Source: Alma Adams (D-NC, 12th)
Washington, D.C. - October 25, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Congresswoman Alma S. Adams (NC-12) issued the following statement echoing the call for an apology from White House Chief of Staff John Kelly after he falsely accused Rep. Frederica Wilson (D-FL) of bragging about securing funding for a new Miramar, Florida FBI Building during the dedication of the building in 2015 and referred to her as an “empty barrel”. Following the release of the South Florida Sun Sentinel's video proving General Kelly’s claim was incorrect, Congresswoman Adams was one of seventeen Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) women who demanded an apology from him in a statement over the weekend.
“It is embarrassing that this administration is more concerned about belittling a sitting Congresswoman than getting answers for the families of these fallen heroes,” said Congresswoman Adams. “Chief of Staff Kelly’s demeaning comments and blatant lies should not be allowed to call into question Congresswoman Wilson’s integrity. He should apologize immediately.
“Rep. Wilson has been a principled leader and servant to her South Florida constituents, many of whom she’s come to love like family, for decades. She continued this record of service last week when she visited with the family of fallen hero Sergeant La David Johnson, who graduated from her mentorship program 5000 Role Models of Excellence. While President Trump spent the weekend at his golf course tweeting about football, Rep. Wilson attended Sergeant Johnson’s funeral and continues to call for answers to what happened in Niger.”
The Unpopular Truth
Wednesday, October 25, 2017
Abraham calls for hearings to bring Mueller 'out of the shadows'
Source: Ralph Abraham (R-LA, 5th)
Washington, D.C. - October 25, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Congressman Ralph Abraham, M.D., R-Alto, joined 18 other members of Congress in calling on the House and Senate Judiciary Committees hold hearings to examine Special Counsel Robert Mueller and his team’s potential conflicts of interest and political bias.
“This team has sweeping authority and an open-ended mission, yet they are allowed to operate largely in secret, selected by and ultimately accountable to only one person: Mr. Mueller himself,” the members wrote in a letter dated Oct. 13. “With numerous reports emerging almost every day on possible conflicts of interest and allegations of political bias, it would be in the interest of both the public and the Special Counsel team to speak to the American people through their elected representatives in Congress.”
Dr. Abraham said, “Almost daily another red flag is raised over this team’s ability to remain impartial during this investigation. If they have nothing to hide, let them come forward to a hearing and be accountable to the American people.”
Other members of Congress signing the letter include Brian Babin, Jody Hice, Bob Gibbs, Doug LaMalfa, Ralph Norman, Bill Flores, Bill Posey, Randy Weber, Kay Granger, Trent Franks, Andy Harris, Alex Mooney, Steve King, Duncan Hunter, Scott DesJarlais, Joe Wilson, Neal Dunn, and Dave Brat.
Related News:
Louisiana congressman joins call to pull Russian political inquiry 'out of the shadows'
Washington, D.C. - October 25, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Congressman Ralph Abraham, M.D., R-Alto, joined 18 other members of Congress in calling on the House and Senate Judiciary Committees hold hearings to examine Special Counsel Robert Mueller and his team’s potential conflicts of interest and political bias.
“This team has sweeping authority and an open-ended mission, yet they are allowed to operate largely in secret, selected by and ultimately accountable to only one person: Mr. Mueller himself,” the members wrote in a letter dated Oct. 13. “With numerous reports emerging almost every day on possible conflicts of interest and allegations of political bias, it would be in the interest of both the public and the Special Counsel team to speak to the American people through their elected representatives in Congress.”
Dr. Abraham said, “Almost daily another red flag is raised over this team’s ability to remain impartial during this investigation. If they have nothing to hide, let them come forward to a hearing and be accountable to the American people.”
Other members of Congress signing the letter include Brian Babin, Jody Hice, Bob Gibbs, Doug LaMalfa, Ralph Norman, Bill Flores, Bill Posey, Randy Weber, Kay Granger, Trent Franks, Andy Harris, Alex Mooney, Steve King, Duncan Hunter, Scott DesJarlais, Joe Wilson, Neal Dunn, and Dave Brat.
Related News:
Louisiana congressman joins call to pull Russian political inquiry 'out of the shadows'
Democrat Candidate Caught Conspiring to Commit Election Fraud in Pennsylvania
Source: Department of Justice
Washington, D.C. - October 25, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- A federal grand jury sitting in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania returned an indictment today charging two Philadelphia-area political consultants with a scheme to use a political candidate’s campaign funds to make illegal contributions to his opponent’s campaign to secure the opponent’s agreement to drop out of a 2012 congressional primary race.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Blanco of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and Acting U.S. Attorney Louis D. Lappen for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania made the announcement.
According to the indictment, Donald “D.A.” Jones, 62, of Willingboro, New Jersey, and Kenneth Smukler, 57, of Villanova, Pennsylvania, were charged with conspiracy, causing unlawful campaign contributions and causing the filing of false reports to the Federal Election Commission (FEC), and Jones was charged with making false statements to the FBI, in connection with a falsification scheme involving unlawful contributions to the campaign of former Municipal Court Judge Jimmie Moore, a candidate for the Democratic Party’s nomination for Member of the U.S. House of Representatives in the 2012 Democratic race for Pennsylvania’s First Congressional District. According to the indictment, those payments came from the campaign committee of Moore’s opponent for the purpose of removing Moore from the race. Moore pleaded guilty to the charge of causing false statements to the FEC in connection with this matter on Oct. 2.
As alleged in the indictment, in or about February 2012, Moore withdrew from the primary election pursuant to an agreement with his opponent, who promised $90,000 in campaign funds to be used to repay Moore’s campaign debts. Under the applicable law, a contribution from one authorized campaign to another could not exceed $2,000 for the primary election. Therefore, the $90,000 payment from Moore’s opponent’s campaign to pay Moore’s campaign debts constituted an unlawful campaign contribution.
According to the indictment, the FEC requires campaigns to file periodic reports itemizing the campaign’s contributions and expenditures during the reporting period. However, in order to conceal the unlawful contribution and its source, Moore instructed his campaign manager, Carolyn Cavaness, to create a company whose sole purpose would be to receive the funds from his opponent’s political campaign and repay Moore’s campaign debts. As described in the indictment, those payments were routed through Voter Link Data Systems (Voter Link) and D. Jones & Associates, political consulting companies run by Smukler and Jones.
According to the indictment, the defendants used false invoices to generate a paper trail intended to justify the payments from Moore’s opponent’s campaign committee, and Cavaness, acting at Moore’s direction, used a portion of the money from the opponent’s campaign committee to repay Moore’s campaign debts, including debts to Moore and Cavaness themselves. Cavaness pleaded guilty to the charge of causing false statements to the FEC in connection with this matter on July 25.
According to the indictment, to further conceal the scheme, the defendants willfully caused Moore’s campaign committee to file false reports with the FEC that did not disclose or reference the funds received from his opponent’s campaign committee; did not mention Voter Link or D. Jones & Associates, the companies through which the payments were routed; and falsely listed the same debts owed by Moore’s campaign that had been disclosed on earlier reports, despite the fact that those debts had been repaid using funds from Moore’s opponent’s campaign committee. Likewise, the defendants willfully caused the opponent’s campaign committee to file false reports with the FEC that did not mention the use of campaign funds to repay Moore’s campaign debts. Finally, the indictment alleges that Jones made material false statements to FBI agents investigating this matter, telling them that Cavaness had performed work in exchange for the opponent’s campaign funds that were routed through D. Jones & Associates, when in fact Cavaness never performed any such work.
An indictment is not a finding of guilt. It merely alleges that crimes have been committed. A defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The FBI conducted the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Gibson Eric Gibson of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania and Trial Attorney Jonathan Kravis of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section are prosecuting the case.
Washington, D.C. - October 25, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- A federal grand jury sitting in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania returned an indictment today charging two Philadelphia-area political consultants with a scheme to use a political candidate’s campaign funds to make illegal contributions to his opponent’s campaign to secure the opponent’s agreement to drop out of a 2012 congressional primary race.
Acting Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Blanco of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and Acting U.S. Attorney Louis D. Lappen for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania made the announcement.
According to the indictment, Donald “D.A.” Jones, 62, of Willingboro, New Jersey, and Kenneth Smukler, 57, of Villanova, Pennsylvania, were charged with conspiracy, causing unlawful campaign contributions and causing the filing of false reports to the Federal Election Commission (FEC), and Jones was charged with making false statements to the FBI, in connection with a falsification scheme involving unlawful contributions to the campaign of former Municipal Court Judge Jimmie Moore, a candidate for the Democratic Party’s nomination for Member of the U.S. House of Representatives in the 2012 Democratic race for Pennsylvania’s First Congressional District. According to the indictment, those payments came from the campaign committee of Moore’s opponent for the purpose of removing Moore from the race. Moore pleaded guilty to the charge of causing false statements to the FEC in connection with this matter on Oct. 2.
As alleged in the indictment, in or about February 2012, Moore withdrew from the primary election pursuant to an agreement with his opponent, who promised $90,000 in campaign funds to be used to repay Moore’s campaign debts. Under the applicable law, a contribution from one authorized campaign to another could not exceed $2,000 for the primary election. Therefore, the $90,000 payment from Moore’s opponent’s campaign to pay Moore’s campaign debts constituted an unlawful campaign contribution.
According to the indictment, the FEC requires campaigns to file periodic reports itemizing the campaign’s contributions and expenditures during the reporting period. However, in order to conceal the unlawful contribution and its source, Moore instructed his campaign manager, Carolyn Cavaness, to create a company whose sole purpose would be to receive the funds from his opponent’s political campaign and repay Moore’s campaign debts. As described in the indictment, those payments were routed through Voter Link Data Systems (Voter Link) and D. Jones & Associates, political consulting companies run by Smukler and Jones.
According to the indictment, the defendants used false invoices to generate a paper trail intended to justify the payments from Moore’s opponent’s campaign committee, and Cavaness, acting at Moore’s direction, used a portion of the money from the opponent’s campaign committee to repay Moore’s campaign debts, including debts to Moore and Cavaness themselves. Cavaness pleaded guilty to the charge of causing false statements to the FEC in connection with this matter on July 25.
According to the indictment, to further conceal the scheme, the defendants willfully caused Moore’s campaign committee to file false reports with the FEC that did not disclose or reference the funds received from his opponent’s campaign committee; did not mention Voter Link or D. Jones & Associates, the companies through which the payments were routed; and falsely listed the same debts owed by Moore’s campaign that had been disclosed on earlier reports, despite the fact that those debts had been repaid using funds from Moore’s opponent’s campaign committee. Likewise, the defendants willfully caused the opponent’s campaign committee to file false reports with the FEC that did not mention the use of campaign funds to repay Moore’s campaign debts. Finally, the indictment alleges that Jones made material false statements to FBI agents investigating this matter, telling them that Cavaness had performed work in exchange for the opponent’s campaign funds that were routed through D. Jones & Associates, when in fact Cavaness never performed any such work.
An indictment is not a finding of guilt. It merely alleges that crimes have been committed. A defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The FBI conducted the investigation, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Gibson Eric Gibson of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania and Trial Attorney Jonathan Kravis of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section are prosecuting the case.
RNC Statement On New Reports Of Russian Ties To Democrats
Source: Republican National Committee (RNC)
Washington, D.C. - October 25, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel released the following statement after new reports reveal Democrat connections with Russia:
“Four major new developments in the Russia investigation have emerged over the past week, and now it’s the Democrats who have some explaining to do,” said RNC Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel. “I hope they will cooperate with the investigation, be forthcoming with the American people and I expect the media to cover these new developments with the same breathless intensity that they have given to this investigation since day one.”
Background: Four major developments outlined below:
1) Last week, there was this bombshell report from The Hill about how the Obama Administration knew of a major Russian bribery plot aimed at gaining a stake in the U.S. atomic energy business and gaining favor with the Clinton’s, yet did little about it.
2) Now, NBC News is reporting that Tony Podesta, the brother of Hillary Clinton’s campaign chairman John Podesta, is being investigated by Robert Mueller for violations of foreign government lobbying rules as a result of work done for a pro-Russian group.
3) The Hill also has a new story out stating, “As Hillary Clinton was beginning her job as President Obama’s chief diplomat, federal agents observed as multiple arms of Vladimir Putin’s machine unleashed an influence campaign designed to win access to the new secretary of State, her husband Bill Clinton and members of their inner circle.”
4) Finally, top officials with the Democrat aligned & potentially Russian backed firm Fusion GPS are pleading the fifth and refusing to disclose who paid for the phony “dossier,” which was taken seriously by the intelligence community and helped spark the investigations.
Washington, D.C. - October 25, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Republican National Committee (RNC) Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel released the following statement after new reports reveal Democrat connections with Russia:
“Four major new developments in the Russia investigation have emerged over the past week, and now it’s the Democrats who have some explaining to do,” said RNC Chairwoman Ronna McDaniel. “I hope they will cooperate with the investigation, be forthcoming with the American people and I expect the media to cover these new developments with the same breathless intensity that they have given to this investigation since day one.”
Background: Four major developments outlined below:
1) Last week, there was this bombshell report from The Hill about how the Obama Administration knew of a major Russian bribery plot aimed at gaining a stake in the U.S. atomic energy business and gaining favor with the Clinton’s, yet did little about it.
2) Now, NBC News is reporting that Tony Podesta, the brother of Hillary Clinton’s campaign chairman John Podesta, is being investigated by Robert Mueller for violations of foreign government lobbying rules as a result of work done for a pro-Russian group.
3) The Hill also has a new story out stating, “As Hillary Clinton was beginning her job as President Obama’s chief diplomat, federal agents observed as multiple arms of Vladimir Putin’s machine unleashed an influence campaign designed to win access to the new secretary of State, her husband Bill Clinton and members of their inner circle.”
4) Finally, top officials with the Democrat aligned & potentially Russian backed firm Fusion GPS are pleading the fifth and refusing to disclose who paid for the phony “dossier,” which was taken seriously by the intelligence community and helped spark the investigations.
BUSINESS LETTER TO PRESIDENT TRUMP: PROTECT OUR PUBLIC LANDS
Source: Outdoor Industry Association
Dear President Trump,
Our nation’s land and water are part of our shared heritage and are hallmarks of who we are as Americans. As you contemplate your administration’s policies related to these places, the hundreds of executives and business leaders below call upon you to protect and defend the vast landscapes that comprise our public lands network. America’s outdoors bring us together, strengthen bonds with family and friends, and are the foundation of a massive economic engine across the nation. Shielding our national monuments and other public lands and waters from diminished protection will result in stronger rural and urban communities, thriving local economies, and a healthier nation.
For more than a century, Republican and Democratic presidents alike have used the 1906 Antiquities Act to set aside iconic landscapes, waterways, wildlife sanctuaries, and places of monumental beauty to ensure they remain uncorrupted and accessible for the enjoyment of hunters and hikers, bikers and boaters, anglers, campers and ranchers, for wildlife, and for all Americans. Undoing protections for these places is not only contrary to the conservation ethic established by President Theodore Roosevelt and honored by his successors, but will devastate local communities and their economies that rely on these lands.
Protected public lands and waters are the very infrastructure that support a booming American economy. More than 90 percent of Americans believe that public lands provide net benefits for the economy and are positive economic drivers, and they are right. The outdoor sector, for example, supports 7.6 million good paying, American jobs, contributes $887 billion annually to the economy and generates $125 billion in state, local and federal taxes. Public lands are also an important economic asset that extends beyond tourism and recreation. Counties with more protected federal lands have stronger employment, personal income, and per capita income growth. Businesses rely on access to public lands for employee recruitment and retention, adding millions more in additional jobs and economic activity. These local economies represent the American dream and give the United States a unique competitive advantage.
For the millions of Americans and the millions more who visit our country from around the world every year, exploring our public lands and waters provide an opportunity for a uniquely American experience. It has been said that the establishment and protection of America’s land and water is among our nation’s best ideas. We agree. These places were entrusted to us and it is our shared responsibility to remain responsible stewards of them.
As leaders of more than 350 American companies, we ask you to embrace the conservation ethic of your predecessors and keep current protections in place for our public lands and waters, ensuring these places live on for the benefit of every American today and for generations to come.
Cc: Secretary Ryan Zinke, U.S. Department of the Interior
Secretary Wilbur Ross, U.S. Department of Commerce
Director Gary Cohn, National Economic Council
Sincerely,
Dear President Trump,
Our nation’s land and water are part of our shared heritage and are hallmarks of who we are as Americans. As you contemplate your administration’s policies related to these places, the hundreds of executives and business leaders below call upon you to protect and defend the vast landscapes that comprise our public lands network. America’s outdoors bring us together, strengthen bonds with family and friends, and are the foundation of a massive economic engine across the nation. Shielding our national monuments and other public lands and waters from diminished protection will result in stronger rural and urban communities, thriving local economies, and a healthier nation.
For more than a century, Republican and Democratic presidents alike have used the 1906 Antiquities Act to set aside iconic landscapes, waterways, wildlife sanctuaries, and places of monumental beauty to ensure they remain uncorrupted and accessible for the enjoyment of hunters and hikers, bikers and boaters, anglers, campers and ranchers, for wildlife, and for all Americans. Undoing protections for these places is not only contrary to the conservation ethic established by President Theodore Roosevelt and honored by his successors, but will devastate local communities and their economies that rely on these lands.
Protected public lands and waters are the very infrastructure that support a booming American economy. More than 90 percent of Americans believe that public lands provide net benefits for the economy and are positive economic drivers, and they are right. The outdoor sector, for example, supports 7.6 million good paying, American jobs, contributes $887 billion annually to the economy and generates $125 billion in state, local and federal taxes. Public lands are also an important economic asset that extends beyond tourism and recreation. Counties with more protected federal lands have stronger employment, personal income, and per capita income growth. Businesses rely on access to public lands for employee recruitment and retention, adding millions more in additional jobs and economic activity. These local economies represent the American dream and give the United States a unique competitive advantage.
For the millions of Americans and the millions more who visit our country from around the world every year, exploring our public lands and waters provide an opportunity for a uniquely American experience. It has been said that the establishment and protection of America’s land and water is among our nation’s best ideas. We agree. These places were entrusted to us and it is our shared responsibility to remain responsible stewards of them.
As leaders of more than 350 American companies, we ask you to embrace the conservation ethic of your predecessors and keep current protections in place for our public lands and waters, ensuring these places live on for the benefit of every American today and for generations to come.
Cc: Secretary Ryan Zinke, U.S. Department of the Interior
Secretary Wilbur Ross, U.S. Department of Commerce
Director Gary Cohn, National Economic Council
Sincerely,
House Should Pass Senate Budget to Keep Tax Reform on Track
Source: National Taxpayers Union
Washington, D.C. - October 25, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- NTU strongly urges all Representatives to vote “YES” on H. Con. Res. 71, the fiscal year 2018 budget resolution as amended and passed by the Senate. Passage of this resolution is critical for addressing the nation’s highest fiscal priority - fixing our broken tax code.
For the first time in decades, Congress and the President are working together toward enactment of pro-growth tax reform that simplifies the code, reduces administrative burdens, and provides financial relief to families of all economic backgrounds. Getting tax reform done will require usage of the reconciliation process, which can only be initiated if the House and Senate pass a unified budget. The importance of doing so cannot be overstated. By quickly advancing the Senate-passed budget resolution, thereby avoiding a potentially lengthy conference process, Representatives can maintain momentum and expedite consideration of tax reform legislation.
In addition to providing a path forward on tax reform, the Senate budget resolution contains other measures that make it commendable to both taxpayers and Senators. For instance, it wisely adheres to the modest caps set by the 2011 Budget Control Act (BCA). We are concerned that the budget resolution contains a mechanism that could increase spending, should a new budget agreement be reached on discretionary spending levels. Nevertheless, we are pleased that it budgets within the limits prescribed in the BCA, avoids an unnecessary budget sequester, and reserves what has been the most effective tool for trimming discretionary spending in years.
Congress has a rare opportunity to enact historic tax reform that could reinvigorate the economy and improve the standard of living for Americans from all walks of life. If fundamental tax reform is going to become a reality, passage of this budget is imperative.
Roll call votes on the Senate’s fiscal year 2018 budget resolution will be included in our annual Rating of Congress and a “YES” vote will be considered the pro-taxpayer position.
Washington, D.C. - October 25, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- NTU strongly urges all Representatives to vote “YES” on H. Con. Res. 71, the fiscal year 2018 budget resolution as amended and passed by the Senate. Passage of this resolution is critical for addressing the nation’s highest fiscal priority - fixing our broken tax code.
For the first time in decades, Congress and the President are working together toward enactment of pro-growth tax reform that simplifies the code, reduces administrative burdens, and provides financial relief to families of all economic backgrounds. Getting tax reform done will require usage of the reconciliation process, which can only be initiated if the House and Senate pass a unified budget. The importance of doing so cannot be overstated. By quickly advancing the Senate-passed budget resolution, thereby avoiding a potentially lengthy conference process, Representatives can maintain momentum and expedite consideration of tax reform legislation.
In addition to providing a path forward on tax reform, the Senate budget resolution contains other measures that make it commendable to both taxpayers and Senators. For instance, it wisely adheres to the modest caps set by the 2011 Budget Control Act (BCA). We are concerned that the budget resolution contains a mechanism that could increase spending, should a new budget agreement be reached on discretionary spending levels. Nevertheless, we are pleased that it budgets within the limits prescribed in the BCA, avoids an unnecessary budget sequester, and reserves what has been the most effective tool for trimming discretionary spending in years.
Congress has a rare opportunity to enact historic tax reform that could reinvigorate the economy and improve the standard of living for Americans from all walks of life. If fundamental tax reform is going to become a reality, passage of this budget is imperative.
Roll call votes on the Senate’s fiscal year 2018 budget resolution will be included in our annual Rating of Congress and a “YES” vote will be considered the pro-taxpayer position.
Special Notice to Public Employees: How to Protect Your Rights in Advance of Ruling in Janus v. AFSCME Supreme Court Case
Source: National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation
Washington, D.C. - October 25, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- On September 28, the United States Supreme Court agreed to hear Janus v. AFSCME, which challenges mandatory union fees for public employees as a violation of the First Amendment. If the High Court agrees with Janus and his Foundation staff attorneys, the ruling would create a precedent protecting every public employee from being forced to subsidize union activities, including teachers, police officers and firefighters who currently pay mandatory dues or fees.
Mark Janus, an Illinois civil servant childcare worker, filed the case with free legal aid from the National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation and the Illinois-based Liberty Justice Center. Oral arguments in the case are expected to occur in January 2018 with a ruling most likely in June 2018. National Right to Work Foundation staff attorney William Messenger will argue for Janus at the U.S. Supreme Court.
Fearing a ruling against forced union dues, union officials nationwide are already responding with schemes designed to limit the ability of workers to utilize a ruling that they can no longer be required to pay union dues or fees. In some instances union organizers are pushing workers to sign cards that authorize dues payments in perpetuity “irrespective of union membership” unless the worker revokes the authorization in a union-determined two week period.
Although Foundation staff attorneys question the legality of such cards, the special legal notice reminds workers that signing such a card could limit their legal options later. Workers should be very cautious about signing anything from a union, no matter the reason union officials give. In many documented instances, especially during coercive union card check campaigns, union organizers have solicited signatures under misleading or false pretenses.
The full notice can be found online by clicking HERE
Mark Mix, President of the National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation released the following statement regarding the notice and offer of free legal aid.
“Unfortunately, there is a long history of union officials refusing to accept limits on their forced dues powers. Rather than respect the decisions of workers who do not want to subsidize union activities, invariably after Foundation-won legal precedents or enactment of state Right to Work laws, union officials attempt to block the very workers they claim to represent from exercising their rights.
“Given that a Foundation win in the Janus case could free 5.2 million teachers and other public employees from forced union payments, it is not surprising to see that Big Labor is already working overtime to prevent workers from escaping forced dues. In response, Foundation staff attorneys have issued a special legal notice, warning workers against signing any new dues authorizations that could later limit their options. Every worker should know they can turn to the National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation for free legal assistance and advice in their battle against Big Labor.”
The National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation is a nonprofit, charitable organization providing free legal aid to employees whose human or civil rights have been violated by compulsory unionism abuses. The Foundation, which can be contacted toll-free at 1-800-336-3600, assists thousands of employees in more than 250 cases nationwide per year.
Washington, D.C. - October 25, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- On September 28, the United States Supreme Court agreed to hear Janus v. AFSCME, which challenges mandatory union fees for public employees as a violation of the First Amendment. If the High Court agrees with Janus and his Foundation staff attorneys, the ruling would create a precedent protecting every public employee from being forced to subsidize union activities, including teachers, police officers and firefighters who currently pay mandatory dues or fees.
Mark Janus, an Illinois civil servant childcare worker, filed the case with free legal aid from the National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation and the Illinois-based Liberty Justice Center. Oral arguments in the case are expected to occur in January 2018 with a ruling most likely in June 2018. National Right to Work Foundation staff attorney William Messenger will argue for Janus at the U.S. Supreme Court.
Fearing a ruling against forced union dues, union officials nationwide are already responding with schemes designed to limit the ability of workers to utilize a ruling that they can no longer be required to pay union dues or fees. In some instances union organizers are pushing workers to sign cards that authorize dues payments in perpetuity “irrespective of union membership” unless the worker revokes the authorization in a union-determined two week period.
Although Foundation staff attorneys question the legality of such cards, the special legal notice reminds workers that signing such a card could limit their legal options later. Workers should be very cautious about signing anything from a union, no matter the reason union officials give. In many documented instances, especially during coercive union card check campaigns, union organizers have solicited signatures under misleading or false pretenses.
The full notice can be found online by clicking HERE
Mark Mix, President of the National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation released the following statement regarding the notice and offer of free legal aid.
“Unfortunately, there is a long history of union officials refusing to accept limits on their forced dues powers. Rather than respect the decisions of workers who do not want to subsidize union activities, invariably after Foundation-won legal precedents or enactment of state Right to Work laws, union officials attempt to block the very workers they claim to represent from exercising their rights.
“Given that a Foundation win in the Janus case could free 5.2 million teachers and other public employees from forced union payments, it is not surprising to see that Big Labor is already working overtime to prevent workers from escaping forced dues. In response, Foundation staff attorneys have issued a special legal notice, warning workers against signing any new dues authorizations that could later limit their options. Every worker should know they can turn to the National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation for free legal assistance and advice in their battle against Big Labor.”
The National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation is a nonprofit, charitable organization providing free legal aid to employees whose human or civil rights have been violated by compulsory unionism abuses. The Foundation, which can be contacted toll-free at 1-800-336-3600, assists thousands of employees in more than 250 cases nationwide per year.
NGA Works to Prevent Violent Extremism in States
Source: National Governors Association
Washington, D.C. - October 25, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- As recent incidents have shown, violent extremism remains a multifaceted and complex threat at the state, local and federal levels.
The National Governors Association (NGA), through a two-year grant provided by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), will consult with leading experts in government, academia, nonprofit and the private sector to develop a tool state officials can use to help prevent future attacks. The project will not focus on any specific violent extremist ideology but instead include the full spectrum.
“NGA is proud to be a national organization awarded this grant by the Department of Homeland Security,” said Jeff McLeod, director of NGA’s Homeland Security and Public Safety Division. “We’ve already spoken with more than 30 organizations and will continue to seek out relevant experts to help guide this work.”
There are five categories of grants offered by DHS; NGA’s falls under “training and engagement.” Beginning this fall, NGA will bring together experts to discuss the most topical issues affecting communities in states related to violent extremism. Eventually, five states will be competitively selected to pilot the tool.
Washington, D.C. - October 25, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- As recent incidents have shown, violent extremism remains a multifaceted and complex threat at the state, local and federal levels.
The National Governors Association (NGA), through a two-year grant provided by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), will consult with leading experts in government, academia, nonprofit and the private sector to develop a tool state officials can use to help prevent future attacks. The project will not focus on any specific violent extremist ideology but instead include the full spectrum.
“NGA is proud to be a national organization awarded this grant by the Department of Homeland Security,” said Jeff McLeod, director of NGA’s Homeland Security and Public Safety Division. “We’ve already spoken with more than 30 organizations and will continue to seek out relevant experts to help guide this work.”
There are five categories of grants offered by DHS; NGA’s falls under “training and engagement.” Beginning this fall, NGA will bring together experts to discuss the most topical issues affecting communities in states related to violent extremism. Eventually, five states will be competitively selected to pilot the tool.
NFIB Urges Congress to Accelerate Tax Reform Now That Senate Budget Passed
Source: National Federation of Independent Business
Washington, D.C. - October 25, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) issued the following statement on behalf of President and CEO Juanita Duggan in response to the Senate’s approval of a budget resolution:
“Senate action today puts Congress one step closer to adopting a budget resolution, which will clear the way for tax reform. Tax reform must be an urgent priority for both chambers this year. Small business represents half the jobs, half the GDP, and 99.9 percent of all U.S. businesses. If the goal of tax reform is to boost the economy, then it must provide substantial tax relief to all small businesses and simplify the tax code.
“It is crucial that Congress pass tax reform before the end of the year. This is the best chance we’ve had in more than a generation to reform the tax code in a way that will lift all businesses and grow the economy.
Washington, D.C. - October 25, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) issued the following statement on behalf of President and CEO Juanita Duggan in response to the Senate’s approval of a budget resolution:
“Senate action today puts Congress one step closer to adopting a budget resolution, which will clear the way for tax reform. Tax reform must be an urgent priority for both chambers this year. Small business represents half the jobs, half the GDP, and 99.9 percent of all U.S. businesses. If the goal of tax reform is to boost the economy, then it must provide substantial tax relief to all small businesses and simplify the tax code.
“It is crucial that Congress pass tax reform before the end of the year. This is the best chance we’ve had in more than a generation to reform the tax code in a way that will lift all businesses and grow the economy.
NEW DATA DETAILS HOW STATES HANDLE VOTER REGISTRATION
Source: National Conference of State Legislatures
Denver, CO - October 25, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Fifteen states and the District of Columbia offer same day registration (SDR), which allows any qualified resident of the state to register to vote and cast a ballot all in the same day, according to new information released by the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL).
NCSL defines how same day registration works, lists security processes employed, potential costs and its effects on voter turnout. Data on current SDR and Election Day Registration (EDR) is featured in an interactive map, including states that have passed but not yet implemented either procedure.
Additionally, details for SDR and EDR are broken down for each eligible state by statute citations, verification procedures, location and timeframe.
View this new page on same day voter registration.
NCSL is a bipartisan organization that serves the legislators and staffs of the states, commonwealths and territories. It provides research, technical assistance and opportunities for policymakers to exchange ideas on the most pressing state issues and is an effective and respected advocate for the interests of the states in the American federal system.
Denver, CO - October 25, 2017 (The Ponder News) -- Fifteen states and the District of Columbia offer same day registration (SDR), which allows any qualified resident of the state to register to vote and cast a ballot all in the same day, according to new information released by the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL).
NCSL defines how same day registration works, lists security processes employed, potential costs and its effects on voter turnout. Data on current SDR and Election Day Registration (EDR) is featured in an interactive map, including states that have passed but not yet implemented either procedure.
Additionally, details for SDR and EDR are broken down for each eligible state by statute citations, verification procedures, location and timeframe.
View this new page on same day voter registration.
NCSL is a bipartisan organization that serves the legislators and staffs of the states, commonwealths and territories. It provides research, technical assistance and opportunities for policymakers to exchange ideas on the most pressing state issues and is an effective and respected advocate for the interests of the states in the American federal system.
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