.  The highest tax rate proposed will fall from 35% to 25%.  There are no specific details regarding a timeline or which offsetting tax breaks would … Continue reading

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O’Hare Airport Deal –

Chicago reached an agreement with United and American  Airlines for a $1.17 billion dollar plan.  The expansion and modernization program would help to reduce flight delays by adding and reconfiguring runways.  To read a related Reuters article, please click here: http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/03/14/us-chicago-airlines-ohare-idUSTRE72D5N020110314 James … Continue reading

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Wisconsin Bill Advances –

The  Wisconsin Assembly passed the bill removing collective bargaining rights from state workers.  The bill was moved forward without Senate Democrats who had left the state.  There are expected to be several recall elections for Republican and Democratic Senate seats.  Wisconsin only … Continue reading

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Making Work Pay Credit –

Bankrate.com provides a tax guide that can be of assistance this tax season.  A recent article discusses that Making Work Pay tax credit.  The article outlines the income limits for the tax credit and the reasons to file a schedule M with your return.  To … Continue reading

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Democrat Akaka Will Not Run –

Democratic Senator Daniel Akaka has joined a growing list of Democrats that will not run for re-election in 2012.  The decision not to run makes the Senate seat for Hawaii a competitive race.  Republicans are likely to run former Governor Linda Lingle for the … Continue reading

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Government Waste –

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a 345 page report on government programs that duplicated efforts.  Republicans and Democrats embraced the report as a guide to cut government spending.  Republican Senator Tom Coburn requested the report and estimated savings that could exceed … Continue reading

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Senate Passes Aviation Bill –

Last week, the Senate approved approved a $35 billion dollar aviation bill.  The legislation is expected to bring more competition to routes from the west coast to the Washington DC area.  The bill passed the Senate with an 87-8 vote.  To read … Continue reading

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House Votes To Cut Spending –

The House of Representatives voted 235-189 to cut spending by $61 billion dollars.  The vote was along party lines with most Republicans voting for the bill which had deeper spending cuts than originally proposed.  Democrats are expected to make significant changes to the bill … Continue reading

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Senator Bingaman To Retire –

Senator Bingaman of New Mexico became the fourth Democrat to announce retirement plans for 2012.  The democrat served five terms and was expected to face a strong Republican challenge in the next election.  The New Mexico Senate seat is considered … Continue reading

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Senate Democrats 2012 Races –

The Rothenberg Political Report is a great source for news and analysis on politics.  Recently, the Rothenberg Political Report had an article on the challenges that the Democrats will face in the 2012 Senate races.  The recent decision by Webb and … Continue reading

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Democrat Webb Will Not Run –

Virginia Senator Jim Webb has announced that he will not run for re-election in 2012.  The Democrat first won the Senate seat by a small magin in 2006.  Webb would have faced a rematch with former Republican Senator George Allen.  George Allen … Continue reading

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Senate Democrats Target Oil Industry –

Senate Democrats are attempting to eliminate tax breaks for the oil industry.  In a recent letter, Senate Democratic leaders asked House Speaker Boehner to remove tax breaks for the oil industry to help cut spending.  The letter was signed by Senate … Continue reading

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Health Care Repeal Voted Down –

The Senate voted on party lines against repealing the health care overhaul.  The outcome was expected with the final vote being 51-47.  However, there was a change made to health care law which affects small businesses.  The Senate voted 81-17 to remove a requirement … Continue reading

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