More Public Spending on the way for the City of Cedar Rapids

Talked to a newer Cedar Rapids resident who was concerned about his rising property taxes today at work. He estimated his taxes were going to rise as much as $2,200. He found out about the changing tax climate in our community, when he and his wife went to refinance his house of two years and property taxes came up.

City seeks $12.2 million in I-JOBS funds for amphitheater, fire stations - The Gazette
The City Council is seeking to secure $12.2 million more in state I-JOBS disaster-related funds in a statewide competition for a remaining pot of about $30 million in such funds ...
Council members look at sprucing up gateways into city - The Gazette

While the City of Cedar Rapids needs to rebuild, the questions regarding the designs and costs of flood mitigation infrastructure leads one to pause. The State and Local community typically has to come up with a 35% match with the Federal government.

The Corp of Engineers is still working on the recommendations for our community. Right now, there are significant differences between what our community wants to see vs. what the Corp has been suggesting.

peace

District 1 Debate between three candidates for Cedar Rapids City Council

• Incumbant Kris Gullick
• Tim Pugh
• Ryan Russell
  

"Pugh called revenue diversification “a slippery slope,” and he said property
taxes have continued to increase even with a new franchise fee on heating bills
and a new local-option sales tax. Gulick said the property-tax increase for the
most part was needed to fix the streets." - Rick Smith of The Gazette

District 1 City Council candidates talk taxes, streets - The Gazette

District 1’s Gulick faces challengers Pugh, Russell; says city can’t afford new City Hall on its own - Rick Smith, The Gazette

REPLAY LIVE COVERAGE: Cedar Rapids District 1 Candidate Forum - The Gazette
The Gazette’s Todd Dorman will provide live coverage of tonight’s Cedar Rapids City Council District 1 candidate forum. The forum, which starts at 7 p.m., is being held at Pierce Elementary School, 4343 Marilyn Dr. NE.Cedar Rapids District 1 Candidate Forum

Polling the Candidates - The Gazette
Last night, during a forum for five candidates running for two at-large seats on the Cedar Rapids City Council, the hopefuls were asked who they support in the hotly contested race for mayor.Three candidates, Chuck Swore, Donald Karr and Nick Duffy said they support Ron Corbett.Swore said he’d love to have Corbett’s top rival, council [...]

Are New Taxes and Revenues coming to Cedar Rapids? Yes, if a couple of current City Council members have their way. The two in question (Chuck Wieneke and Tom Podzimek) are not up for re-election on November 3, 2009, but do they carry the same views as the current members who are up for re-election?

The following article highlighted the following:

"Podzimek also asked City Manager Jim Prosser about
establishing a system of payment, in lieu of taxes, that would attempt to raise
revenue from hospitals, churches, colleges, non-profits and others "not
contributing to this system" because they are exempt from paying property
taxes."

"Prosser emphasized that the meeting was intended only to offer
a forecast of budget challenges ahead. Among those: a 3 percent drop in property
value because of flood damage, an expected 6 percent increase in personnel costs
and increased contributions to employee pension plans."

peace

A look ahead: Newsweek talks Energy and a look at the future/past week in Iowa

Whether it be locally, statewide or nationally, the movement is towards expanding the size, role and cost of government is unfolding. For Americans who seek Limited Government, it can certainly lead to heartburn and headache. When will some of the madness stop?

We hear the fears of the United States moving towards socialism. We hear concerns towards one world government. Locally, what is the future for the traditional marriage: with "Husband and Wife" streaked out, with the terms "Partner and Spouse" inserted in future marriage licenses in the State of Iowa? Links to stories on 4/3/09 ruling by the Iowa Supreme Court.

Today's article comes from the latest issue of Newsweek magazine, dated
April 13, 2009. The magazine features an article titled, Our Tanks Are On Full: The energy
crisis is an artificial one, created by bad policies. For more on
this issue, read Iowa Economic Scorecard: Do
We Need A National Energy Policy? - Public Interest Institute

Further, the Iowa State Legislature is expected to reopen discussion on the Elimination of Federal Deductablility when it comes to figuring your Iowa Taxes. Ironically, Federal Individual Taxes Returns for 2008 are due on April 15Th. Look for discussion in Des Moines on the 14Th. The Iowans for Tax Relief is organizing a rally on Capitol Hill in Des Moines during debate.

The Cedar Rapids Civil Rights Commission is hosting an important Town Hall Meeting on Tuesday, April 14Th at 6 p.m. at St. Paul's United Methodist Church in Cedar Rapids. This event is open to the public.

Community Connections: Taking Ownership For Where We Live
Join a
community dialogue about current violence and police presence in specific
areas of Cedar Rapids. Let’s discuss how we can work together to solve
problems.
Click here for a flyer for this event. - Cedar Rapids Civil Rights Commission

From The Gazette: a story yesterday titled Flood helps Cedar Rapids woman discover other side of God.

Due the the current violence in Cedar Rapids, The Gazette reported yesterday the following story titled Police chief asks Cedar Rapids parents to 'step up'. The Gazette covered earlier story such as the attack on the Cedar Rapids Police Officer and the story on the attack on a nine-year old youth by another youth.

The Gazette reported recently in the story titled Kirkwood will increase tuition 3.7 percent due to demands in budgets at Kirkwood Community College based in Cedar Rapids.

As we mentioned earlier, on Friday, April 3, 2009, the Iowa Supreme Court ruled Iowa's traditional marriage law adopted in 1998 unconstitutional (link to ruling). The State Legislature is going to let nature take it's course, rather than step in and discuss the void left by the decision.

The Gazette reported in story titled Traditional marriage backers rally outside Iowa Statehouse this past week. By the way, it's no more "Husband and Wife", when it comes to Marriage Licenses in the State of Iowa. The terms will be taken out by administrative officials and replaced by the terms "Partner and Spouse" for all cases. Why not have two options in the State of Iowa? The Gazette reported in another related story titled Same-sex amendment vote ruled out of order.

By the way, The Gazette will be tested financially on the issue, as Rob Roy had one local subscriber call to say... it's the "Gayzette" now... Some story links from the editorials by The Gazette on the Supreme Court ruling.

Finally, taxes, costs and fees are going up for Citizens of the City of Cedar Rapids.

On Wednesday, the Cedar Rapids City Council finalized their next budget. The Gazette reported in story titled Cedar Rapids council diversifies revenue, sets budget. On the City of Cedar Rapids web site you will find the following:

• a link to new! FY09 Fees
• Thursday, April 9, 2009 All Residents Encouraged to Help Write Job Description for New Flood Recovery Manager
• Thursday, April 9, 2009 Mediacom to air April Edition of City Cable TV Show
• Thursday, April 9, 2009 RRCT Releases Nine Month Progress Report

Is it a surprise that there is no clear link to the new budget? Where's the link on the approval of the new City budget?

We changed the form of Government in 2005, but the web site format surprisingly enough appears to be using the same format before the change. Is Cedar Rapids incorporating enough "Best Practices" approaches, when it comes to City Government? Where's the transparency and accountability.

By the way, don't forget to write to the City of Cedar Rapids with your thoughts on the Job Description for the new Flood Recovery Manager.

peace

Final Swing: To accept the LOST or Say "No" to an extra 1% in Cedar Rapids?

We have choices, very important choices locally on March 3Rd and beyond...

There is no fast cure to our Flood Recovery and to our economic crisis that we are faced with today. We have decisions to make and we have options to pursue. Is a five year and three month period a good time frame for the LOST, when other decisions and funding sources will be needed over the next five years and beyond?

"Approve tax for the future of our city" The Gazette headline reads above Gary Hinzman's guest column. We didn't notice an opposing guest column today, but we did notice final arguments in the Election Letters both pro and con for the 1% Local Option Sales Tax (LOST) for the City of Cedar Rapids and Linn County for the upcoming March 3Rd vote.

The Gazette calls the March 3Rd vote "A referendum on ourselves" in The Gazette's Editorial in support for the tax. Has The Gazette been fair and balanced on this issue? With the timing of the Hinzman guest column and the paper's own pro-stance today, where's the other side represented in today's overall editorials?

By the way, the City of Cedar Rapids certainly has more options on the table than one vote on March 3Rd? Unlike the City of Iowa City, the City of Cedar Rapids rushed to get the ballot written and thrown together to make the deadline to hold a March 3Rd vote.

The City of Iowa City decided to take it's time and get it ballot language written for a May 5Th vote. While Flood Recovery is part of the City of Iowa City vote, they are also using the 1% local option sales tax for areas not impacted by the Flood of 2008.

Let's scan the Today's Letters...

"The negative attitude about government no help" - Dale Todd's headline to his letter to the editor today. Mr. Todd is co-chair for the Pro-tax group.

Alan Witt, Chairman of the Cedar Rapids Chamber of Commerce, in his letter today talks about Cedar Rapids, but when he talks about how much "the tax will raise an estimated $29 million in annual support and $145 million over its five-year life span," he's talking about Linn County.

The $145 million figure is not all for Flood Recovery. Actually, the Gazette used a figure of $17 million per year in their Editorial today, which would be closer to $85 million, in what The Gazette calls "dedicated to making a major dent in the $200 million-plus housing problem."

By the way, why is the sales tax the only way to "show our local and federal funding sources that we as Cedar Rapidians are willing to support and lift each other up?" A local taxpayer and flood victim suggested yesterday, why is raising taxes the only option to show we have a "skin" in the game?

The "skin" in the game reference has been promoted heavily by Gary Ficken, the other co-chair of the Pro-tax group and recently won support from another group in Linn County. "Results of the ballot are in: the LCDCC will endorse the Local Option Sales Tax."

Further, housing isn't the only problem. The Economy of Cedar Rapids is a major problem. Not just due to the flood, which the Hinzman article points out, "the U.S. Chamber of Commerce states that upward of 40 percent of small businesses will fail in the four years after experiencing a disaster," but the Economy in general, as this story from CNBC points out about current and upcoming Tax Policy.

It's interesting to see the local Chamber of Commerce lobbying voters to pass the 1% local option sales tax in Cedar Rapids. In most communities, you don't see local chambers taking an active stance. When you read the ballot language, it's even a little more surprising.

Why five years, and three months for the tax?

Paul T. Larson of Cedar Rapids brings it up in his letter headlined "Give up option tax in season of Lent." He suggests "be sure to read thoroughly the vague and broadly defined ballot language in Cedar Rapids, before casting your vote."

The letter by Bruce Johnson of Cedar Rapids is headlined "Leaders need to give specifics on money use" and points to both the Cedar Rapids City Council and Linn County Board of Supervisors lacking in "SPECIFICS" and in "VISION" in the ballot.

If our "elected leaders" do not well define what is to be done in
advance,
how can we, as taxpayers, benchmark if our money is being spent
wisely?- Bruce Johnson - Cedar Rapids

The letter by Russ Madden of Cedar Rapids is headlined "Voting on tax doesn't make forced charity OK" as he questions "the (good) ends do not justify the (bad) means." Madden's comments place a focus ends justifying the means approach from the Pro-tax group. Further, the City Council hired a City Manager who favors the Carver governance model, which is a ends process for organizational purpose. How much does Carver figure into our process taken at the local level currently, under our new form of government, here in Cedar Rapids?

Other headlines from those asking for the LOST to be voted "NO" -

"Money from sales tax will come to late to help" - Diane McLain - Cedar Rapids headline on her letter against the LOST. "We absolutely must help flood victims, but they need help now." McLain is concerned that "some of them could have to wait up to six years to obtain flood relief from such a tax."

"All money from sales tax should be for recovery" and "Only flood victims should benefit from tax"... similar thoughts in headlines from the letters from Cedar Rapids residents Rob Sandquist and Ron Nezerka, respectively. Both appear to feel all residents of Linn County should support Flood Recovery. Nezerka said "money that should be used only by and for flood victims throughout the county and not for any other purpose other than possibly property tax relief to replace lost dollars because of the flood."

If the City of Cedar Rapids had not placed a measure on the ballot, other cities would not be discussing other uses. "Sales tax would fund Linn County roads," as this story tells us. The City of Cedar Rapids rushed to get a ballot together for March 3Rd, which forced others in Linn County to rush as well.

"Sales tax money will be mishandled; vote no" - Robert Scott of Cedar Rapids as the headline on his letter against the LOST.

"Sales tax won't solve C.R.'s red-tape problems" - Bryon Flint of Cedar Rapids as the headline on his letter as he closes with "I'm voting no on the local-option tax."

"Sales tax money will fund too many pet projects" - David Sheets of Toddville as the headline of his letter against the LOST. "This lack of public control over the manner in which sales tax revenues are spent makes it easy to argue, when the tax is set to sunset, for the tax to be extended, as by then the original project is likely complete and some other project has come to depend on the sales tax money."

"Increasing tax will drive more to shop online" - Richard Greer of Cedar Rapids as the headline of his letter suggests as he points out "I know people are supposed to voluntarily pay the sales tax but I'm also sure many do not. That gives the Internet a significant advantage over local retailers."

I find it ironic how the city governance chose to "wait and see" concerning
flood relief. However, last fall, as I was rebuilding my home it made the
decision to dispatch property tax assessors. When confronted, I was told
my valuation would go down. Guess what? It went the other way,
as did all of my neighbors. - Gary Wilhelm -Cedar Rapids

"We can't afford more taxation, lies" - Gary Wilhelm of Cedar Rapids the headline of his letter and he closes with "please vote no, I can't afford any more taxation or lies."

In closing, we began under this new form of government with around a $297 million annual city budget. Today, it is roughly $370 million annually and the City of Cedar Rapids is asking for $17 million more for what is on the ballot March 3Rd. The Gazette states "this debate boils up to three words for Cedar Rapids: money, measure and message."

The money is about the priorities for our $370 million budget. As Tim Pugh from the Cedar Rapids Tea Party has pointed out, why not start with a 5% cut in our current budget and reallocate that portion of the money (roughly $18 million annually) towards what the City Council members unanimously and specifically committed 90 percent of all the option tax revenues for?

Since the Flood of 2008, what cost saving move has the City of Cedar Rapids undertaken? We hear about government furloughs across the country, even within the State of Iowa. We hear about salaries and benefits being frozen. But, what is going on in Cedar Rapids? Public opinion for the vote.

The Gazette closed with the following statement: "target, temporary sales tax boost is one Cedar Rapids simply can't afford to reject during this extraordinary time." Sadly, the ballot isn't very targeted in the ballot language and 63 months isn't viewed as temporary, in light of the current economic conditions in the State of Iowa and in the eyes of many local taxpayers.

We should vote NO on March 3Rd. Then, we should get everyone back at the table and truly get the "money, measure and message" right. Options exist for a August 4Th and November 3Rd ballot measures, as well.

Still have questions? What are they? Q&A from The Gazette.

peace

Alliant Energy, City Water rates... increasing, so will Iowa State Income Taxes be next?

Take a look at the Wednesday, February 25, Radio Iowa article titled, "Democrats suggest massive tax overhaul a possibility." For more on taxes issue, read the Public Interest Institute article: "No Income Tax: The Key to Economic Growth."

We face a very challenging recession, property taxes are expected to increase. Voters in Cedar Rapids and Linn County will vote on March 3Rd to raise their sales tax by one percent. Now, it appears the State of Iowa is going to look to raise state income taxes.

Economic development and job creation in the State of Iowa may find the road tougher and tougher in the private sector. Commercial and industrial property taxes are already hit hard in the State of Iowa.

peace

Rebuild Iowa Office: Opens satellite location in Cedar Rapids nearly eight months after Flood of 2008

It has taken nearly eight months, since the Flood of 2008 rolled through the City of Cedar Rapids, but a Rebuild Iowa Office has opened a satellite location here in Cedar Rapids. For more information on recovery in the Corridor... the following web site has been set up since the early days of recovery.

Information on the 1% LOST, local option sales tax vote for March 3, 2009.

Linn County Board of Supervisors Approves Local Option Sales Tax Resolutions

Cedar Rapids City Council Approves LOST Resolution

The City of Cedar Rapids Budget in 2006 was $292 million. Today, the city budget stands at $351.7 million.

From the sounds of it, city water rates will increase 14% and property taxes will raise six to ten percent, depending on whether it is commercial, industrial or residential property. The new 1% local option tax could raise the budget as much as $18 million per year. Plus, a six to ten percent increase in property taxes, which account currently for 24.1% of the $351.7 million budget, could likely add another $5 to 6 million?

It looks like the $292 million city budget before the vote to change the Cedar Rapids form of government in 2005 has gone from $292 million to a future budget of roughly $375 million, in less than four years into the new form of government?

The City of Cedar Rapids have a long recovery ahead, as The Gazette article on July 12, 2008 predicted, one month after the June 2008 flood. Our City Manager pointed out recently...

“So far, the City of Cedar Rapids has only received $38 million in Community
Development Block Grant funds. In comparison, ten years ago the City of
Grand
Forks, ND received $135 million from the federal government within 90
days of
its devastating flood,” - Mr. James Prosser, City Manager

Cedar Rapids was and needs again to be an economic engine in the State of Iowa. With a $5 to $6 billion now being communicated, the early projections appear to be vastly understated from today's figures being discussed within the community. This link talked about $1 billion for Cedar Rapids. It appears early numbers may have hurt our community, as compared to other cities that received aid in the past.

Further, unlike back in April 1997, when the Grand Forks was devastated by a flood, the City of Cedar Rapids faces road blocks in Washington D.C. and with the current economy. Further, leadership needs to come from somewhere.

Regardless of the Flood of 2008, efforts by our City Manager and City Council were in place to find ways to increase revenue for the City of Cedar Rapids. Lobbying efforts were in full gear as the City of Cedar Rapids celebrated the "Year of the River" in 2008.

The Solution likely isn't in new taxes. But, like the advise that Ed Failor, Jr. President of Iowans for Tax Relief gave to State of Iowa and our Governor: "The problem is out-of-control government spending and budgets."

What if Cedar Rapids took the current budget and cut out-of control government spending and took the savings and put it into Flood mitigation and infrastructure priorities?

"We know from experience that when you raise taxes during an economic
downturn, you hurt the economy," - Steve
Forbes

"Raising taxes — we tried that in the Great Depression.
We tried
that in the 1970s. We tried that in the 1990s. I don't know why we
have
to run
this bad movie again." - Forbes

We currently have a $351.7 million budget. The solution for the near future is better priorities and cuts in wasteful programs. Not more taxes. If we don't maintain our economic engine in Cedar Rapids, we may end up even worse off than we are now.

Further, Iowa's Tax System isn't outstanding. Instead of overhauling the system, our State Legislature is looking to expand tax options for cities and counties. We need to find ways to encourage growth in Cedar Rapids, not discourage it.

Per the Chamber of Commerce release today:

The 1% local option sales tax is not for flood mitigation infrastructure, but...

"The ballot language states that 90% of the tax will fund the acquisition and
rehabilitation of damaged homes, as well as, support relief efforts toward
damages caused by the 2008 Cedar River flood. While 10% of the funding will be
used to offset the property tax burden."

The original discussion reported last week was as follows: "the draft language calls on the revenue raised by the tax to be used in Cedar Rapids in two ways: 20 percent of the revenue would be used for property-tax relief; and 80 percent would be used for flood protection and for the acquisition and rehabilitation of flood-damaged housing," according to The Gazette's Rick Smith and comments from the Mayor.

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Taxes and Spending: Will all levels of government ever learn?

The firestorm needs to begin. We need to look critically at priorities and spending by all branches of government.

Yesterday, the Board of Supervisors completed the process that led to higher salaries. Today, the Gazette online article titled Linn lawmakers to file supervisor recall bill reflect the mood of many Linn County taxpayers, who are angry over the salaries for the Board of Supervisors.

Spending at the local level needs to be looked at very carefully. Look at our economy and the impact that the Flood of 2008 has had on our local economic engine. Businesses have closed, relocated or are laying off.

Not much is moving very fast in Washington D.C., in regards to flood relief. The Federal monies have strict guidelines and many property owners and businesses are having trouble fitting within the requirements.

Much of the focus in Washington D.C. is not on disaster recovery, but economic stimulus package that is more about pork and less about stimulus for our small businesses and homeowners.

What is going on in Washington with the 111Th Congress?

In a speech at The Heritage Foundation last Thursday, Sen. Jim DeMint (R-SC) unveiled his “American Option” alternative to President Barack Obama’s Trillion Dollar Debt Plan. From DeMint’s speech: Link

We will see future tax increases from Washington D.C., if the Bush tax cuts sunset. Regardless of what your views of our 43Rd President of the United States are or were, a future known tax increase is not good stimulus for our current economic situation.

By the way, you may be interested in the new conservative blog here in the State of Iowa. The new blog has a recent announcement:

HawkeyeReview.com is pleased to introduce our newest contributing
editor: Christian Fong

The Contributing editor has two contributions you may find interesting:

The New Iowa Economy - Part 1: Iowa's Capital-Intensive Economy
The New Iowa Economy - Part 2 Iowa Recessions Lag the General Economy

In the State of Iowa, the discussion turns to a 20 percent or higher increase in the Iowa gas tax for roads and bridge infrastructure. The State of Iowa is looking at expanding taxes and revenue streams for local governments. However, what about comprehensive tax reform and the over reliance on property taxes in our State at all levels of government?

In the City of Cedar Rapids and Linn County, property taxes are expected to raise from any where from 6% to 10% for property owners. The Water rates in Cedar Rapids are expected to increase 14%. Now, we are being asked to approve a 1% LOST, local option sales tax, for the City and County. The Gazette article titled Cedar Rapids will vote March 3 on local-option sales tax and for Linn County coverage.

Where do are current tax dollars go? Have we looked at spending priorities at all levels of government, before raising tax revenues and continuing the path of record government spending?

Finally, the issue of accountability and transparency in our local government. Has the City of Cedar Rapids reduced anything within the budget and spending post-flood or post-economic decline?

Yes, there are priorities that need to be met. Flood mitigation is clearly a high priority. Sadly, that priority wasn't fully met leading up to the Flood of 2008. Other priorities were given higher priority and attention over the past 15 years, since the Flood of 1993.

How high can we take our tax base take in new taxes at this time? During this economic downturn, how smart is it to raise any new taxes?

The State is discussing $50 more for gas per year. The City already wants 14% more for water and other related services. The economy is dropping, which is reducing jobs and income for many throughout our community.

In 2008, our City Budget rose 14.8% to $351.7 million (listed on the City web site as $3351.7 million under overview section), up from $306.2 million in 2007.

Back before the Change in government, our FY6 Budget was at $292 million as approved by our Commission form of government back on March 15, 2005.

Our Governor is taking an across the board reduction in the State of Iowa budget. What is the City Council and County Board of Supervisors looking to do? It appears the solution is raise taxes, fees and assessed values for starters.

We were at $292 million on March 15, 2005 for FY06 in the City of Cedar Rapids. Today, where are we headed? Spending and spending priorities are the problem. We are collecting quite a bit from our tax base and consumers of city utilities and services. On average, we pay $100 more per capita in property taxes than other cities.

peace

Super Bowl Sunday: Kurt Warner vs. the real Front Page news

The Gazette arrived this morning with the much anticipated 12 page spread on Kurt Warner and Super Bowl 43, but maybe it served as cover for the real front page story by Rick Smith, buried beneath the Special Section?

Online: Breaking News
The Headline: Frustration mounts in flood recovery CEDAR RAPIDS - Temperatures are spiking inside and outside City Hall.

A pastor at a local church commented about it in today's sermon. In the news here is Iowa basketball, Zach Johnson and of course, Kurt Warner, but also the frustration and anxiety over the Flood of 2008 and the future within our community.

It wouldn't be normal not to have some anxiety right now. It's to be expected.

One clear byproduct from the Flood of 2008, is the desire within and outside Cedar Rapids to raise taxes and other revenues. How much will the Flood be used to justify for higher taxes? There was a move pre-flood to increase city and county revenue streams. Cedar Rapids was one of the leaders in the State of Iowa bringing about such discussion and lobbying efforts.

• 1% Local Option Sales Tax
• 8 to 10 cent increase in the State's Gas Tax
• Local Income Surtax
• 10% increase in Residential Property Taxes
• 7% increase in Industrial and 6-7% increase in Commercial Tax
• 14% increase in Water Fees
• Local Impact Fees on new development
• Local Cigarette Tax
• Local Wheel Tax
• Local governments collecting money from non-profits

Cedar Rapids residents call for more flood recovery communication by Phil Harvey -The Gazette writes, CEDAR RAPIDS - Cedar Rapidians want their city rebuilt and built better.

Rick Smith's blog: eye on the island has some other interesting tidbits about the Cedar Rapids government today. From Westdale Mall to Consultants to separate fees for residents vs. non-residents, Rick covers the City Hall beat for The Gazette.

Buttry: Wanted - Pushy leadership for C.R. The Gazette's Steve Buttry, editor opines...
Leaders at all levels are failing Cedar Rapids.We need to get tough. We need to get mean. And we need to do it now.

Among the Federal Government, the State of Iowa, and local taxing authorities, including the Cedar Rapids and Linn County; taxes and increases in other fees appear to be growing and growing in popularity. Of course, we see layoffs and declines in GDP, worse since 1982, also making headlines locally and nationally.

It was interesting to listen to comments from those impacted by the Flood of 2008. For example, with Jumpstart's lead based paint mitigation requirements, there is simply a lack of common sense. The key word often... is a need to get back to Limited Government. There clearly is a role for government, often, it's oversight, but the continued growth of the governmental sector is more than alarming right now... at all levels.

peace

Continuing the theme: Is Government the problem or the Solution?

Today's article comes from Guest Opinion Column, by Representative Jeff Kaufmann (R-Wilton) in the Iowa Press-Citizen earlier this month. Further, he wrote the following piece in the Coralville Courier: Your Capitol Voice for today. For more on Iowa state government and budget issues, read Public Interest Institute Brief: No Income Tax: The Key to Economic Growth.

Take a look at the following highlights from this week's newsletter from:

National Write Your Congressman, 214-342-0299 http://www.spesend.net/SpeClicks.aspx?X=2R0QE581HQM573RS00ZMWI

Vol. 13 No. 1-3
Monday, January 26, 2009

National Write Your Congressman’s Mission
To encourage responsible
Americans to use their influence in government to preserve the freedoms set
forth by our Founding Fathers.

Mortgage Bill Added to Stimulus Package
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) said representatives are considering legislation aimed at preventing foreclosures by allowing judges to alter the terms of primary residential mortgages in bankruptcy proceedings. Senate lawmakers had also indicated that they might include such a provision in their version of the stimulus plan. (S.1) Click here for more information on this issue.

Wage Bias Bill Advances in Senate
The Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Restoration Act, which would allow workers who allege discrimination based on race, gender, national origin, religion, age or disability to sue anytime within 180 days of receiving their last discriminatory paycheck, has advanced in the Senate. The House passed a broader version of the legislation earlier this month. The two bills will have to be reconciled before a final bill can be sent to President Obama for his signature.
The measure would overturn a 2007 Supreme Court decision in which justices ruled 5-4 that Ms. Ledbetter, a supervisor at a Goodyear Tire Plant in Alabama who discovered she had been paid less than her male counterparts for nearly 20 years, could not sue because she had failed to challenge the discrimination within 180 days of the time it first occurred. (H.R.11) (S.181) Click here for more information on this issue.Click here to voice your opinion on this issue.

Guantanamo Bay to be Closed
President Obama issued a series of executive orders requiring closure of the detention facility at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, within a year, ordering a review of detainee policies and requiring that all interrogations of detainees follow the Army Field Manual interrogation guidelines.

Product Safety Law
Rep. Joe Barton (R-TX) is calling for Congress to revise and delay a law that institutes a ban on lead in children’s products. It is scheduled to go into effect Feb. 10, but Rep. Barton says it is too broad and could potentially harm small businesses.

Renewable Energy
Lawmakers are considering a bill that supporters say would be a major step toward addressing climate change and dependence on fossil fuels. Critics of the bill say that it would raise electricity bills for consumers in regions, such as the Southeast, with limited solar and wind resources. Senate Energy and Natural Resources Chairman Jeff Bingaman (D-NM) is sponsoring the bill. (H.R.598)

House and Senate Vote on TARP Funds
The House passed a resolution of disapproval designed to temporarily block the release of the second half of the $700 billion financial bailout fund. However, the Senate last week rejected a similar resolution, thus allowing the Obama administration to tap the remaining $350 billion in the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP) created last fall. The remaining funds are scheduled to be released on Jan. 27. (H.R.384)

Public Insurance Programs in Stimulus Package
Two House committees approved sections of an economic stimulus bill that are intended to expand public insurance programs to cover many of the unemployed and accelerate the use of electronic medical records. Republicans were excluded from the drafting of the stimulus measure and oppose both its price tag, which is $825 billion, and its policy proposals, which they say represent a huge expansion of government. President Obama has agreed to meet privately with Republicans to address the issue. (H.R.598)

Broadband Provisions in Stimulus Package
House members could include a bill in the stimulus package that would provide $2.8 billion in grants for wired and wireless broadband deployment in parts of the country that have little or no Internet infrastructure. (H.R.598)

Cidsports and our public policy blog encourage you to network with your government officials in 2009. We need to encourage accountability and transparency at all levels of government.

House Republicans Call for More Transparency and Oversight in the Budget Process in the State of Iowa.

peace

Is a Big Government Bailout the right direction... how are things going locally?

Is the Government the right solution or is government the problem?

The Gazette reports Culver drops Iowa Lottery lease idea, which should be good news for the taxpayers of the State of Iowa.

The January 23, 2009 edition of The Des Moines Register online features an article titled Federal road money may save 'a lot of jobs' in Iowa. For more on this issue, read Public Interest Institute Brief: Spending Our Transportation Dollars Wisely.

The Gazette's article reports U.S. 30, I-80 make stimulus funding list this week. Further, another article reports Harkin: $800 million for Iowa in stimulus bill

How much of the Federal Government stimulus plan will include rebuilding infrastructure and housing impacted by the Floods of 2008 and other natural disasters in 2008? We did hear a little from the White House about Katrina and New Orleans on Inauguration Day.

Katrina
President Obama will keep the broken promises made by President
Bush to rebuild New Orleans and the Gulf Coast. He and Vice President Biden will
take steps to ensure that the federal government will never again allow such
catastrophic failures in emergency planning and response to occur.
President
Obama swiftly responded to Hurricane Katrina. Citing the Bush Administration's
"unconscionable ineptitude" in responding to Hurricane Katrina, then-Senator
Obama introduced legislation requiring disaster planners to take into account
the specific needs of low-income hurricane victims. Obama visited thousands of
Hurricane survivors in the Houston Convention Center and later took three more
trips to the region. He worked with members of the Congressional Black Caucus to
introduce legislation to address the immediate income, employment, business, and
housing needs of Gulf Coast communities.
President Barack Obama will partner
with the people of the Gulf Coast to rebuild now, stronger than ever.

What about the past year's disasters, Mr. President? What about the City of Cedar Rapids, the State of Iowa and elsewhere impacted by Flood or other natural disaster, Mr. President?

Will President Barack Obama be a partner with the people of Iowa to rebuild now, stronger than ever?

We have five members of Congress, two U.S. Senators and of course Governor Chet Culver... what are they doing to help encourage our President to partner with the people of Iowa to rebuild now?

Cedar Rapids historic buildings make 'most endangered' list, reports The Gazette and properties impacted by the Flood of 2008.

The Gazette's article had another article on State agency overseeing disaster rebuilding efforts: Rebuild Iowa Office to face lawmakers' scrutiny.

A 20 percent Gas Tax increase proposal for the State of Iowa? What? Key lawmakers see debate on gas tax hike an article this past week in The Gazette reported. An eight cent increase represents a 20 percent tax increase.

And, what about the City of Cedar Rapids and plans to increase taxes soon?

Ten percent residential property tax increase proposal for the City of Cedar Rapids, including 7 percent and 6-7 percent for industrial and commercial properties, respectively!

Further, our city's leaders and the Cedar Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce are working right now to propose an one percent local option sales tax for flood recovery. Will a local city sales tax include property tax relief for property owners, as the recent school sales tax did? Local option tax bill may mean C.R. vote in March, reports The Gazette.

How will Linn County get involved?

Will the State of Iowa make any future city sales tax permanent, like the State Legislature did with the school tax that was recently approved by Linn County and Johnson County voters in 2008?

Due to the impact of the local, state and national recession we are in, is any tax increase at this time good for our communities?

Another article of interest by The Gazette: Who owns Cedar Rapids City Hall?

peace

Today's Topic: Tax Cuts and Taxes

The Thursday, January 8, 2009 edition of Real Clear Politics. It features an article, "Obama Shouldn't Cave to the Right on Tax Cuts."

Heritage Foundation has a new policy paper: Economic Recovery: How Best to End the Recession http://tinyurl.com/9vvftt

The Heritage Foundation's new Foundry post: CAP: The Country Needs More Bush/Obamaism http://tinyurl.com/a49u2p

For more on taxes, read Facts and Opinions, "How Taxes Corrupt" from the Public Interest Institute.

peace

Today's topic: Economic Development

The Tuesday, January 6, 2009 edition of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch features an article, Restoration St. Louis' New Project? Hotel in Iowa.

The January 5, 2009 edition of The Gazette in Cedar Rapids features an article, State economic incentives face possible cuts

"I think what we're seeing is other states are actually paring back their
economic development packages, and so it really presents an opportunity for
Iowa." - John Gilliland

The Tuesday, January 6, 2009 edition of the Oelwein Daily Register features an article, Education and roads are on local leaders’ minds.

“Iowa relies heavily on property taxes. This is a good year to take a look
at other possibilities.” - House Speaker Pat Murphy of Dubuque

The Tuesday, January 6, 2009 edition of the Des Moines Register features an article, Yepsen: We need less government, not more taxes. It points another side to the challenges impacting the State of Iowa: the size of government and the thirst for more revenue through taxes and users fees.

For more on economic development issues in Iowa, read Public Interest Institute Brief, Tourism, Economic Development, and the Role of the State: Honey Creek Resort.

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What will the 111th Congress do or shouldn't do on Taxes?

A recent article comes from the National Taxpayer Union website and addresses potential tax hikes in 2009. Nation's Largest Taxpayer Group Warns of Unwanted New Year's Greetings: 10 Tax Hikes in the 111th Congress For more on the issue of taxes and spending by in Iowa, read Public Interest Institute Brief titled No Income Tax: The Key to Economic Growth.

'Tis the season, to discuss and forecast future Tax Policy? Merry Christmas to all!

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52% of Americans believe Obama will raise taxes on Small Business*

The Thursday, December 18, 2008 edition of The Los Angeles Times contains an article titled California Democrats devise plan to hike taxes. For more on the issue of tax policy, read No Income Tax: The Key to Economic Growth.

Bush Leaves Obama a Financial Crisis, but Doesn’t Want to per a US News & World Report opinion article today.

* Source of Headline: Campaign Falsehoods Linger On per another US News & World Report article.

http://twitter.com/cidsports

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A commentary received in the mail from P.T.L...

A commentary received recently regarding concerns of lack of limited and efficiency government in Cedar Rapids...

Blogosphere:

Local Media Outlets are reporting that the City Manager in C.R. was named
Iowa Manager of the Year, but he didn't tell anyone.

While his humility is to be commended, we have a member of our C.R. City
Council proposing a 2 cents on the dollar Option Tax, without a Vote, which
isn't even legal in Iowa, yet...and hopes the State Legislature will allow,
under the Broad Category, to help Flood victims. This tax,is being
proposed for 10 years. Where's the Manager's Leadership hereto squelch
such rhetoric in its idea phase, and set the record straight on what's allowed
by the Code of Iowa?

Soon the City will divvy out shares of the Annual Hotel/Motel Tax for next
year? Will the focus of this Million Dollars Plus in Annual Revenue go
towards Flood Relief? With projected revenue shortfalls ahead, due to both the
Flood and the Economy, personnel cuts and Privatization of Publicly run entities
will definitely be on the table as options to improve our use of tax dollars to
fund City Government. What is our City Manager's Vision for improving
Government's Efficiency in a Post-Flood, Economic Downturn C.R.?

Good Government requires Good Vision, Timely implementation of Policies and
retooling and restaffing to meet the new and emerging priorities of the
day! Now that Jimmy has earned his Stripes by being lauded as being the
Best Manager in Iowa, will he live up to his pedigree and our expectations as he
steers us forward using Limited and Efficient Government to guide us through
this Post-Flood Era in the City of 5 Seasons?

Time will tell, as we continue to march towards 2020, with Perfect Vision
for our future, hoping and praying that it's implemented on a Broad Scale to
Protect and Serve our City's Future Viability and Competitive Drive against the Dubuque's,
Waterloo's, Ft. Dodge's and West Des Moines' in securing our share of the pie for our
friends, neighbors and fellow Cedar Rapidians! Is Jimmy on Board with this?
Our Economic future, or lack there of, DEPENDS on it!

Indian Creek Neighborhood Blogger,
Mister P.T.L.

Article on the Justin Shields proposal from KCRG-TV last week.

Rick Smith's recent blog post for the Cedar Rapids Gazette comments about the City of Cedar Rapids' city manager's award.

http://twitter.com/cidsports

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The Key to Economic Growth; President-elect wants your feedback

Advertising Age has an article titled "Why Walmart's Winning: Gas Prices Pump up Retailer's Sales." For more on the free market economy, read Institute Brief: No Income Tax: The Key to Economic Growth.

Have you provided feedback your feedback yet America?

Hey,President-elect Obama's Transition team is inviting Americans from every walk of life to share their stories, experiences, and ideas. Visit the following link to start:
http://www.change.gov/yourvision

We have a lot of work to do at the local, State and Federal level. All our participation will be important.

http://twitter.com/cidsports

peace

We need more taxes... Globally, Nationally and Locally, right?

Globally, the Wednesday, December 3, 2008 edition of The Wall Street Journal in the Opinion section featured an article titled We Need a Global Carbon Tax. For more on the issue of global warming, read Institute Brief: Global Warming: Making the Evidence Fit the Theory.

The National Write Your Congressmen web site had a headline titled Letting the Bush Tax Cuts Expire. The web site mentioned, the following, which will have the same effect of a tax increase if the tax cuts are allowed to expire...

"With President-elect Barack Obama counting the days until his presidency
begins, Democrats in Congress are beginning to think about how they will
address
the tax cuts implemented by the Bush administration."

Locally, KCRG's web site is reporting in a December 4, 2008 story by reporter Mark
Geary: Shoppers Debate Potential New Local Sales Tax. The article reports that some on the City Council want to create a two percent local sales tax. Some would like the State of Iowa to allow the City Council to introduce the city sales tax without a vote of the people. Current Iowa
State law requires a public vote.

It is cold in the air in Cedar Rapids tonight, per twitter.com...

Joe_Winters
Tonight: Clearing and cold - Low near -3...wind chills near -10. More
snow on
Saturday - 1 to 3 inches during the morning. What a December!

Well, there appears to be more than chilly temperatures in the air. Taxes increases: globally, nationally and locally are clearly in the air today.

http://twitter.com/cidsports

peace

Today at Work... I visited with a gentlemen from Texas

I received a call today from a salesman. We had a nice visit and in the course of our conversation we discussed government. Basically, we came to the basic agreement that most people agree 60-70% on most things. But, politics today seems stuck on the focusing on the fringe or the extreme polarization that is fueled by special interest, money, greed and/or power.

Small business is made up of both Republicans, Democrats or those calling themselves something else. I would contend that most people are better off with a limited government. We need regulation and over site. However, it needs to be limited to the extent that private sector works better than government on most things.

But, our tax policy is day by day destroying the middle class and small business. Our society is fueled by consultants, tax accountants and lawyers, rather than a quality product or service today. The incentive today is to reduce your tax liability rather than focusing on that quality product or service.

We need to knock down partisanship and work together again. We have completed the elections of November 2008. Now, we need to come together and work on the public policy that fueled the rebirth of voter participation. There is a role for government at the Federal, State and Local level, but we need to get back to the roots of limited government.

The private sector needs to get back to providing a quality product and service. However, government is focused on Big this and Big that, while making our tax policy bigger and more burdensome. We sure have come a long way, since 1913.

Our tax policy is the problem. Government has grown too large at the Local, State and Federal levels. Look at the national debt today in Washington DC. Our financial crisis today is certainly rooted in our tax policy. As an employer, I actually pay the government before I pay my employee through income tax withholding and other tax deductions.

The Tuesday, November 18, 2008 edition of The Wall Street Journal features an article titled A new assertiveness on economy. For more on economic policy read Limits: A prescription for economic health.

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Global Push to Beat Economoc Downturn

It was a bad October economically for a lot of people around the globe. The Friday, November 7, 2008 edition of The Wall Street Journal featured an article titled "Global Push to Beat Economic Downturn." For more information on economic issues read Amy Franz' Policy Study report titled "No Income Tax: The Key to Economic Growth."

peace