Source: Senator Sherrod Brown (D - OH)
Washington, D.C. - November 4, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) urged the House of Representatives to follow the Senate’s lead on the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and work toward a bipartisan solution for CHIP funding. Last month, the Senate Finance Committee – of which Brown is a member – voted nearly unanimously to pass a bipartisan deal that would lock in a five-year funding extension of CHIP. Rather than work in a bipartisan manner, the House today passed a partisan CHIP extension that while similar to the Senate bill, creates winners and losers by funding CHIP by raising costs for Ohio seniors and cutting critical public health funds. Brown is a sponsor of the Senate bill to extend funding for CHIP, which covers more than 209,000 Ohio children.
“We shouldn’t be pitting Ohio seniors against Ohio children,” said Brown. “That’s why Senator Portman and I, and our colleagues on the Finance Committee, voted for and continue to work on a bipartisan bill that takes care of children and their families without hurting seniors.”
Unlike the Senate CHIP extension – which passed with strong bipartisan support in the Senate Finance Committee – the House bill passed on a near party-line vote today. The House CHIP extension would increase costs for many seniors in Medicare, and would slash funding for the Prevention and Public Health Fund, which provided Ohio with $22.9 million last year to help prevent disease.
To read more news about the CHIP program at the Ponder News, Click HERE
The Unpopular Truth
Saturday, November 4, 2017
Blumenthal Introduces Two Bicameral Bills to Protect Domestic Abuse Survivors from Gun Violence
Source: Senator Richard Blumenthal - (D - CT)
Washington, D.C. - November 4, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) led the introduction of two bills designed to protect domestic violence survivors from gun violence. The Lori Jackson Domestic Violence Survivor Protection Act and the Domestic Violence Gun Homicide Prevention Act are narrowly crafted measures that will, respectively, close loopholes that allow domestic abusers to legally obtain weapons, and incentivize states to strengthen protections for victims of domestic violence and abuse.
Leaving an abusive relationship is the most dangerous time for a domestic violence victim, and adding the threat or use of firearms heightens the risk of fatality for a victim. According to a report published by the CDC in July 2017, more than 55% of female homicide victims were killed in connection to violence committed by intimate partners. More than half of all homicides of women involved firearms.
“The link between domestic violence and guns is well-documented, and deadly. Lori Jackson’s tragic death is one of thousands that occur each year following domestic disputes,” said Blumenthal. “The narrowly-crafted legislation I introduced in Lori’s name would close the loophole that allows domestic abusers under temporary restraining orders to legally obtain weapons. Together with the Domestic Violence Gun Homicide Prevention Act – which would strengthen protections for domestic violence survivors – we can act decisively to prevent gun deaths at the hands of domestic abusers. Continued congressional complicity in this matter is unacceptable.”
The Lori Jackson Domestic Violence Survivor Protection Act would close dangerous loopholes in federal law, thereby protecting millions of women and men nationwide. Current federal law protects domestic violence survivors from gun violence by preventing their abusers from purchasing or possessing a firearm – but only once the court has issued a permanent restraining order. This leaves survivors unprotected exactly when they are in the most danger: when a domestic abuser first learns his or her victim has left and only a temporary restraining order is in place. Further, the current definition of ‘intimate partner’ used to prohibit individuals convicted of domestic violence from purchasing or possessing a firearm includes spouses, former spouses, people with a child in common, and cohabitants. However, there are many survivors of dating violence who were never married, do not live with their abuser, and have no children.
This bill would restrict those under temporary restraining order from purchasing or possessing a firearm, and would extend protections to domestic violence survivors who have been abused by their dating partners. The bill is named in memory of Lori Jackson, an Oxford, Connecticut mother of two who was tragically shot and killed by her estranged husband, who had legally obtained a handgun under a temporary restraining order. U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-CT), Jack Reed (D-RI), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Richard Durbin (D-IL), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Patty Murray (D-WA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), and Kamala Harris (D-CA) are cosponsoring the bill in the Senate. A companion measure was introduced in the House of Representatives by U.S. Representative Jim Himes (D-CT).
“The threat of domestic and intimate-partner violence constantly looms over our country,” said Himes. “As situations spiral downward and the cycle of violence repeats, victims are at much greater risk if their abuser has access to a firearm. Dangerous encounters can turn deadly in the blink of an eye. If we can take real steps to keep firearms out of the hands of abusive individuals, mark my words, there is no doubt we will be saving lives and preventing children from growing up without parents.”
The Domestic Violence Gun Homicide Prevention Act will incentivize states to continue to strengthen protections for victims of domestic violence and abuse who are at risk of gun violence. The act authorizes the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to make grants to states under the existing Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Grants) mechanism. States may use funds they are awarded to assist law enforcement agencies or courts that seek to keep firearms out of the hands of people who are legally prohibited from having them, or, in adjudicating or responding to domestic violence situations, to remove guns from situations in which there is probable cause to believe they will be used for domestic violence, harassment, or threats. U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-CT), Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Richard Durbin (D-IL), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), and Kamala Harris (D-CA) are cosponsoring the bill in the Senate. A companion measure was introduced in the House of Representatives by U.S. Representative Gwen Moore (D-WI).
“When a victim makes the courageous decision to leave an abusive situation, her life is at the greatest risk. If she is Black, her risk is even higher,” said Moore. “At this critical juncture, the safety of the victim all too often depends on state enforcement authorities that lack the resources needed to swiftly disarm abusers. This bill, the Domestic Violence Homicide Prevention Act, would reverse this alarming reality by incentivizing the implementation of stricter state-level firearm enforcement protections, giving law enforcement and judicial authorities the tools they need to save the lives of survivors and their families.”
The bills are supported by a number of advocacy and support groups, including the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, the National Network to End Domestic Violence, the National Domestic Violence Hotline, and Jewish Women International.
Ruth Glenn, Executive Director of the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, said, "While federal law protects some victims and survivors of intimate partner violence from abusers with firearms, 'some' is insufficient; the law needs to protect all victims and survivors. We know that about half of all intimate partner homicides are committed by dating partners, and women are at greatest risk of homicide when they take action to leave their abusers such as obtaining ex parte protective orders. Common sense dictates that these victims should receive the same protections as other victims and survivors of intimate partner violence and that judges and law enforcement have the tools they need to enforce existing law and keep their communities safe."
“Every day in the United States victims of domestic violence are killed or severely injured because abusers have access to firearms,” said Kim Gandy, President and CEO of National Network to End Domestic Violence. “Congress has already made it clear that abusers should not be allowed to have guns, but loopholes give them legal access. We applaud Senator Blumenthal for taking a stand to protect victims by closing these dangerous loopholes, and giving states additional resources to remove firearms from abusers.”
“In our 2014 survey on firearms and domestic violence, 67 percent of participants shared that they believed their abusive partner was capable of killing them, and 22 percent said their abusive partner had threatened to use a gun,” said Katie Ray-Jones, CEO of the National Domestic Violence Hotline. “We can’t allow perpetrators of domestic violence to have access to firearms, and the Domestic Violence Gun Homicide Prevention Act will go a long way in closing blatant gaps in existing laws that put victims of domestic violence and dating abuse at serious risk.”
Jewish Women International CEO Lori Weinstein said, “No domestic abuser should have access to a gun. I commend Senator Blumenthal's tireless efforts to ensure the safety of women and children from gun violence and fully support the introduction of these two pieces of legislation that will protect women from gun violence in domestic violence situations. On behalf of JWI and our members across the country, I call on Congress to pass these bills immediately. The lives of countless women and children are threatened every day. The stakes could not be higher.”
You can read more news about 2nd Amendment issues at The Ponder News by clicking HERE
Washington, D.C. - November 4, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) led the introduction of two bills designed to protect domestic violence survivors from gun violence. The Lori Jackson Domestic Violence Survivor Protection Act and the Domestic Violence Gun Homicide Prevention Act are narrowly crafted measures that will, respectively, close loopholes that allow domestic abusers to legally obtain weapons, and incentivize states to strengthen protections for victims of domestic violence and abuse.
Leaving an abusive relationship is the most dangerous time for a domestic violence victim, and adding the threat or use of firearms heightens the risk of fatality for a victim. According to a report published by the CDC in July 2017, more than 55% of female homicide victims were killed in connection to violence committed by intimate partners. More than half of all homicides of women involved firearms.
“The link between domestic violence and guns is well-documented, and deadly. Lori Jackson’s tragic death is one of thousands that occur each year following domestic disputes,” said Blumenthal. “The narrowly-crafted legislation I introduced in Lori’s name would close the loophole that allows domestic abusers under temporary restraining orders to legally obtain weapons. Together with the Domestic Violence Gun Homicide Prevention Act – which would strengthen protections for domestic violence survivors – we can act decisively to prevent gun deaths at the hands of domestic abusers. Continued congressional complicity in this matter is unacceptable.”
The Lori Jackson Domestic Violence Survivor Protection Act would close dangerous loopholes in federal law, thereby protecting millions of women and men nationwide. Current federal law protects domestic violence survivors from gun violence by preventing their abusers from purchasing or possessing a firearm – but only once the court has issued a permanent restraining order. This leaves survivors unprotected exactly when they are in the most danger: when a domestic abuser first learns his or her victim has left and only a temporary restraining order is in place. Further, the current definition of ‘intimate partner’ used to prohibit individuals convicted of domestic violence from purchasing or possessing a firearm includes spouses, former spouses, people with a child in common, and cohabitants. However, there are many survivors of dating violence who were never married, do not live with their abuser, and have no children.
This bill would restrict those under temporary restraining order from purchasing or possessing a firearm, and would extend protections to domestic violence survivors who have been abused by their dating partners. The bill is named in memory of Lori Jackson, an Oxford, Connecticut mother of two who was tragically shot and killed by her estranged husband, who had legally obtained a handgun under a temporary restraining order. U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-CT), Jack Reed (D-RI), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Richard Durbin (D-IL), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Patty Murray (D-WA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Sherrod Brown (D-OH), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), and Kamala Harris (D-CA) are cosponsoring the bill in the Senate. A companion measure was introduced in the House of Representatives by U.S. Representative Jim Himes (D-CT).
“The threat of domestic and intimate-partner violence constantly looms over our country,” said Himes. “As situations spiral downward and the cycle of violence repeats, victims are at much greater risk if their abuser has access to a firearm. Dangerous encounters can turn deadly in the blink of an eye. If we can take real steps to keep firearms out of the hands of abusive individuals, mark my words, there is no doubt we will be saving lives and preventing children from growing up without parents.”
The Domestic Violence Gun Homicide Prevention Act will incentivize states to continue to strengthen protections for victims of domestic violence and abuse who are at risk of gun violence. The act authorizes the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to make grants to states under the existing Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Grants) mechanism. States may use funds they are awarded to assist law enforcement agencies or courts that seek to keep firearms out of the hands of people who are legally prohibited from having them, or, in adjudicating or responding to domestic violence situations, to remove guns from situations in which there is probable cause to believe they will be used for domestic violence, harassment, or threats. U.S. Senators Chris Murphy (D-CT), Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Richard Durbin (D-IL), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), and Kamala Harris (D-CA) are cosponsoring the bill in the Senate. A companion measure was introduced in the House of Representatives by U.S. Representative Gwen Moore (D-WI).
“When a victim makes the courageous decision to leave an abusive situation, her life is at the greatest risk. If she is Black, her risk is even higher,” said Moore. “At this critical juncture, the safety of the victim all too often depends on state enforcement authorities that lack the resources needed to swiftly disarm abusers. This bill, the Domestic Violence Homicide Prevention Act, would reverse this alarming reality by incentivizing the implementation of stricter state-level firearm enforcement protections, giving law enforcement and judicial authorities the tools they need to save the lives of survivors and their families.”
The bills are supported by a number of advocacy and support groups, including the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, the National Network to End Domestic Violence, the National Domestic Violence Hotline, and Jewish Women International.
Ruth Glenn, Executive Director of the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, said, "While federal law protects some victims and survivors of intimate partner violence from abusers with firearms, 'some' is insufficient; the law needs to protect all victims and survivors. We know that about half of all intimate partner homicides are committed by dating partners, and women are at greatest risk of homicide when they take action to leave their abusers such as obtaining ex parte protective orders. Common sense dictates that these victims should receive the same protections as other victims and survivors of intimate partner violence and that judges and law enforcement have the tools they need to enforce existing law and keep their communities safe."
“Every day in the United States victims of domestic violence are killed or severely injured because abusers have access to firearms,” said Kim Gandy, President and CEO of National Network to End Domestic Violence. “Congress has already made it clear that abusers should not be allowed to have guns, but loopholes give them legal access. We applaud Senator Blumenthal for taking a stand to protect victims by closing these dangerous loopholes, and giving states additional resources to remove firearms from abusers.”
“In our 2014 survey on firearms and domestic violence, 67 percent of participants shared that they believed their abusive partner was capable of killing them, and 22 percent said their abusive partner had threatened to use a gun,” said Katie Ray-Jones, CEO of the National Domestic Violence Hotline. “We can’t allow perpetrators of domestic violence to have access to firearms, and the Domestic Violence Gun Homicide Prevention Act will go a long way in closing blatant gaps in existing laws that put victims of domestic violence and dating abuse at serious risk.”
Jewish Women International CEO Lori Weinstein said, “No domestic abuser should have access to a gun. I commend Senator Blumenthal's tireless efforts to ensure the safety of women and children from gun violence and fully support the introduction of these two pieces of legislation that will protect women from gun violence in domestic violence situations. On behalf of JWI and our members across the country, I call on Congress to pass these bills immediately. The lives of countless women and children are threatened every day. The stakes could not be higher.”
You can read more news about 2nd Amendment issues at The Ponder News by clicking HERE
Colorado Lawmakers File Amicus Brief in Masterpiece Cakeshop Case
Source: Senator Michael F. Bennet - (D - CO)
Note from the editor: I hate it that I don't have more news in support of the Masterpiece Cake Shop. I can't post it if I don't have it. If anyone has press releases that support the cake shop, or would like to write an opinion editorial supported by facts about the case, I would love to post it at the Ponder as an exclusive Op-Ed. Send it to me using the email at the bottom of the web site.
Thank you!
(If you don't, just remember: If your internet seems flooded with the leftist agenda, it is because the right are not contributing, and have chosen to sit down and be quiet. The pen IS mightier than the sword!
Washington, D.C. - November 4, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet, along with Colorado U.S. Representatives Diana DeGette, Ed Perlmutter, and Jared Polis, are among 211 Members of Congress who this week filed an Amicus Brief in the case Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission, which will be heard before the U.S. Supreme Court on December 5.
The brief is in support of the Colorado Civil Rights Commission, which enforces the state's anti-discrimination statute providing civil rights protections for historically marginalized groups, including the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) community. A ruling against the Commission could create a "license to discriminate," allowing businesses to deny service to Americans, including LGBTQ people.
"In signing this brief, we are sending a clear signal that every American - regardless of race, color, sexual orientation, or gender - should be guaranteed freedom from discrimination in all aspects of their lives," Bennet said. "We are hopeful that the Supreme Court will affirm this principle and set an important anti-discrimination precedent."
"I'm honored to join 210 of my House and Senate colleagues in signing this brief, which helps ensure that businesses in Colorado and across America are open to all," DeGette said. "LGBTQ Americans deserve the full protection of the law; this case is about that, and more. Our brief affirms freedom from discrimination for all people in our society. This case isn't about wedding cakes, just as it wasn't about water fountains half a century ago."
"If a business is open to the public, it should be open to everyone regardless of their sexual orientation or who they love," Perlmutter said. "Every American has the right to be treated fairly and equally, and should have the freedom to live the life they want. I'm proud to sign on to this amicus brief and support other legislation to ensure equal rights for all Americans."
"It's a basic principle: discrimination of any kind is wrong in a public accommodation," Polis said. "We must not chip away at anti-discrimination protections under law. The liberty of all Americans, not just LGBTQ Americans, is at stake."
In 2012, Charlie Craig and David Mullins were denied a wedding cake by Masterpiece Cakeshop because of their sexual orientation. The shop's owner, Jack Phillips, cited religious objections to same-sex marriage as a justification for his refusal. The Colorado Civil Rights Commission ruled that the shop could not lawfully deny services to individuals based on their sexual orientation under the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act and required the shop to provide staff training and issue reports on steps taken to come into compliance with the ruling. Masterpiece Cakeshop appealed the ruling, which was eventually upheld by the Colorado Supreme Court. The shop appealed the decision, and the United States Supreme Court granted certiorari. The U.S. Supreme Court will hear oral arguments on December 5th. If the court finds that a business owner's religious conviction or expressive intent trumps civil rights laws, it could undermine local, state, and federal civil rights laws that prohibit discrimination in accessing public accommodations.
In the friend-of-the-court brief, 36 Senators and 175 House members urged the Supreme Court to affirm the Colorado Civil Rights Commission's initial decision to require Masterpiece Cakeshop to comply with the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act. The brief considers the history of federal nondiscrimination laws, such as Title II of the Civil Rights Act and Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and how rulings regarding those statutes apply to the pending case. Signers warned that the outcome of the case could have broad implications for the civil rights of groups that already face discrimination and that creating exemptions to public accommodations laws - in this case based on a business' arguably expressive conduct or religious belief - would undermine the government's interest in prohibiting discrimination against minority groups.
The brief is supported by One Colorado, Human Rights Campaign, the American Civil Liberties Union, Bend the Arc Jewish Action, GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders (GLAD), Lambda Legal, NAACP Legal Defense Fund, National Center for Lesbian Rights, National Center for Transgender Equality, National Employment Law Project, National LGBTQ Task Force, National Women's Law Center, People for the American Way Foundation, SAGE, Transgender Law Center, Equality California, Equality Delaware, Equality Florida, Equality New Mexico, Equality North Carolina, and Garden State Equality.
A full version of the brief is available HERE.
See more headlines about the Masterpiece Cakeshop at The Ponder News Web Site by clicking here
Note from the editor: I hate it that I don't have more news in support of the Masterpiece Cake Shop. I can't post it if I don't have it. If anyone has press releases that support the cake shop, or would like to write an opinion editorial supported by facts about the case, I would love to post it at the Ponder as an exclusive Op-Ed. Send it to me using the email at the bottom of the web site.
Thank you!
(If you don't, just remember: If your internet seems flooded with the leftist agenda, it is because the right are not contributing, and have chosen to sit down and be quiet. The pen IS mightier than the sword!
Washington, D.C. - November 4, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Colorado U.S. Senator Michael Bennet, along with Colorado U.S. Representatives Diana DeGette, Ed Perlmutter, and Jared Polis, are among 211 Members of Congress who this week filed an Amicus Brief in the case Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission, which will be heard before the U.S. Supreme Court on December 5.
The brief is in support of the Colorado Civil Rights Commission, which enforces the state's anti-discrimination statute providing civil rights protections for historically marginalized groups, including the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) community. A ruling against the Commission could create a "license to discriminate," allowing businesses to deny service to Americans, including LGBTQ people.
"In signing this brief, we are sending a clear signal that every American - regardless of race, color, sexual orientation, or gender - should be guaranteed freedom from discrimination in all aspects of their lives," Bennet said. "We are hopeful that the Supreme Court will affirm this principle and set an important anti-discrimination precedent."
"I'm honored to join 210 of my House and Senate colleagues in signing this brief, which helps ensure that businesses in Colorado and across America are open to all," DeGette said. "LGBTQ Americans deserve the full protection of the law; this case is about that, and more. Our brief affirms freedom from discrimination for all people in our society. This case isn't about wedding cakes, just as it wasn't about water fountains half a century ago."
"If a business is open to the public, it should be open to everyone regardless of their sexual orientation or who they love," Perlmutter said. "Every American has the right to be treated fairly and equally, and should have the freedom to live the life they want. I'm proud to sign on to this amicus brief and support other legislation to ensure equal rights for all Americans."
"It's a basic principle: discrimination of any kind is wrong in a public accommodation," Polis said. "We must not chip away at anti-discrimination protections under law. The liberty of all Americans, not just LGBTQ Americans, is at stake."
In 2012, Charlie Craig and David Mullins were denied a wedding cake by Masterpiece Cakeshop because of their sexual orientation. The shop's owner, Jack Phillips, cited religious objections to same-sex marriage as a justification for his refusal. The Colorado Civil Rights Commission ruled that the shop could not lawfully deny services to individuals based on their sexual orientation under the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act and required the shop to provide staff training and issue reports on steps taken to come into compliance with the ruling. Masterpiece Cakeshop appealed the ruling, which was eventually upheld by the Colorado Supreme Court. The shop appealed the decision, and the United States Supreme Court granted certiorari. The U.S. Supreme Court will hear oral arguments on December 5th. If the court finds that a business owner's religious conviction or expressive intent trumps civil rights laws, it could undermine local, state, and federal civil rights laws that prohibit discrimination in accessing public accommodations.
In the friend-of-the-court brief, 36 Senators and 175 House members urged the Supreme Court to affirm the Colorado Civil Rights Commission's initial decision to require Masterpiece Cakeshop to comply with the Colorado Anti-Discrimination Act. The brief considers the history of federal nondiscrimination laws, such as Title II of the Civil Rights Act and Title III of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and how rulings regarding those statutes apply to the pending case. Signers warned that the outcome of the case could have broad implications for the civil rights of groups that already face discrimination and that creating exemptions to public accommodations laws - in this case based on a business' arguably expressive conduct or religious belief - would undermine the government's interest in prohibiting discrimination against minority groups.
The brief is supported by One Colorado, Human Rights Campaign, the American Civil Liberties Union, Bend the Arc Jewish Action, GLBTQ Legal Advocates & Defenders (GLAD), Lambda Legal, NAACP Legal Defense Fund, National Center for Lesbian Rights, National Center for Transgender Equality, National Employment Law Project, National LGBTQ Task Force, National Women's Law Center, People for the American Way Foundation, SAGE, Transgender Law Center, Equality California, Equality Delaware, Equality Florida, Equality New Mexico, Equality North Carolina, and Garden State Equality.
A full version of the brief is available HERE.
See more headlines about the Masterpiece Cakeshop at The Ponder News Web Site by clicking here
U.S. SENATOR TAMMY BALDWIN URGES TRUMP ADMINISTRATION TO SUPPORT ADDITIONAL FUNDING TO COMBAT OPIOID EPIDEMIC
Source: Senator Tammy Baldwin - (D - WI)
Washington, D.C. - November 4, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin has sent a letter to President Donald Trump with Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Angus King (I-ME) and a group of 19 senators, calling on the President to support additional funding necessary to combat the opioid epidemic. Currently, the President’s emergency declaration only makes about $57,000 available which fails to adequately address this epidemic.
“We appreciate your formal declaration that the opioid epidemic is a National Public Health Emergency. While this is a positive step forward, more action must be taken in order to craft a timely and effective national strategy that will achieve long term solutions to this crisis. Specifically, we are concerned that your declaration does not yet include any additional funding resources for key programs and initiatives that will help our patients, providers, first responders and researchers who desperately need more assistance,” wrote the senators.
The senators continued, “Researchers, providers, patients, first responders, experts and policy makers agree that investing sufficient and timely resources are of paramount importance in order to allow our communities to effectively combat this epidemic. The President’s Commission on Combatting Drug Addiction and the Opioid Crisis agrees. The final Commission report released this week recommends that your Administration increase access to treatment and recovery programs, as well as expand the capacity for medication-assisted treatment and first responder access to overdose reversal drugs. As such, we encourage your Administration to work closely with Congress to swiftly provide the necessary additional and sustained funding to carry out a multi-faceted approach that supports activities related to research, education, prevention, treatment and rehabilitation.”
In addition, Senator Baldwin joined 14 of her Senate colleagues last week to introduce the Combating the Opioid Epidemic Act, which would invest an additional $45 billion in local prevention, treatment and recovery efforts.
The letter to President Trump can be read here.
More news about the Opioid Epidemic issues can be found at The Ponder News by clicking HERE
Washington, D.C. - November 4, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin has sent a letter to President Donald Trump with Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Angus King (I-ME) and a group of 19 senators, calling on the President to support additional funding necessary to combat the opioid epidemic. Currently, the President’s emergency declaration only makes about $57,000 available which fails to adequately address this epidemic.
“We appreciate your formal declaration that the opioid epidemic is a National Public Health Emergency. While this is a positive step forward, more action must be taken in order to craft a timely and effective national strategy that will achieve long term solutions to this crisis. Specifically, we are concerned that your declaration does not yet include any additional funding resources for key programs and initiatives that will help our patients, providers, first responders and researchers who desperately need more assistance,” wrote the senators.
The senators continued, “Researchers, providers, patients, first responders, experts and policy makers agree that investing sufficient and timely resources are of paramount importance in order to allow our communities to effectively combat this epidemic. The President’s Commission on Combatting Drug Addiction and the Opioid Crisis agrees. The final Commission report released this week recommends that your Administration increase access to treatment and recovery programs, as well as expand the capacity for medication-assisted treatment and first responder access to overdose reversal drugs. As such, we encourage your Administration to work closely with Congress to swiftly provide the necessary additional and sustained funding to carry out a multi-faceted approach that supports activities related to research, education, prevention, treatment and rehabilitation.”
In addition, Senator Baldwin joined 14 of her Senate colleagues last week to introduce the Combating the Opioid Epidemic Act, which would invest an additional $45 billion in local prevention, treatment and recovery efforts.
The letter to President Trump can be read here.
More news about the Opioid Epidemic issues can be found at The Ponder News by clicking HERE
House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Passes the PREPARE Act
Source: R Street
Washington, D.C. - November 4, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- The R Street Institute welcomes today’s unanimous vote by the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee to pass legislation that would better coordinate federal agencies to respond to natural disasters.
Sponsored by Reps. Matt Cartwright, D-Pa., and Leonard Lance, R-N.J., H.R. 4177, the PREPARE Act, would create an interagency council to help plan federal disaster responses and make recommendations on the best way to plan for extreme weather, while also importantly working with stakeholders at the state and local level to disseminate information about preparedness.
“This year’s massive hurricanes and wildfires serve as a reminder that the cost to respond to natural disasters continues to grow, and taxpayers are footing an ever larger part of the bill,” R Street Senior Fellow R.J. Lehmann said. “The PREPARE Act offers a plan to prepare for and coordinate response in ways that are both streamlined and efficient.”
Read more about issues concerning Natural Disasters at The Ponder News by clicking HERE
Washington, D.C. - November 4, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- The R Street Institute welcomes today’s unanimous vote by the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee to pass legislation that would better coordinate federal agencies to respond to natural disasters.
Sponsored by Reps. Matt Cartwright, D-Pa., and Leonard Lance, R-N.J., H.R. 4177, the PREPARE Act, would create an interagency council to help plan federal disaster responses and make recommendations on the best way to plan for extreme weather, while also importantly working with stakeholders at the state and local level to disseminate information about preparedness.
“This year’s massive hurricanes and wildfires serve as a reminder that the cost to respond to natural disasters continues to grow, and taxpayers are footing an ever larger part of the bill,” R Street Senior Fellow R.J. Lehmann said. “The PREPARE Act offers a plan to prepare for and coordinate response in ways that are both streamlined and efficient.”
Read more about issues concerning Natural Disasters at The Ponder News by clicking HERE
Ohio House overwhelmingly approves Down Syndrome Non-Discrimination Act
Source: Ohio Right to Life
Washington, D.C. - November 4, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- The Ohio House overwhelmingly approved Ohio Right to Life's Down Syndrome Non-Discrimination Act (H.B. 214), 63-30, legislation which would prohibit abortions from being performed for the sole reason of a Down syndrome diagnosis. The legislation is sponsored by Representatives Sarah LaTourette (R-Chesterland) and Derek Merrin (R-Monclova Township).
“Ohio Right to Life commends the Ohio House for taking a stand against this devastating practice,” said Mike Gonidakis, president of Ohio Right to Life. “Today's vote is a vote against modern-day eugenics, plain and simple. After seeing the horrors of eugenics play out in the 20th century, it is appalling that this legislation is even up for debate. While aborting a human child is always wrong, we should all agree that there is something particularly egregious about targeting babies with disabilities for destruction."
Since June, multiple Down syndrome advocates have testified before House and Senate committees in favor of the legislation. Around the world and here in America, unborn babies diagnosed with Down syndrome are disproportionately aborted. Recent news reports have revealed these alarming trends in European countries like Denmark where 98 percent of babies with a positive diagnosis are aborted and in Iceland where 100 percent are aborted. Last week, advocate Frank Stephens, who has Down syndrome, testified before Congress, referencing such reports and saying, "I am a man with Down syndrome, and my life is worth living."
“These disturbing trends challenge us with the opportunity to be better,” said Gonidakis. “With this knowledge, we have an obligation to protect our friends with Down syndrome, not only because they can teach us to be a more loving and empathetic society, but because they, like all of us, are endowed with the fundamental right to life. With this legislation, Ohio is paving the way for a society that stands up to discrimination and defends the most vulnerable among us."
H.B. 214 has companion legislation (S.B. 164) in the Ohio Senate. The bill is sponsored by Senator Frank LaRose (R-Hudson) and has already received three hearings. Ohio Right to Life asks its members to sign its petition to pass the Down Syndrome Non-Discrimination Act. Click here to take action now.
Founded in 1967, Ohio Right to Life, with more than 45 chapters and local affiliates, is Ohio's oldest and largest grassroots pro-life organization. Recognized as the flagship of the pro-life movement in Ohio, ORTL works through legislation and education to promote and defend innocent human life from conception to natural death.
Read more about abortion issues at The Ponder News by clicking HERE
Washington, D.C. - November 4, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- The Ohio House overwhelmingly approved Ohio Right to Life's Down Syndrome Non-Discrimination Act (H.B. 214), 63-30, legislation which would prohibit abortions from being performed for the sole reason of a Down syndrome diagnosis. The legislation is sponsored by Representatives Sarah LaTourette (R-Chesterland) and Derek Merrin (R-Monclova Township).
“Ohio Right to Life commends the Ohio House for taking a stand against this devastating practice,” said Mike Gonidakis, president of Ohio Right to Life. “Today's vote is a vote against modern-day eugenics, plain and simple. After seeing the horrors of eugenics play out in the 20th century, it is appalling that this legislation is even up for debate. While aborting a human child is always wrong, we should all agree that there is something particularly egregious about targeting babies with disabilities for destruction."
Since June, multiple Down syndrome advocates have testified before House and Senate committees in favor of the legislation. Around the world and here in America, unborn babies diagnosed with Down syndrome are disproportionately aborted. Recent news reports have revealed these alarming trends in European countries like Denmark where 98 percent of babies with a positive diagnosis are aborted and in Iceland where 100 percent are aborted. Last week, advocate Frank Stephens, who has Down syndrome, testified before Congress, referencing such reports and saying, "I am a man with Down syndrome, and my life is worth living."
“These disturbing trends challenge us with the opportunity to be better,” said Gonidakis. “With this knowledge, we have an obligation to protect our friends with Down syndrome, not only because they can teach us to be a more loving and empathetic society, but because they, like all of us, are endowed with the fundamental right to life. With this legislation, Ohio is paving the way for a society that stands up to discrimination and defends the most vulnerable among us."
H.B. 214 has companion legislation (S.B. 164) in the Ohio Senate. The bill is sponsored by Senator Frank LaRose (R-Hudson) and has already received three hearings. Ohio Right to Life asks its members to sign its petition to pass the Down Syndrome Non-Discrimination Act. Click here to take action now.
Founded in 1967, Ohio Right to Life, with more than 45 chapters and local affiliates, is Ohio's oldest and largest grassroots pro-life organization. Recognized as the flagship of the pro-life movement in Ohio, ORTL works through legislation and education to promote and defend innocent human life from conception to natural death.
Read more about abortion issues at The Ponder News by clicking HERE
House Tax Bill Preserves Key Priorities for Entrepreneurial Ecosystem
Source: National Venture Capital Association
The National Venture Capital Association (NVCA) issued the following statement today after House Republicans unveiled their draft tax reform legislation.
“We view tax reform as a unique opportunity to encourage new company formation by modernizing the tax code to better reflect the realities of the entrepreneurial business model,” said Bobby Franklin, President and CEO of NVCA. “We are pleased the House Ways and Means Committee heard our message and is preserving several issues important to the entrepreneurial ecosystem, including Qualified Small Business Stock Rules and the R&D credit payroll offset. We are also pleased to see the inclusion of an NVCA-backed proposal to allow startup employees to defer taxes on their exercised stock options without a liquid market to sell them. As the process unfolds, we look forward to engaging with lawmakers on other ways tax reform can encourage new company formation, as well as reinforce for them the importance of long-term patient investment when considering changes to the taxation of carried interest capital gains.”
Venture capitalists are committed to funding America’s most innovative entrepreneurs, working closely with them to transform breakthrough ideas into emerging growth companies that drive U.S. job creation and economic growth. As the voice of the U.S. venture capital community, the National Venture Capital Association (NVCA) empowers its members and the entrepreneurs they fund by advocating for policies that encourage innovation and reward long-term investment. As the venture community’s preeminent trade association, the NVCA serves as the definitive resource for venture capital data and unites its member firms through a full range of professional services.
Read more about the "Cut Cut Cut" Act at The Ponder News by clicking HERE
The National Venture Capital Association (NVCA) issued the following statement today after House Republicans unveiled their draft tax reform legislation.
“We view tax reform as a unique opportunity to encourage new company formation by modernizing the tax code to better reflect the realities of the entrepreneurial business model,” said Bobby Franklin, President and CEO of NVCA. “We are pleased the House Ways and Means Committee heard our message and is preserving several issues important to the entrepreneurial ecosystem, including Qualified Small Business Stock Rules and the R&D credit payroll offset. We are also pleased to see the inclusion of an NVCA-backed proposal to allow startup employees to defer taxes on their exercised stock options without a liquid market to sell them. As the process unfolds, we look forward to engaging with lawmakers on other ways tax reform can encourage new company formation, as well as reinforce for them the importance of long-term patient investment when considering changes to the taxation of carried interest capital gains.”
Venture capitalists are committed to funding America’s most innovative entrepreneurs, working closely with them to transform breakthrough ideas into emerging growth companies that drive U.S. job creation and economic growth. As the voice of the U.S. venture capital community, the National Venture Capital Association (NVCA) empowers its members and the entrepreneurs they fund by advocating for policies that encourage innovation and reward long-term investment. As the venture community’s preeminent trade association, the NVCA serves as the definitive resource for venture capital data and unites its member firms through a full range of professional services.
Read more about the "Cut Cut Cut" Act at The Ponder News by clicking HERE
Friday, November 3, 2017
Virginia Church Disinvites George Washington
Source: Institute on Religion and Democracy
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Washington, D.C. - November 3, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- A Virginia Episcopal parish in which George Washington regularly worshiped has announced that it will remove a plaque marking the former U.S. President.
Christ Episcopal Church in Alexandria, Virginia announced it is relocating out of the sanctuary two nearly 150-year-old marble plaques that memorialize its two most famous parishioners.
Washington as a parish vestryman facilitated Christ Church’s construction and was later a regular worshiper, also participating at Pohick Church near Mount Vernon, the Falls Church in Falls Church, Virginia and Truro Parish in Fairfax, Virginia. Robert E. Lee was a nearly lifelong parishioner at Christ Church, where he was baptized and confirmed in middle age after a personal religious rebirth. His daughter left the church a large endowment. Washington himself bequeathed the church a Bible.
In a statement, parish officials wrote that the plaques “make some in our presence feel unsafe or unwelcome”.
According to Episcopal Church statistics, Christ Church attendance has declined by approximately 25 percent in the past decade, while giving at the church has dropped by 20 percent.
IRD President Mark Tooley commented:
“Count me skeptical that Christ Church loses potential members over the plaques. Likelier the ties to Washington and Lee attract tourists and other visitors who wouldn’t otherwise attend.
“Washington’s faith almost certainly guided him toward opposition to slavery and emancipation for his own slaves. Christianity, based on the example of St. Paul, usually judges lives based on their trajectory and conclusion, not the sins of earlier life.
“Christ Church’s form of Episcopal liberalism invariably attracts a demographic that is nearly all middle and upper class, educated, socially liberal urban white people. Churches that stress their welcome-welcome-welcome message of inclusion over a firm orthodox theological message typically are, whether realizing it or not, actually welcoming some and discouraging others.
“In my visits to Christ Church I have noticed the well-dressed congregation is not very diverse. Removing the Washington and Lee plaques will not likely expand its demographic.”
See more headlines at The Ponder News Web Site
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Washington, D.C. - November 3, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- A Virginia Episcopal parish in which George Washington regularly worshiped has announced that it will remove a plaque marking the former U.S. President.
Christ Episcopal Church in Alexandria, Virginia announced it is relocating out of the sanctuary two nearly 150-year-old marble plaques that memorialize its two most famous parishioners.
Washington as a parish vestryman facilitated Christ Church’s construction and was later a regular worshiper, also participating at Pohick Church near Mount Vernon, the Falls Church in Falls Church, Virginia and Truro Parish in Fairfax, Virginia. Robert E. Lee was a nearly lifelong parishioner at Christ Church, where he was baptized and confirmed in middle age after a personal religious rebirth. His daughter left the church a large endowment. Washington himself bequeathed the church a Bible.
In a statement, parish officials wrote that the plaques “make some in our presence feel unsafe or unwelcome”.
According to Episcopal Church statistics, Christ Church attendance has declined by approximately 25 percent in the past decade, while giving at the church has dropped by 20 percent.
IRD President Mark Tooley commented:
“Count me skeptical that Christ Church loses potential members over the plaques. Likelier the ties to Washington and Lee attract tourists and other visitors who wouldn’t otherwise attend.
“Washington’s faith almost certainly guided him toward opposition to slavery and emancipation for his own slaves. Christianity, based on the example of St. Paul, usually judges lives based on their trajectory and conclusion, not the sins of earlier life.
“Christ Church’s form of Episcopal liberalism invariably attracts a demographic that is nearly all middle and upper class, educated, socially liberal urban white people. Churches that stress their welcome-welcome-welcome message of inclusion over a firm orthodox theological message typically are, whether realizing it or not, actually welcoming some and discouraging others.
“In my visits to Christ Church I have noticed the well-dressed congregation is not very diverse. Removing the Washington and Lee plaques will not likely expand its demographic.”
See more headlines at The Ponder News Web Site
What's New Today at The Ponder -- 11/3/17
You can read about all of this at The Ponder News
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November 02, 2017
Pondering the Opioid Epidemic
The Ponder News
The President has declared a National Opioid Addiction Emergency. The Ponder News has collected responses to that declaration.
Click Here to read them...
https://www.thepondernews.com/opioidepidemic
November 02, 2017
ASAM commends the President’s commission for a thorough and thoughtful report that recommends an array of smart and actionable interventions
American Society of Addiction Medicine
President Trump’s Commission on Combating Drug Addiction and the Opioid Epidemic held its fifth and final meeting during which the commission approved its final report to the president. The president established the commission to review the state of drug addiction and the opioid epidemic in the United States and to make recommendations regarding how the Federal Government can best address this crisis.
Read more...
https://www.thepondernews.com/opioidepidemic
November 02, 2017
APA Pledges to Help Curb Opioid Epidemic
American Psychiatric Association
The APA welcomes the final report because it helps bring much-needed attention to this crisis. We are still reviewing the report’s contents for a full evaluation, but we stand ready to work with the administration, Congress and the states to help provide education, funding, training and support to address the opioid crisis. Our organization trains thousands of clinicians each year in the diagnosis and treatment of those with opioid use disorders. Additionally, we are an active partner in the Providers’ Clinical Support System for Medication Assisted Treatment coalition funded by SAMHSA. This national initiative provides training and mentoring in response to the prescription opioid misuse epidemic and increases the availability of pharmacotherapies to address opioid use disorder. Our more than 37,000 members are well aware of the impact this crisis is having in their communities and are working to provide the necessary care to curb the epidemic.
Read more...
https://www.thepondernews.com/opioidepidemic
=====
November 02, 2017
Pondering the "Cut Cut Cut" Act
The Ponder News
House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Kevin Brady (R-TX) introduced the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act – bold legislation to overhaul America’s tax code for the first time in 31 years. If you are interested in this, The Ponder News has compiled headlines about this topic.
Read more...
https://www.thepondernews.com/cutcutcutact
November 02, 2017
STATEMENT: CAP’s Neera Tanden: House Tax Bill is a Grade-A Scam
Center for American Progress
President Donald Trump and congressional Republican leaders can dress up this bill all they want, but the reality is this: The House tax legislation is a grade-A scam. Its primary feature—huge tax cuts for millionaires, billionaires, and wealthy corporations—will be paid for by middle- and working-class families. It will threaten priorities such as Medicaid, Medicare, and education.
Read more...https://www.thepondernews.com/cutcutcutact
November 02, 2017
GOVERNOR BROWN ISSUES STATEMENT ON REPUBLICAN TAX PROPOSAL
Add some more info about this item...
"The hurried tax proposal unveiled by Congress today transfers income from individuals and families to large and powerful corporate structures. This is bad economic policy and bad for the American people."
Read more...https://www.thepondernews.com/cutcutcutact
November 02, 2017
Tax plan calls for retention of exemption for municipal bond interest
American Public Power Association
The tax exemption for municipal bond interest would remain largely unchanged under a tax plan unveiled Nov. 2 by House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Kevin Brady, R-Texas.
Read more....https://www.thepondernews.com/cutcutcutact
November 02, 2017
API: HOUSE TAX BILL TAKES BOLD STEPS TO MODERNIZE THE NATION’S TAX CODE
American Petroleum Institute
Today the House Ways & Means Committee took a bold step to modernize the nation’s tax code to sustain U.S. economic growth, spur strong energy investment, and create American jobs and we commend Chairman Brady for his tremendous leadership on this issue,” said Gerard. “The last comprehensive update to the U.S. tax code was in 1986 and significant proposals, like lowering the corporate tax rate and strong cost-recovery provisions, will help ensure that our tax system is smart, fair and pro-growth to benefit American consumers, businesses, and the economy.
Read more...https://www.thepondernews.com/cutcutcutact
November 02, 2017
Union: Working Families Worse Off Under House Tax Plan
American Federation of Government Employees
The tax plan unveiled by House leadership would mostly benefit those who need the help the least: wealthy individuals and large corporations. While the plan would lower the tax rate for many middle-income families, most would end up having more of their income taxed. And the plan would actually raise taxes on our poorest citizens.
Read more...https://www.thepondernews.com/cutcutcutact
November 02, 2017
AFT on GOP Tax Proposal
American Federation of Teachers
We have long said that Donald Trump campaigned as a populist but would govern as an elitist, and the GOP-Trump tax giveaway bill released today epitomizes this view.
Read more...https://www.thepondernews.com/cutcutcutact
November 02, 2017
AFSCME Pres. Lee Saunders on House Majority Tax Plan
The Ponder News
“Working people, seniors, and children will pay for this bill’s tax giveaways to corporations and the super wealthy by way of partisan gamesmanship that will force cuts to Medicare, Medicaid, and public education. But to add insult to injury, the bill will starve communities of state and local public services, stifle job growth, and cause many middle class families to actually be hit with a tax increase.
Read more...https://www.thepondernews.com/cutcutcutact
November 02, 2017
Council statement on GOP tax reform bill
The Ponder News
"Promoting savings, investment and economic growth is the goal of tax reform and retirement plans are how Americans save and invest. We are gratified today's proposal lets workers save for retirement in the way that best meets their financial security needs. We will work with Congress to ensure that retirement savings is protected as the tax reform process moves forward.”
Read more...
http://thepondernews.blogspot.com/2017/11/afscme-pres-lee-saunders-on-house.html
November 02, 2017
Statement from the President on the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act
The Ponder News
I applaud the House Ways and Means Committee for introducing the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which is another important step toward providing massive tax relief for the American people. My tax reform priorities have been the same since day one: bringing tax cuts for hardworking, middle-income Americans; eliminating unfair loopholes and deductions; and slashing business taxes so employers can create jobs, raise wages, and dominate their competition around the world. The policies of my Administration have already helped to drive the stock market to all-time highs and the unemployment rate to a 16-year low. Economic confidence is skyrocketing and our GDP grew 3 percent yet again this quarter.
Read more...
http://thepondernews.blogspot.com/2017/11/council-statement-on-gop-tax-reform-bill.html
November 02, 2017
Chairman Brady Introduces the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act
The Ponder News
House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Kevin Brady (R-TX) introduced the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act – bold legislation to overhaul America’s tax code for the first time in 31 years. With this bill, a typical middle-income family of four, earning $59,000 (the median household income), will receive a $1,182 tax cut.
Read more...
http://thepondernews.blogspot.com/2017/11/chairman-brady-introduces-tax-cuts-and.html
November 02, 2017
AEM: Tax Cuts and Jobs Act a Big Step Forward
The Ponder News
The equipment manufacturing industry commends Speaker Ryan, Chairman Brady and all the members of the House Ways & Means Committee for taking an important step on the path toward achieving pro-growth, pro-manufacturing tax reform. The legislation introduced today serves as a good foundation for continued debate in Congress. The Association of Equipment Manufacturers and its more than 950 members support permanent tax reform that simplifies the code, lowers rates for all businesses, and ultimately creates good-paying manufacturing jobs in America.
Read more...
http://thepondernews.blogspot.com/2017/11/aem-tax-cuts-and-jobs-act-big-step.html
November 02, 2017
MCMORRIS RODGERS: TAX CUTS AND JOBS ACT IS “MUST-PASS LEGISLATION”
The Ponder News
Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) released the following statement after the Ways and Means Committee announced the introduction of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, pro-growth and pro-family legislation that overhauls the outdated tax code to put working men and women first. Sponsored by Ways and Means Committee Chairman Kevin Brady (R-TX), the tax reform plan creates more jobs, fairer taxes, and bigger paychecks for all Americans.
Read more...
http://thepondernews.blogspot.com/2017/11/mcmorris-rodgers-tax-cuts-and-jobs-act.html
November 02, 2017
Details of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act
Tax Foundation
House Ways and Means Chairman Kevin Brady (R-TX) released the “chairman’s mark” of the federal tax reform plan contemplated in the Big Six’s Tax Framework. While changes are likely in committee markup, and the Senate will certainly bring its own priorities to the process, today’s release is the first bill text we’ve seen from a tax-writing committee.
Read more...
https://taxfoundation.org/details-tax-cuts-jobs-act/
November 02, 2017
American Action Network Statement On Introduction of The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act
The Ponder News
“The tax bill introduced in the House today will provide relief for American families and small businesses with a simpler, fairer tax code. Meaningful tax reform means higher wages, more jobs, and a $1,200 tax cut for the average middle-class family. Congress must work together to swiftly pass this tax reform bill, and the American Action Network is committed to spend an additional $8 million supporting this legislation, bringing our total spending to over $22 million advocating for tax cuts for the middle class.”
Read more...
http://thepondernews.blogspot.com/2017/11/american-action-network-statement-on.html
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November 02, 2017
Pondering the Masterpiece Cakeshop Case
The Ponder News
The owners of the Masterpiece Cake Shop refused to accommodate a gay wedding with a cake based on their religious beliefs. They were sued .The case has made it to the Supreme Court. If you are interested in the Masterpiece Cake Shop Case, The Ponder News has included a page specifically for that.
Click Here for more...
https://www.thepondernews.com/masterpiececakeshop
November 02, 2017
OfficeMax refuses to print poster for event exposing homosexual agenda
Life Site News
I was sent this little jewel by a friend. The Ponder wants to know: What is the difference between OfficeMax doing this and what is happening with Masterpiece Cake Shop?
Read about it...
https://www.thepondernews.com/masterpiececakeshop
November 02, 2017
HRC-Led Amicus Briefs in Masterpiece Cakeshop SCOTUS Case Features Top Chefs, Businesses
The Ponder News
The Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) civil rights organization, announced two amicus briefs featuring the nation’s leading bakers, chefs and businesses who oppose discrimination against LGBTQ people — the central issue in the pending Supreme Court case Masterpiece Cakeshop, Ltd. v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission.
Read more...
http://thepondernews.blogspot.com/2017/11/hrc-led-amicus-briefs-in-masterpiece.html
November 02, 2017
Amicus Briefs Demonstrate Broad Support for Equality in Masterpiece Case
The Ponder News
Briefs filed with the U.S. Supreme Court today indicate broad support for ensuring all Americans – including LGBTQ people – are treated fairly and equally when accessing public businesses. The Court will hear oral argument in the Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission case on December 5th, and businesses large and small, conservatives, people of faith, and municipal leaders from across the country agreed in a series of briefs that businesses open to the public must serve everyone.
Read more...
http://thepondernews.blogspot.com/2017/11/amicus-briefs-demonstrate-broad-support.html
November 02, 2017
U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin, Representative Sean Patrick Maloney Lead Congressional Amicus Brief in Masterpiece Cakeshop Case
The Ponder News
U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Representative Sean Patrick Maloney (D-NY) announced the filing of an Amicus Brief in support of equal rights for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) community and other marginalized groups in Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission. A ruling for Masterpiece Cakeshop could create a “license to discriminate” allowing businesses to deny service to Americans, including LGBTQ people. Senator Baldwin and Representative Maloney were joined on the brief by 35 Senators and 174 House members.
Read more...
http://thepondernews.blogspot.com/2017/11/us-senator-tammy-baldwin-representative.html
November 02, 2017
EVENT: Debate: ‘Masterpiece Cakeshop at US Supreme Court’ at Newseum on Nov. 13
Alliance Defending Freedom
“Masterpiece Cakeshop at the U.S. Supreme Court: A Public Debate”
Read more...
November 01, 2017
THE MASTERPIECE CAKE SHOP SUPREME COURT CASE DOESN'T REALLY HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH CAKE
Newsweek
A case is headed to the Supreme Court in December that centers around Jack Phillips, the owner of the Colorado-based Masterpiece Cakeshop, who refused to make a cake for a same-sex wedding. But the case doesn’t actually have anything to do with cake—it’s rather an issue that hangs on the line between free speech and discrimination.
Read more...
https://www.thepondernews.com/masterpiececakeshop
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November 02, 2017
Teen childbirth linked to increased risk for heart disease
The Ponder News
Women who became first-time mothers as teens were significantly more likely than older mothers to have greater risks for heart and blood vessel disease later in life, according to new research in Journal of the American Heart Association, the Open Access Journal of the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association.
Read more...
http://thepondernews.blogspot.com/2017/11/teen-childbirth-linked-to-increased.html
November 02, 2017
November is American Diabetes Awareness Month
Understanding Diabetes
Today we are offering a book from Thriftbooks.com called "Understanding Diabetes": A guide for the layman to insure a complete understanding of diabetes. Written by top specialists in the field. Full of essential info on where to go and who to see to survive this condition.
Check it out...
http://thepondernews.com
http://thepondernews.com
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This page is e-mail friendly.
The Ponder hopes you will share it with your friends!
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November 02, 2017
Pondering the Opioid Epidemic
The Ponder News
The President has declared a National Opioid Addiction Emergency. The Ponder News has collected responses to that declaration.
Click Here to read them...
https://www.thepondernews.com/opioidepidemic
November 02, 2017
ASAM commends the President’s commission for a thorough and thoughtful report that recommends an array of smart and actionable interventions
American Society of Addiction Medicine
President Trump’s Commission on Combating Drug Addiction and the Opioid Epidemic held its fifth and final meeting during which the commission approved its final report to the president. The president established the commission to review the state of drug addiction and the opioid epidemic in the United States and to make recommendations regarding how the Federal Government can best address this crisis.
Read more...
https://www.thepondernews.com/opioidepidemic
November 02, 2017
APA Pledges to Help Curb Opioid Epidemic
American Psychiatric Association
The APA welcomes the final report because it helps bring much-needed attention to this crisis. We are still reviewing the report’s contents for a full evaluation, but we stand ready to work with the administration, Congress and the states to help provide education, funding, training and support to address the opioid crisis. Our organization trains thousands of clinicians each year in the diagnosis and treatment of those with opioid use disorders. Additionally, we are an active partner in the Providers’ Clinical Support System for Medication Assisted Treatment coalition funded by SAMHSA. This national initiative provides training and mentoring in response to the prescription opioid misuse epidemic and increases the availability of pharmacotherapies to address opioid use disorder. Our more than 37,000 members are well aware of the impact this crisis is having in their communities and are working to provide the necessary care to curb the epidemic.
Read more...
https://www.thepondernews.com/opioidepidemic
=====
November 02, 2017
Pondering the "Cut Cut Cut" Act
The Ponder News
House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Kevin Brady (R-TX) introduced the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act – bold legislation to overhaul America’s tax code for the first time in 31 years. If you are interested in this, The Ponder News has compiled headlines about this topic.
Read more...
https://www.thepondernews.com/cutcutcutact
November 02, 2017
STATEMENT: CAP’s Neera Tanden: House Tax Bill is a Grade-A Scam
Center for American Progress
President Donald Trump and congressional Republican leaders can dress up this bill all they want, but the reality is this: The House tax legislation is a grade-A scam. Its primary feature—huge tax cuts for millionaires, billionaires, and wealthy corporations—will be paid for by middle- and working-class families. It will threaten priorities such as Medicaid, Medicare, and education.
Read more...https://www.thepondernews.com/cutcutcutact
November 02, 2017
GOVERNOR BROWN ISSUES STATEMENT ON REPUBLICAN TAX PROPOSAL
Add some more info about this item...
"The hurried tax proposal unveiled by Congress today transfers income from individuals and families to large and powerful corporate structures. This is bad economic policy and bad for the American people."
Read more...https://www.thepondernews.com/cutcutcutact
November 02, 2017
Tax plan calls for retention of exemption for municipal bond interest
American Public Power Association
The tax exemption for municipal bond interest would remain largely unchanged under a tax plan unveiled Nov. 2 by House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Kevin Brady, R-Texas.
Read more....https://www.thepondernews.com/cutcutcutact
November 02, 2017
API: HOUSE TAX BILL TAKES BOLD STEPS TO MODERNIZE THE NATION’S TAX CODE
American Petroleum Institute
Today the House Ways & Means Committee took a bold step to modernize the nation’s tax code to sustain U.S. economic growth, spur strong energy investment, and create American jobs and we commend Chairman Brady for his tremendous leadership on this issue,” said Gerard. “The last comprehensive update to the U.S. tax code was in 1986 and significant proposals, like lowering the corporate tax rate and strong cost-recovery provisions, will help ensure that our tax system is smart, fair and pro-growth to benefit American consumers, businesses, and the economy.
Read more...https://www.thepondernews.com/cutcutcutact
November 02, 2017
Union: Working Families Worse Off Under House Tax Plan
American Federation of Government Employees
The tax plan unveiled by House leadership would mostly benefit those who need the help the least: wealthy individuals and large corporations. While the plan would lower the tax rate for many middle-income families, most would end up having more of their income taxed. And the plan would actually raise taxes on our poorest citizens.
Read more...https://www.thepondernews.com/cutcutcutact
November 02, 2017
AFT on GOP Tax Proposal
American Federation of Teachers
We have long said that Donald Trump campaigned as a populist but would govern as an elitist, and the GOP-Trump tax giveaway bill released today epitomizes this view.
Read more...https://www.thepondernews.com/cutcutcutact
November 02, 2017
AFSCME Pres. Lee Saunders on House Majority Tax Plan
The Ponder News
“Working people, seniors, and children will pay for this bill’s tax giveaways to corporations and the super wealthy by way of partisan gamesmanship that will force cuts to Medicare, Medicaid, and public education. But to add insult to injury, the bill will starve communities of state and local public services, stifle job growth, and cause many middle class families to actually be hit with a tax increase.
Read more...https://www.thepondernews.com/cutcutcutact
November 02, 2017
Council statement on GOP tax reform bill
The Ponder News
"Promoting savings, investment and economic growth is the goal of tax reform and retirement plans are how Americans save and invest. We are gratified today's proposal lets workers save for retirement in the way that best meets their financial security needs. We will work with Congress to ensure that retirement savings is protected as the tax reform process moves forward.”
Read more...
http://thepondernews.blogspot.com/2017/11/afscme-pres-lee-saunders-on-house.html
November 02, 2017
Statement from the President on the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act
The Ponder News
I applaud the House Ways and Means Committee for introducing the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which is another important step toward providing massive tax relief for the American people. My tax reform priorities have been the same since day one: bringing tax cuts for hardworking, middle-income Americans; eliminating unfair loopholes and deductions; and slashing business taxes so employers can create jobs, raise wages, and dominate their competition around the world. The policies of my Administration have already helped to drive the stock market to all-time highs and the unemployment rate to a 16-year low. Economic confidence is skyrocketing and our GDP grew 3 percent yet again this quarter.
Read more...
http://thepondernews.blogspot.com/2017/11/council-statement-on-gop-tax-reform-bill.html
November 02, 2017
Chairman Brady Introduces the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act
The Ponder News
House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Kevin Brady (R-TX) introduced the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act – bold legislation to overhaul America’s tax code for the first time in 31 years. With this bill, a typical middle-income family of four, earning $59,000 (the median household income), will receive a $1,182 tax cut.
Read more...
http://thepondernews.blogspot.com/2017/11/chairman-brady-introduces-tax-cuts-and.html
November 02, 2017
AEM: Tax Cuts and Jobs Act a Big Step Forward
The Ponder News
The equipment manufacturing industry commends Speaker Ryan, Chairman Brady and all the members of the House Ways & Means Committee for taking an important step on the path toward achieving pro-growth, pro-manufacturing tax reform. The legislation introduced today serves as a good foundation for continued debate in Congress. The Association of Equipment Manufacturers and its more than 950 members support permanent tax reform that simplifies the code, lowers rates for all businesses, and ultimately creates good-paying manufacturing jobs in America.
Read more...
http://thepondernews.blogspot.com/2017/11/aem-tax-cuts-and-jobs-act-big-step.html
November 02, 2017
MCMORRIS RODGERS: TAX CUTS AND JOBS ACT IS “MUST-PASS LEGISLATION”
The Ponder News
Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) released the following statement after the Ways and Means Committee announced the introduction of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, pro-growth and pro-family legislation that overhauls the outdated tax code to put working men and women first. Sponsored by Ways and Means Committee Chairman Kevin Brady (R-TX), the tax reform plan creates more jobs, fairer taxes, and bigger paychecks for all Americans.
Read more...
http://thepondernews.blogspot.com/2017/11/mcmorris-rodgers-tax-cuts-and-jobs-act.html
November 02, 2017
Details of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act
Tax Foundation
House Ways and Means Chairman Kevin Brady (R-TX) released the “chairman’s mark” of the federal tax reform plan contemplated in the Big Six’s Tax Framework. While changes are likely in committee markup, and the Senate will certainly bring its own priorities to the process, today’s release is the first bill text we’ve seen from a tax-writing committee.
Read more...
https://taxfoundation.org/details-tax-cuts-jobs-act/
November 02, 2017
American Action Network Statement On Introduction of The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act
The Ponder News
“The tax bill introduced in the House today will provide relief for American families and small businesses with a simpler, fairer tax code. Meaningful tax reform means higher wages, more jobs, and a $1,200 tax cut for the average middle-class family. Congress must work together to swiftly pass this tax reform bill, and the American Action Network is committed to spend an additional $8 million supporting this legislation, bringing our total spending to over $22 million advocating for tax cuts for the middle class.”
Read more...
http://thepondernews.blogspot.com/2017/11/american-action-network-statement-on.html
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November 02, 2017
Pondering the Masterpiece Cakeshop Case
The Ponder News
The owners of the Masterpiece Cake Shop refused to accommodate a gay wedding with a cake based on their religious beliefs. They were sued .The case has made it to the Supreme Court. If you are interested in the Masterpiece Cake Shop Case, The Ponder News has included a page specifically for that.
Click Here for more...
https://www.thepondernews.com/masterpiececakeshop
November 02, 2017
OfficeMax refuses to print poster for event exposing homosexual agenda
Life Site News
I was sent this little jewel by a friend. The Ponder wants to know: What is the difference between OfficeMax doing this and what is happening with Masterpiece Cake Shop?
Read about it...
https://www.thepondernews.com/masterpiececakeshop
November 02, 2017
HRC-Led Amicus Briefs in Masterpiece Cakeshop SCOTUS Case Features Top Chefs, Businesses
The Ponder News
The Human Rights Campaign (HRC), the nation’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) civil rights organization, announced two amicus briefs featuring the nation’s leading bakers, chefs and businesses who oppose discrimination against LGBTQ people — the central issue in the pending Supreme Court case Masterpiece Cakeshop, Ltd. v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission.
Read more...
http://thepondernews.blogspot.com/2017/11/hrc-led-amicus-briefs-in-masterpiece.html
November 02, 2017
Amicus Briefs Demonstrate Broad Support for Equality in Masterpiece Case
The Ponder News
Briefs filed with the U.S. Supreme Court today indicate broad support for ensuring all Americans – including LGBTQ people – are treated fairly and equally when accessing public businesses. The Court will hear oral argument in the Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission case on December 5th, and businesses large and small, conservatives, people of faith, and municipal leaders from across the country agreed in a series of briefs that businesses open to the public must serve everyone.
Read more...
http://thepondernews.blogspot.com/2017/11/amicus-briefs-demonstrate-broad-support.html
November 02, 2017
U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin, Representative Sean Patrick Maloney Lead Congressional Amicus Brief in Masterpiece Cakeshop Case
The Ponder News
U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Representative Sean Patrick Maloney (D-NY) announced the filing of an Amicus Brief in support of equal rights for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) community and other marginalized groups in Masterpiece Cakeshop v. Colorado Civil Rights Commission. A ruling for Masterpiece Cakeshop could create a “license to discriminate” allowing businesses to deny service to Americans, including LGBTQ people. Senator Baldwin and Representative Maloney were joined on the brief by 35 Senators and 174 House members.
Read more...
http://thepondernews.blogspot.com/2017/11/us-senator-tammy-baldwin-representative.html
November 02, 2017
EVENT: Debate: ‘Masterpiece Cakeshop at US Supreme Court’ at Newseum on Nov. 13
Alliance Defending Freedom
“Masterpiece Cakeshop at the U.S. Supreme Court: A Public Debate”
Read more...
November 01, 2017
THE MASTERPIECE CAKE SHOP SUPREME COURT CASE DOESN'T REALLY HAVE ANYTHING TO DO WITH CAKE
Newsweek
A case is headed to the Supreme Court in December that centers around Jack Phillips, the owner of the Colorado-based Masterpiece Cakeshop, who refused to make a cake for a same-sex wedding. But the case doesn’t actually have anything to do with cake—it’s rather an issue that hangs on the line between free speech and discrimination.
Read more...
https://www.thepondernews.com/masterpiececakeshop
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November 02, 2017
Teen childbirth linked to increased risk for heart disease
The Ponder News
Women who became first-time mothers as teens were significantly more likely than older mothers to have greater risks for heart and blood vessel disease later in life, according to new research in Journal of the American Heart Association, the Open Access Journal of the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association.
Read more...
http://thepondernews.blogspot.com/2017/11/teen-childbirth-linked-to-increased.html
November 02, 2017
November is American Diabetes Awareness Month
Understanding Diabetes
Today we are offering a book from Thriftbooks.com called "Understanding Diabetes": A guide for the layman to insure a complete understanding of diabetes. Written by top specialists in the field. Full of essential info on where to go and who to see to survive this condition.
Check it out...
http://thepondernews.com
Philadelphia’s beverage tax is working
Source: American Heart Association
Washington, D.C. - November 3, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- At Obesity Week 2017, a national conference on interventions to address obesity, Dr. Sara Bleich presented data on the Influence of Philadelphia Beverage Tax on Prices and Sales. The following comments from Nancy Brown, American Heart Association CEO are in response these new findings.
“Evaluators released preliminary data that show Philadelphia’s tax is working exactly as intended and exposes industry’s erroneous claims that are meant only to protect their profits at the expense of people’s health.
The data show that sweetened beverage purchases in Philadelphia have declined substantially since the tax took effect which is good for health. Moreover, overall sales in Philadelphia grocery stores remained steady, which is good news for local food sector employees and businesses.
We are pleased but not surprised by these findings; studies of sugary drink taxes in Berkeley and Mexico have also reported significant declines in purchases of unhealthy beverages. And with the revenue from Philadelphia’s tax being invested in important community priorities—from thousands of additional seats in quality early care and education programs to an ambitious plan to update the city’s parks, libraries and recreation centers—children and families will reap the benefits for years to come.
The American Heart Association remains committed to strongly supporting sugary drink taxes. Sugary drinks are the number one single source of added sugars for people in the United States. These preliminary data add to the evidence that sugary drink taxes can have a powerful impact on efforts to lower the rates of conditions like heart disease, obesity, and diabetes. We are proud to stand with courageous leaders in Philadelphia who care deeply about the health of their residents. We encourage other cities and states to follow their inspiring example.”
The American Heart Association is devoted to saving people from heart disease and stroke – the two leading causes of death in the world. We team with millions of volunteers to fund innovative research, fight for stronger public health policies and provide lifesaving tools and information to prevent and treat these diseases.
See more headlines at The Ponder News Web Site
Washington, D.C. - November 3, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- At Obesity Week 2017, a national conference on interventions to address obesity, Dr. Sara Bleich presented data on the Influence of Philadelphia Beverage Tax on Prices and Sales. The following comments from Nancy Brown, American Heart Association CEO are in response these new findings.
“Evaluators released preliminary data that show Philadelphia’s tax is working exactly as intended and exposes industry’s erroneous claims that are meant only to protect their profits at the expense of people’s health.
The data show that sweetened beverage purchases in Philadelphia have declined substantially since the tax took effect which is good for health. Moreover, overall sales in Philadelphia grocery stores remained steady, which is good news for local food sector employees and businesses.
We are pleased but not surprised by these findings; studies of sugary drink taxes in Berkeley and Mexico have also reported significant declines in purchases of unhealthy beverages. And with the revenue from Philadelphia’s tax being invested in important community priorities—from thousands of additional seats in quality early care and education programs to an ambitious plan to update the city’s parks, libraries and recreation centers—children and families will reap the benefits for years to come.
The American Heart Association remains committed to strongly supporting sugary drink taxes. Sugary drinks are the number one single source of added sugars for people in the United States. These preliminary data add to the evidence that sugary drink taxes can have a powerful impact on efforts to lower the rates of conditions like heart disease, obesity, and diabetes. We are proud to stand with courageous leaders in Philadelphia who care deeply about the health of their residents. We encourage other cities and states to follow their inspiring example.”
The American Heart Association is devoted to saving people from heart disease and stroke – the two leading causes of death in the world. We team with millions of volunteers to fund innovative research, fight for stronger public health policies and provide lifesaving tools and information to prevent and treat these diseases.
See more headlines at The Ponder News Web Site
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