1. The Supreme Court affirmed a lower court ruling that found Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) unconstitutional. Section 3 defined marriage for federal purposes as between one man and one woman and denied federal benefits to same-sex couples legally married in their states.
2. The plaintiff, Edith Windsor, was legally married to her same-sex partner in Canada but was barred from claiming an estate tax exemption for surviving spouses under DOMA after her partner passed away. She paid estate taxes and sued for a refund.
3. While the plaintiff's case was pending, the Obama administration announced it would no longer defend DOMA in court. The Bipartisan Legal Advisory Group of the House
The Growth & Opportunity Project report analyzes the Republican Party's performance in the 2012 election and makes recommendations for improving future campaigns. It conducted extensive research, including over 2,600 interviews, focus groups, surveys, and listening sessions. The report's key findings are that the Party's messaging is not connecting with various demographic groups, especially minorities, women and youth. It recommends updating messaging to emphasize compassion and economic opportunity for all. The future of the Party depends on adopting a more inclusive tone and developing policies that appeal to a diverse America.
The Tredyffrin Township Democrats ran a survey in January to gauge current involvement levels and interest in future participation. 77 people responded. The survey found that 95% read the FLASH newsletter, 34% "Like" the Facebook page, 56% do not use Twitter, and over 97% vote in every election or almost every election. Regarding involvement, 43% would like to be more involved, 26% are very involved, 22% are too busy to be involved, and 8% don't know what the organization does. Comments indicated that time constraints are a major barrier to involvement for many.
This report analyzes the relationship between top tax rates and economic growth in the United States since 1945. It finds that while the top marginal tax rate has decreased from over 90% to 35% over this period, there is no conclusive evidence of a clear relationship between the tax rate reductions and economic growth. The data suggest tax rate reductions have had little association with key factors like saving, investment and productivity growth. However, tax rates appear related to rising income inequality, with higher-income groups receiving a larger share of total income as rates have declined.
President Obama outlined a plan to strengthen the middle class and grow the economy through investments in manufacturing, energy, education, and reducing the deficit. He discussed creating 1 million new manufacturing jobs and 600,000 energy jobs by expanding domestic production. The plan aims to support small businesses, improve education through recruiting teachers and funding community colleges, and cut the deficit by more than $4 trillion through tax reforms and spending cuts.
The document describes A.A.A.D.D. (Age Activated Attention Deficit Disorder), where one gets easily distracted from tasks throughout the day. It provides an example of trying to water the garden but getting distracted by other chores like washing the car, paying bills, finding checks, putting away a Pepsi, watering flowers, and more, resulting in nothing getting fully completed. In the end, the person is tired and can't remember what they did all day but feels busy, and realizes they need help for this serious problem of getting easily distracted.
1. The Supreme Court affirmed a lower court ruling that found Section 3 of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) unconstitutional. Section 3 defined marriage for federal purposes as between one man and one woman and denied federal benefits to same-sex couples legally married in their states.
2. The plaintiff, Edith Windsor, was legally married to her same-sex partner in Canada but was barred from claiming an estate tax exemption for surviving spouses under DOMA after her partner passed away. She paid estate taxes and sued for a refund.
3. While the plaintiff's case was pending, the Obama administration announced it would no longer defend DOMA in court. The Bipartisan Legal Advisory Group of the House
The Growth & Opportunity Project report analyzes the Republican Party's performance in the 2012 election and makes recommendations for improving future campaigns. It conducted extensive research, including over 2,600 interviews, focus groups, surveys, and listening sessions. The report's key findings are that the Party's messaging is not connecting with various demographic groups, especially minorities, women and youth. It recommends updating messaging to emphasize compassion and economic opportunity for all. The future of the Party depends on adopting a more inclusive tone and developing policies that appeal to a diverse America.
The Tredyffrin Township Democrats ran a survey in January to gauge current involvement levels and interest in future participation. 77 people responded. The survey found that 95% read the FLASH newsletter, 34% "Like" the Facebook page, 56% do not use Twitter, and over 97% vote in every election or almost every election. Regarding involvement, 43% would like to be more involved, 26% are very involved, 22% are too busy to be involved, and 8% don't know what the organization does. Comments indicated that time constraints are a major barrier to involvement for many.
This report analyzes the relationship between top tax rates and economic growth in the United States since 1945. It finds that while the top marginal tax rate has decreased from over 90% to 35% over this period, there is no conclusive evidence of a clear relationship between the tax rate reductions and economic growth. The data suggest tax rate reductions have had little association with key factors like saving, investment and productivity growth. However, tax rates appear related to rising income inequality, with higher-income groups receiving a larger share of total income as rates have declined.
President Obama outlined a plan to strengthen the middle class and grow the economy through investments in manufacturing, energy, education, and reducing the deficit. He discussed creating 1 million new manufacturing jobs and 600,000 energy jobs by expanding domestic production. The plan aims to support small businesses, improve education through recruiting teachers and funding community colleges, and cut the deficit by more than $4 trillion through tax reforms and spending cuts.
The document describes A.A.A.D.D. (Age Activated Attention Deficit Disorder), where one gets easily distracted from tasks throughout the day. It provides an example of trying to water the garden but getting distracted by other chores like washing the car, paying bills, finding checks, putting away a Pepsi, watering flowers, and more, resulting in nothing getting fully completed. In the end, the person is tired and can't remember what they did all day but feels busy, and realizes they need help for this serious problem of getting easily distracted.
The document is a summary of key findings from the 2010 U.S. Election Assistance Commission Election Administration and Voting Survey. It describes the survey methodology, including revisions made for 2010. It also summarizes some of the main results regarding how Americans voted in 2010 such as in-person, absentee, early voting, and overseas/military voting. Finally, it provides highlights about election administration topics covered in the survey such as the number of poll workers, polling places, and types of voting technologies used.
The document is a memorandum opinion from a Commonwealth Court judge regarding a request to enjoin enforcement of Pennsylvania's voter ID law. In the opinion, the judge makes two determinations: 1) that the procedures for deploying alternate voter IDs do not meet the legal requirement of liberal access, and 2) that voter disenfranchisement will likely still occur before the upcoming election. As a result, the judge orders a preliminary injunction preventing the disenfranchisement provisions of the voter ID law from being enforced. The injunction is targeted to specifically address the issues identified by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court regarding voter access and disenfranchisement.
This Supreme Court of Pennsylvania order addresses a challenge to the state's Voter ID Law. The order summarizes that: (1) while the state has a legitimate interest in requiring voter ID, the law is not being implemented according to its terms and some voters will be disenfranchised; (2) state agencies acknowledge voters will be unable to obtain IDs and elections may be impaired; and (3) the Commonwealth Court denied a preliminary injunction based on predictions that education and remedial efforts will prevent disenfranchisement, but appellants argue more time is needed for implementation. The order reviews the Commonwealth Court's denial of a preliminary injunction for abuse of discretion.
The document discusses the benefits of exercise for mental health. Regular physical activity can help reduce anxiety and depression and improve mood and cognitive functioning. Exercise causes chemical changes in the brain that may help protect against mental illness and improve symptoms.
The document summarizes the impact of Pennsylvania Governor Corbett's proposed 2012-2013 budget on services in Philadelphia. It outlines proposed cuts to health and human services ($41 million reduction), education funding, public library subsidies, aging services, and probation/parole services. Specific impacts include increased homelessness, reduced mental health and addiction treatment, closure of 400 community residential beds, and increased burdens on other city departments. The budget also eliminates funding for the Homeowners Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program.
This Pennsylvania House Resolution declares 2012 as the "Year of the Bible" in Pennsylvania. It recognizes the formative influence of the Bible on the founding of the United States and Pennsylvania. It notes that many national leaders acknowledged this influence and that applying biblical teachings can strengthen the nation during challenging times. The resolution aims to renew knowledge of and faith in God through studying and applying the teachings of the holy scriptures.
This document summarizes how millions of Americans are losing their health insurance due to the implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). It discusses how a survey found that 45-50% of employers will likely drop coverage for employees after 2014 due to the law. It also provides examples of major health insurers exiting state markets, dropping certain plans, and reducing coverage options, impacting tens of thousands of individuals and small businesses. The author argues this is occurring due to onerous regulations in the ACA that are making it difficult for insurers to remain profitable and continue offering coverage.
This document is a report from the U.S. Census Bureau that summarizes key statistics on income, poverty, and health insurance coverage in the United States in 2010. It acknowledges those involved in preparing sections on income, poverty, and health insurance coverage. The report provides essential data on economic well-being and access to healthcare for Americans.
1. The document outlines President Obama's American Jobs Act, which includes proposals to cut payroll taxes for businesses and workers to encourage hiring, invest in infrastructure projects to put people back to work, reform unemployment insurance, and provide tax relief to middle class families.
2. It proposes tax cuts and credits for small businesses to hire new workers, veterans, and the long-term unemployed as well as investments in schools, transportation, and a national infrastructure bank.
3. Reforms to the unemployment system are aimed at helping the long-term unemployed transition back to work through job search assistance and flexible programs.
The letter urges President Obama to present an ambitious jobs plan that directly creates millions of jobs, including jobs in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and other areas. It argues that bold action is needed to address the 25 million Americans who are unemployed or underemployed. Specifically, it recommends including Representative Jan Schakowsky's "Emergency Jobs to Restore the American Dream Act" which would create over 2 million jobs and decrease unemployment by 1.3%. It also calls for raising taxes on the wealthy to pay for job creation and investment in economic recovery.
The letter urges President Obama to present an ambitious jobs plan that directly creates millions of jobs through bold initiatives like infrastructure investment and green jobs programs. It argues that half measures like tax cuts have failed and a large, direct jobs program is needed to tackle the 25 million Americans unemployed or underemployed. The letter endorses Representative Jan Schakowsky's "Emergency Jobs to Restore the American Dream Act" as an example of the kind of initiative that should be included and calls for funding it through higher taxes on the wealthy.
President Obama aimed to reform the "submerged state" - existing federal policies that incentivize private activities through subsidies and tax breaks. However, these policies have faced challenges to reform. Over time, the submerged state has fostered profitable industries that have increased political influence to maintain the status quo. Additionally, the submerged state remains largely invisible to citizens. Obama sought to reform taxation, higher education, and healthcare - areas shaped by the contours of the submerged state. While achieving legislative accomplishments, political success depends on revealing reforms to citizens so they understand what has been achieved.
This document summarizes the results of a survey conducted at Netroots Nation 2011 with 519 respondents. It shows that 96% of respondents said they would "almost certainly" vote in the 2012 presidential election. 80% of respondents approved of the way Barack Obama is handling his job as president. The top priority for President Obama according to respondents was job growth at 66%. Respondents had very warm feelings toward Barack Obama, Netroots Nation, Rachel Maddow and labor unions. A plurality of respondents said they would most like to see Sarah Palin as the Republican presidential nominee in 2012.
Legislative operations during a lapse in appropriationsDocJess
The document provides guidance from the Committee on House Administration on legislative operations during a lapse in appropriations. It outlines which House operations and employees are considered essential versus non-essential. Essential employees include those involved in constitutional responsibilities, protecting human life, or protecting property. Non-essential employees will be furloughed without pay. The guidance addresses salary, benefits, notifications during a furlough, and other operational questions.
The document summarizes the findings of a survey of 818 American workers about their views on the economy and unemployment. Key findings include:
1) American workers have a grim outlook on the economy and labor market, with most expecting continued recession or depression and high unemployment.
2) The recession has had a major financial impact on most Americans, especially the unemployed, with many taking on debt and making lifestyle changes.
3) Americans blame the recession and policies of former presidents Bush and Obama for high unemployment, but few blame the unemployed themselves.
4) Most Americans report that they, family, or friends have lost jobs in the past three years, showing the widespread impact of job losses.
The document is a summary of key findings from the 2010 U.S. Election Assistance Commission Election Administration and Voting Survey. It describes the survey methodology, including revisions made for 2010. It also summarizes some of the main results regarding how Americans voted in 2010 such as in-person, absentee, early voting, and overseas/military voting. Finally, it provides highlights about election administration topics covered in the survey such as the number of poll workers, polling places, and types of voting technologies used.
The document is a memorandum opinion from a Commonwealth Court judge regarding a request to enjoin enforcement of Pennsylvania's voter ID law. In the opinion, the judge makes two determinations: 1) that the procedures for deploying alternate voter IDs do not meet the legal requirement of liberal access, and 2) that voter disenfranchisement will likely still occur before the upcoming election. As a result, the judge orders a preliminary injunction preventing the disenfranchisement provisions of the voter ID law from being enforced. The injunction is targeted to specifically address the issues identified by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court regarding voter access and disenfranchisement.
This Supreme Court of Pennsylvania order addresses a challenge to the state's Voter ID Law. The order summarizes that: (1) while the state has a legitimate interest in requiring voter ID, the law is not being implemented according to its terms and some voters will be disenfranchised; (2) state agencies acknowledge voters will be unable to obtain IDs and elections may be impaired; and (3) the Commonwealth Court denied a preliminary injunction based on predictions that education and remedial efforts will prevent disenfranchisement, but appellants argue more time is needed for implementation. The order reviews the Commonwealth Court's denial of a preliminary injunction for abuse of discretion.
The document discusses the benefits of exercise for mental health. Regular physical activity can help reduce anxiety and depression and improve mood and cognitive functioning. Exercise causes chemical changes in the brain that may help protect against mental illness and improve symptoms.
The document summarizes the impact of Pennsylvania Governor Corbett's proposed 2012-2013 budget on services in Philadelphia. It outlines proposed cuts to health and human services ($41 million reduction), education funding, public library subsidies, aging services, and probation/parole services. Specific impacts include increased homelessness, reduced mental health and addiction treatment, closure of 400 community residential beds, and increased burdens on other city departments. The budget also eliminates funding for the Homeowners Emergency Mortgage Assistance Program.
This Pennsylvania House Resolution declares 2012 as the "Year of the Bible" in Pennsylvania. It recognizes the formative influence of the Bible on the founding of the United States and Pennsylvania. It notes that many national leaders acknowledged this influence and that applying biblical teachings can strengthen the nation during challenging times. The resolution aims to renew knowledge of and faith in God through studying and applying the teachings of the holy scriptures.
This document summarizes how millions of Americans are losing their health insurance due to the implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). It discusses how a survey found that 45-50% of employers will likely drop coverage for employees after 2014 due to the law. It also provides examples of major health insurers exiting state markets, dropping certain plans, and reducing coverage options, impacting tens of thousands of individuals and small businesses. The author argues this is occurring due to onerous regulations in the ACA that are making it difficult for insurers to remain profitable and continue offering coverage.
This document is a report from the U.S. Census Bureau that summarizes key statistics on income, poverty, and health insurance coverage in the United States in 2010. It acknowledges those involved in preparing sections on income, poverty, and health insurance coverage. The report provides essential data on economic well-being and access to healthcare for Americans.
1. The document outlines President Obama's American Jobs Act, which includes proposals to cut payroll taxes for businesses and workers to encourage hiring, invest in infrastructure projects to put people back to work, reform unemployment insurance, and provide tax relief to middle class families.
2. It proposes tax cuts and credits for small businesses to hire new workers, veterans, and the long-term unemployed as well as investments in schools, transportation, and a national infrastructure bank.
3. Reforms to the unemployment system are aimed at helping the long-term unemployed transition back to work through job search assistance and flexible programs.
The letter urges President Obama to present an ambitious jobs plan that directly creates millions of jobs, including jobs in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and other areas. It argues that bold action is needed to address the 25 million Americans who are unemployed or underemployed. Specifically, it recommends including Representative Jan Schakowsky's "Emergency Jobs to Restore the American Dream Act" which would create over 2 million jobs and decrease unemployment by 1.3%. It also calls for raising taxes on the wealthy to pay for job creation and investment in economic recovery.
The letter urges President Obama to present an ambitious jobs plan that directly creates millions of jobs through bold initiatives like infrastructure investment and green jobs programs. It argues that half measures like tax cuts have failed and a large, direct jobs program is needed to tackle the 25 million Americans unemployed or underemployed. The letter endorses Representative Jan Schakowsky's "Emergency Jobs to Restore the American Dream Act" as an example of the kind of initiative that should be included and calls for funding it through higher taxes on the wealthy.
President Obama aimed to reform the "submerged state" - existing federal policies that incentivize private activities through subsidies and tax breaks. However, these policies have faced challenges to reform. Over time, the submerged state has fostered profitable industries that have increased political influence to maintain the status quo. Additionally, the submerged state remains largely invisible to citizens. Obama sought to reform taxation, higher education, and healthcare - areas shaped by the contours of the submerged state. While achieving legislative accomplishments, political success depends on revealing reforms to citizens so they understand what has been achieved.
This document summarizes the results of a survey conducted at Netroots Nation 2011 with 519 respondents. It shows that 96% of respondents said they would "almost certainly" vote in the 2012 presidential election. 80% of respondents approved of the way Barack Obama is handling his job as president. The top priority for President Obama according to respondents was job growth at 66%. Respondents had very warm feelings toward Barack Obama, Netroots Nation, Rachel Maddow and labor unions. A plurality of respondents said they would most like to see Sarah Palin as the Republican presidential nominee in 2012.
Legislative operations during a lapse in appropriationsDocJess
The document provides guidance from the Committee on House Administration on legislative operations during a lapse in appropriations. It outlines which House operations and employees are considered essential versus non-essential. Essential employees include those involved in constitutional responsibilities, protecting human life, or protecting property. Non-essential employees will be furloughed without pay. The guidance addresses salary, benefits, notifications during a furlough, and other operational questions.
The document summarizes the findings of a survey of 818 American workers about their views on the economy and unemployment. Key findings include:
1) American workers have a grim outlook on the economy and labor market, with most expecting continued recession or depression and high unemployment.
2) The recession has had a major financial impact on most Americans, especially the unemployed, with many taking on debt and making lifestyle changes.
3) Americans blame the recession and policies of former presidents Bush and Obama for high unemployment, but few blame the unemployed themselves.
4) Most Americans report that they, family, or friends have lost jobs in the past three years, showing the widespread impact of job losses.