The WOTC Planet

Minnesota Fails to Reach Agreement on Jobs Tax Credit Proposals

Vaughn Hromiko — Sun, 20 May 2012 08:37:54 +0000

In January, I mentioned that Minnesota’s Democrat Governor Mark Dayton was proposing state jobs tax credits to reward employers who hire veterans, unemployed workers, and recent graduates. During the intervening months, this ongoing story hit the news a surprising number of times . . . almost always in the context of budgeting disagreements between state Democrats and the Republican controlled Minnesota legislature.

In the end, the Minnesota legislature did include some variety of jobs tax credits in two bills submitted for Governor Dayton’s signature. Unfortunately, both were vetoed in their turn. Read a recent commentary by Julianne Ortman in the Twin Cities’ Star Tribune. A May 17 editorial, also in the Star Tribune, provides another perspective.

Congressman Aaron Schock – WOTC Program Must be Extended

Vaughn Hromiko — Wed, 02 May 2012 04:09:42 +0000

Congressman Aaron Schock (R-IL) a primary sponsor of HR 2082, the Work Opportunity Credit Improvement Act offered the following during his testimony on Thursday before the House’s Subcommittee on Select Revenue. If you would like to listen for yourself, Congressman’s Schock’s testimony begins at time stamp 1:08:58. These specific comments begin about two minutes later at timestamp 1:11:06.

I have taken a leadership role in the Work Opportunity Tax Credit, which provides a reduction in tax liability for private sector employers who hire employees off of public assistance.

Most recently this Congress expanded this program to include unemployed veterans; however without the core work opportunity program, employers will be less willing to participate in the new veterans hiring credit

It’s hard for employers to justify maintaining that costly infrastructure of a work opportunity program, which will now be one-tenth the size of the core work opportunity program unless it is extended.

For an average tax credit of a thousand dollars, through WOTC, it saves the federal government $5,000 in public assistance payments in just a year. Nearly an equal amount in state public assistance contributions as well is saved.

Tax Extenders: “Temporary tax provisions that are worthy should be made permanent”

Vaughn Hromiko — Tue, 01 May 2012 21:52:23 +0000

“Temporary tax provisions that are worthy should be made permanent.” So says, Congressman Pat Tiberi (R-OH), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Select Revenue in his opening remarks to last week’s subcommittee hearing on tax extenders.

[T]he current tax code is riddled with scores of provisions that have been enacted on a temporary basis. I say riddled not because I believe all these provisions are bad but because – while there are rare occasions when it makes sense to enact temporary tax provisions, such as during an economic downturn – most of the temporary provisions were made temporary not for policy reasons, but because of arcane budget or Senate rules. Making tax policy this way wreaks havoc on the ability of families and businesses to plan for the future with some certainty.

With a few exceptions, temporary tax provisions that are worthy should be made permanent. Those that are not worthy should be terminated. That kind of certainty might not happen until we pass comprehensive tax reform, but in the meantime today’s hearing provides a formal opportunity for the subcommittee to hear from our House colleagues about the merits of extending—or not extending—many of these tax policies.

Groundwork Laid for Tax Bill Extending WOTC and other Expired Tax Provisions

Vaughn Hromiko — Fri, 27 Apr 2012 01:36:47 +0000

This morning’s Congressional hearing on the tax extenders is getting minimal mention this afternoon in the general media. The consensus from all quarters, however, seems to be that it was a successful step toward extending many of the expired tax provisions.

In a private correspondence to Coalition members, Paul Suplizio, President of the WOTC Coalition reported,

“It’s taken four months but today the House logjam blocking extenders legislation was shattered by members of Congress, Republicans and Democrats, calling for prompt action to renew a broad range of expired or about-to-expire tax provisions.”

Portions of a statement submitted to the committee by the National Retail Federation (or NRF) have been appearing in articles and blog posts. I find the following particularly persuasive. After asserting the federation’s support for general tax reform, the NRF statement continues:

“[T]ax reform will take some time to accomplish, and until that occurs it is important to maintain tax provisions that help stimulate investments and jobs. These provisions need to be extended as expeditiously as possible to eliminate business uncertainty that is causing delays in investment and hiring.”

Read the NRF’s press release here.

According to Paul Suplizio, this issue of stability and uncertainty was the “constant refrain” of today’s hearing. Mr. Suplizio continues,

“This excellent hearing has laid the groundwork for a tax bill to emerge within the next 60 days unless the Senate acts sooner, but we mustn’t be deceived—there’s still even odds House Leaders will defer an always-thorny tax bill till after the election. For this reason it is imperative we keep the pressure on House leaders and the Ways and Means Committee to report out a tax bill extending WOTC soonest.”

See previous posts about this hearing.

http://www.wotcplanet.com/2012/04/urgent-wotc-matter-clarification-and-re-emphasis-for-april-26-hearing/

Urgent WOTC Matter – Clarification and Re-Emphasis for April 26 Hearing

Vaughn Hromiko — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 22:55:11 +0000

This is a follow up to my earlier post, including a second correspondence this afternoon from the WOTC Coalition.

If you will, here is specifically what we each need to do.

Contact your Member of Congress and:

(a) Inform them that the Ways and Means Committee will hold a hearing on Tax Extenders on Thursday April 26th
(b) Emphasize to them that decisions flowing from the hearing may decide the future of WOTC and other tax extenders
(c) Urge them to submit a Statement for the Hearing Record advocating an extension of WOTC for 2012 until a decision can be made on the merits during tax reform

Note, this statement must be submitted by May 10th.

***********

From: Paul Suplizio wotc@cox.net
Sent: Friday, April 20, 2012 3:13 PM
Subject: Lobbying House To Support WOTC In Tax Extenders Hearing

April 20, 2012

To clarify and re-emphasize our previous message announcing the April 26th Ways and Means hearing on Tax Extenders:

The action required is for all Coalition members to contact their congressman, inform them that the Ways and Means Committee will hold a hearing on Tax Extenders on April 26th, that decisions flowing from this hearing may decide the future of WOTC, and urge them to submit a statement for the hearing record by May 10th advocating an extension of WOTC for 2012 until a decision can be made during tax reform on this jobs program for the most severely unemployed people with disabilities, youth, seniors, welfare recipients, and veterans.

Those in touch with Ways and Means Committee members know who you are and are asked to make them your top priority from now until May 10th—the last day for submission of written comments. The message to them is the same as given above.

PAUL E. SUPLIZIO
President, WOTC Coalition

Urgent Matter for WOTC Program Renewal and Extension

Vaughn Hromiko — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 22:40:42 +0000

The Ways and Means Subcommittee on Select Revenue Measures has scheduled a hearing on Tax Extenders for 10:00 AM on Thursday, April 26th. That is in six days.

This is an Urgent Matter for the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) and other tax extenders because the policy of the Ways and Means Committee and the Republican House leadership will largely be set by the decisions flowing from this discussion.

I am publishing, with permission, a communication received this afternoon from Paul Suplizio, President of the WOTC Coalition. Paul offers some specific suggestions to make the impact we need before that hearing takes place. Again, this is urgent.

**************

From: Paul Suplizio wotc@cox.net
Sent: Friday, April 20, 2012 2:24 PM
Subject: Hearing on Future of WOTC Set for Thursday, April 26

April 20, 2012

Congressman Pat Tiberi (R-OH), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Select Revenue Measures, Ways and Means Committee, has announced a hearing on Tax Extenders to be held at 10:00 AM on Thursday, April 26th in Room 1100 Longworth House Office Building.

Testimony will be received solely from House members who have sponsored or co-sponsored legislation extending, modifying, or improving a tax extender, of which WOTC is one.

Congressman Aaron Schock, sponsor of H.R. 2082, WOTC Improvements Act, will testify on behalf of WOTC. Congressman Charles Rangel, Chairman Emeritus of Ways and Means and the lead Democratic co-sponsor, has been invalided by a bad back for the past two months and may not be able to appear. We are asking Ranking Minority Member Sander Levin to become a co-sponsor of H.R. 2082, and that he and other co-sponsors consider submitting a statement for the record.

Your Coalition will submit a statement for the record, and Coalition members may do so as well. Details as to form and deadline for submission are attached to the hearing announcement, which may be accessed at www.waysandmeans.house.gov, click on “Hearings.”

It should be clear that decisions flowing from this hearing will eventually become the policy of the Ways and Means majority and of the House leadership and will thus decide the future of WOTC insofar as the House is concerned.

Since last summer, many of us have been lobbying Ways and Means Republicans to support a WOTC extension. Many of them have been advised to be wary of the tax extenders because the plan is to use them to finance tax reform—thus few Ways and Means Republicans have responded favorably to our efforts on behalf of WOTC. Nevertheless, there are several who are friendly to our cause but have been undecided as to the course of action to take.

Now is the time to get back to these Ways and Means Republicans and advise them the future of WOTC is on the line in this hearing and they could be most helpful by co-sponsoring H.R. 2082 or, if unable to do so, submit a statement for the record supporting a retroactive extension of WOTC through 2012 until a decision can be made in tax reform on the merits of further extension. Coalition members in the field who have been lobbying their congressman for WOTC should deliver this same message, whether or not your congressman is a member of Ways and Means.

Let’s use our collective strength for a big push before the Hearing. The matter is urgent! Please give it your priority attention. Many thanks!

For questions or comments, contact me at 703-587-4566.

PAUL E. SUPLIZIO

President, WOTC Coalition

##End

50-State Lobbying Priorities for WOTC Coalition and Interested Parties

Vaughn Hromiko — Sat, 14 Apr 2012 07:32:43 +0000

The following advisement was provided by Paul Suplizio, President of the WOTC Coalition on Monday of this week. It is published here with permission.

Renewed lobbying efforts will begin on April 16th.

This post is full of good information and insider advice to help you with your lobbying efforts. Paul also outlines lobbying priorities for each state. Find out what is going on in your state.

As a WOTC Planet reader, you should feel welcome to contact the WOTC Coalition with your questions. Reach Mr. Suplizio by email at wotc@cox.net Even better, consider joining the WOTC Coalition and making a financial contribution if you can.

************

From: Paul Suplizio
Sent: Monday, April 9, 2012 12:32 AM
Subject: WOTC 50-State Lobbying Priorities

April 9, 2012

Here we recap priority lobbying targets for the House and Senate in each state, noting in some cases senators or congressmen running for election. By energizing WOTC supporters in every state to contact these targets, we will have a nationwide full-court press on precisely the right members of Congress.

When Congress returns April 16^th we will have another chance to get WOTC renewed. The Small Busines Tax Cut Bill reported by Ways and Means on March 29^th will most likely go to the floor because it’s a priority of the House leadership. Recently, it was boosted by an interview Majority Leader Eric Cantor gave to the media. If that bill gets to the Senate, our goal will be to get a retroactive WOTC renewal attached to it.

Now is the time to start making contacts in the states where you operate. The entire House will be home campaigning this week, as will contestants for 33 Senate seats. They will be anxious to hear your message. Don’t forget to be ready to answer the congressman’s question, “What do you want me to do?” The answer for House members is “Co-sponsor H.R. 2082 and urge Ways and Means Chairman Camp to make WOTC a permanent part of the tax code.” In the Senate, it’s “Join with Senator Baucus to pass a bi-partisan WOTC extender bill.

Use the fact sheet and model letter at our web site to educate those in your organization whom you recruit to help. Remember the Coalition’s phone number if they have questions, 703-587-4566.

It takes only one intelligent, motivated, outgoing person in each local branch, field office, or client to quickly get acquainted with his congressman or senator and their legislative assistants by calling their local office or Washington office, 202-224-3121, to start the ball rolling. The aim is to deliver the WOTC message directly in a meeting with the congressman or aides, followed up in writing and by phone at critical points in the campaign.

The Coalition can help your organization, we’ll make field calls and mobilize your members or branches for you. We can also write your talking points and letters. We just need your go-ahead. The next three months will be crucial.

A point worth repeating because it’s an election year: it’s out of bounds to cast your message suggesting an offer of electoral support in return for support of WOTC. Advocacy isn’t a horse trade, and suggesting it isn’t proper. You are a constituent asking your congressman’s help in a legislative matter of concern to your business, or state or district, so stick to the merits of your case without mentioning the election unless the congressman or senator brings it up. In that case you may speak frankly, but often the prudent response is you can’t speak to the election at present. Someone in the congressman’s campaign, which is separate from his legislative office, may contact you for electoral support or you may contact the campaign if you are eager to help, but keep your advocacy and political roles separate.

Below are priority targets for House and Senate targets in all 50 states, emphasizing lobbying Republicans in the House to co-sponsor H.R. 2082, and Republicans in the Senate to join with Senator Baucus in a bi-partisan WOTC extender bill.

Alabama

Senator Richard Shelby (R)

Senator Jeff Sessions (R)

Congressman Jo Bonner (R)

Congressman Robert B. Aderholt (R)

Congressman Spencer Bachus (R)

Alaska

Senator Lisa Murkowski (R)

Senator Mark Begich (D)—Senator Begich is new and needs to be fully informed about WOTC. Bottom line: please work with Senator Baucus for WOTC renewal.

Congressman Don Young (R)—Congressman Young is the at-large congressman for the entire state of Alaska and ranks second in seniority among House Republicans.

Arizona

Senator John McCain (R)

Congressman Jeff Flake (R)—Senator Jon Kyl is retiring and Congressman Flake is running for Senate. His principal Democratic opponent is former U.S. Surgeon General Richard Carmona. The race is expected to be a toss-up between Flake and Carmona.

Congressman Trent Franks (R)

Arkansas

Senator John Boozman (R)

Congressman Rick Crawford (R)

California

Congressman Wally Herger (R)—high-ranking on Ways and Means

Congressman Devin Nunes (R)—Ways and Means member

Congressman Kevin McCarthy (R)—House Majority Whip, member of the leadership

Congressman Elton Gallegly (R)—Chairs Immigration Policy Subcommittee of Judiciary Committee

Congressman Howard P. McKeon (R)—Armed Services Committee Chairman

Congressman Ed Royce (R)

Congressman Jerry Lewis (R)—third-ranking in seniority among House Republicans

Congressman Gary G. Miller (R)

Congressman Ken Calvert (R)

Congresswoman Mary Bono Mack (R)

Congressman Dana Rohrabacher (R)

Congressman Brian P. Bilbray (R)

Congressman Darrel Issa (R)

Colorado

Congressman Cory Gardner (R)

Congressman Scott Tipton (R)

Connecticut

Congressman Christopher S. Murphy (D)—Senator Joseph Lieberman is retiring and Democratic Congressman Murphy is running for this open seat; he will first have to win the primary on August 14^th. His Republican opponent will be either former Senate candidate Linda P. McMahon (R) or former congressman Christopher Shays (R) who will compete in the primary on August 14. Let’s urge Murphy to co-sponsor H.R. 2082, entering the Senate a committed WOTC supporter if he wins. Christopher Shays is a past WOTC supporter but must first win the August primary to be in a position to help.

Delaware

Congressman John Carney (D)—Congressman Carney is new and needs to be informed about WOTC and urged to co-sponsor H.R. 2082. As with many Delaware congressmen, he may enter the Senate someday.

Florida

Senator Marco Rubio (R)

Congressman Jeff Miller (R)

Congressman Ander Crenshaw (R)

Congressman John L. Mica (R)

Congressman Vern Buchanan (R)—Ways and Means member

Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R)

Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart (R)

Georgia

Senator Saxby Chambliss (R)

Senator Johnny Isakson (R)

Congressman Jack Kingston (R)

Congressman Tom Price (R)—Chairman, Republican Policy Committee and Ways and Means member

Congressman Phil Gingrey

Hawaii

Congresswoman Mazie K. Hirono (D)—Senator Daniel Akaka is retiring and Congresswoman Hirono is running to replace him if she wins the August 11 primary against former Congressman Ed Case. She can help us now by co-sponsoring H.R. 2082. Former governor Linda Lingle (R) is the Republican candidate for this seat in what could be a close race with the Democratic nominee.

Idaho

Senator Michael D. Crapo (R)—Finance Committee member

Senator Jim Risch (R)

Congressman Mike Simpson (R)

Illinois

Congressman Peter Roskam (R) Ways and Means member and Deputy Whip.

Congressman John Shimkus (R)

Congressman Donald Manzullo (R)—he is in a primary fight with freshman Congressman Adam Kinzinger, and would be willing to hear our case for co-sponsoring H.R. 2082.

Adam Kinzinger (R)—he is in primary fight with Congressman Donald Manzullo due to re-districting, and as a “young gun” needs to hear the case for WOTC and co-sponsoring H.R. 2082.

Timothy V. Johnson (R)

Indiana

Senator Richard Lugar (R)—has primary fight with State Treasurer Richard Mourdock on May 8.

Senator Dan Coats (R)

Congressman Joe Donnelly (D)—will run against Lugar or Mourdock in general election.

Iowa

Senator Charles E. Grassley (R)—Finance Committee member

Congressman Tom Latham (R)

Congressman Steve King (R)

Kansas

Senator Pat Roberts (R)—Finance Committee member, tried to pass WOTC extension on amendment to Highway bill on March 14 but could not muster 60 votes.

Senator Jerry Moran (R)

Congresswoman Lynn Jenkins (R)—Ways and Means member

Congressman Kevin Yoder (R)—Kansas City

Kentucky

Senator Mitch McConnell (R)—Minority Leader

Senator Rand Paul (R)

Congressman Edward Whitfield (R)

Congressman Harold Rogers (R)

Congressman Geoff Davis (R)

Louisiana

Senator David Vitter (R

Congressman Charles Boustany, Jr. (R)—high ranking on Ways and Means

Congressman Rodney Alexander (R)

Congressman Steve Scalise (R)

Congressman John Fleming (R)

Maine

Senator Susan Collins (R)—Task is to urge her support for WOTC in the Republican Conference and with Minority Leader McConnell.

Senator Olympia Snowe (R)—Senator Snowe is retiring and neither of the congressmen from Maine, both Democrats, are running for her seat. Former governor Angus King (I) has declared his candidacy as an independent. Maine Treasurer Bruce Poliquin has announced for the Democrats. Governor King is the leading contender and should be briefed on WOTC at the earliest opportunity. The primary is June 12^th.

Maryland

Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (D)—House Minority Whip, needs to hear importance of WOTC for Maryland and asked to co-sponsor H.R. 2082.

Congressman Chris Van Hollen (D)—A de facto member of the House Democratic leadership, getting him to co-sponsor H.R. 2082 would be influential with many Democrats.

Congressman Elijah E. Cummings (D)—Urge him to co-sponsor H.R. 2082 and ask his colleagues Hoyer and Van Hollen to do likewise.

Massachusetts

Senator Scott P. Brown (R)—running for re-election as a moderate, he should be contacted and asked to work with Senator Baucus to enact a bi-partisan extenders bill including WOTC. His Democratic opponent is former Consumer Finance Protection Bureau chief, Elizabeth Warren.

Michigan

Senator Debbie Stabenow (D)—member of the Finance Committee running for re-election, she recently introduced an extenders amendment to the Highway bill covering only renewable energy extenders. She fell 11 votes short and can be expected to try again on another bill. Urge her to join with Senator Baucus in a bi-partisan WOTC extender bill.

Congressman Fred Upton (R)—Commerce Committee chair and close to the Leadership, make sure he’s thoroughly familiar with the case for WOTC.

Congressman Mike Rogers (R)

Congressman Dave Camp (R)—Ways and Means chairman, does not co-sponsor so it’s important for him to hear from House colleagues about importance of WOTC to their constituents and need to move a WOTC extender bill and make WOTC permanent in the tax reform bill.

Minnesota

Amy Klobuchar (D)—running for re-election, urge her to work with Senator Baucus for WOTC renewal at earliest possible date.

John Kline (R)—chairman of Education and the Workforce Committee

Eric Paulsen (R)—Ways and Means member

Michele Bachmann (R)—sensitive to life issues of people with disabilities

Mississippi

Senator Thad Cochran (R)—Chairman of Appropriations Committee, stress importance of WOTC target groups to Mississippi economy, ask that he work with his colleagues in the Republican Conference for renewal.

Senator Roger Wicker (R)—Wicker is running for re-election and his race is called safe. Brief him on importance of WOTC and urge support in the Republican Conference and with Minority Leader Mitch McConnell.

Congressman Bennie Thompson (D)—high-ranking Democrat on Homeland Security, important to visit (has six local offices, including Jackson), brief and urge him to co-sponsor H.R. 2082.

Missouri

Senator Claire McCaskill (D)—running for re-election against Congressman Todd Akin (R) and others. Urge her to commit to work with Senator Baucus for WOTC renewal at earliest possible date.

Congressman Todd Akin (R)—running against Senator McCaskill for U.S. Senate. Urge him to co-sponsor H.R. 2082 and commit to speak to or write Chairman Camp about its importance to Missouri.

Senator Roy Blunt (R)—member of Minority Leadership in Senate, he chairs the Republican Conference and as an experienced legislator he’s willing to listen. Brief him about importance of WOTC to Missouri targeted workers and their families, and urge his support for WOTC when the subject comes up in the Republican Conference and Leadership meetings.

Congressman Sam Graves (R)

Congresswoman Jo Ann Emerson (R)

Montana

Congressman Denny Rehberg (R)—running against incumbent Senator John Tester (D) for U.S. Senate. Congressman Rehberg, chairman of the Labor/HHS/Education Appropriations Subcommittee, knows WOTC from in-person briefings by Coalition member MARS/Stout in Missoula during last year’s appropriations battle. Current objective: co-sponsor H.R. 2082 and talk to Chairman Camp about importance of renewing WOTC and making it permanent.

Nebraska

Senator Ben Nelson (D)—is retiring and leading contenders for his seat are former Senator John Kerry (D) and State Attorney General John Bruning (R), State Treasurer Don Stenberg (R), and State Senator Deb Fischer (R). Primary is May 15.

Senator Mike Johanns (R)—former Secretary of Agriculture, we need to win his support and urge him to speak up in the Senate Republican Conference for WOTC.

Congressman Adrian Smith (R)—Ways and Means member

Nevada

Senator Dean Heller (R)—running for re-election in close race with Democratic Congresswoman Shelly Berkley, a Ways and Means member. Heller should be urged to speak up in the Senate Republican Conference for WOTC.

Congresswoman Shelley Berkley (D)—Ways and Means member, running for U.S. Senate against incumbent Senator Dean Heller (R). Urge her to co-sponsor H.R. 2082.

New Hampshire

Senator Kelly Ayotte (R)–brief her and urge support for WOTC in the Republican Conference and with Minority Leader McConnell.

Congressman Charles Bass (R)

New Jersey

Congressman Frank A. LoBiondo (R)

Congressman Christopher H. Smith (R)

Congressman Scott Garrett (R)

Congressman Rodney Frelinghuysen (R)

New Mexico

Congressman Martin Heinrich (D)—running for seat of Senator Jeff Bingaman (D) who is retiring. Leading Republican contender is former Congresswoman Heather Wilson (R). Heinrich and Wilson are tied in a close race and both must win primaries on June 5^th. Task is to urge Heinrich to co-sponsor H.R. 2082.

Congressman Steve Pearce (R)

New York

Congressman Robert Turner (R)—running for seat of incumbent Senator Kirsten Gillibrand (D) who is up for re-election. Urge him to co-sponsor H.R. 2082

Congressman Peter T. King (R)

Congressman Tom Reed (R)—Ways and Means member

North Carolina

Senator Richard M. Burr—Senate Finance Committee member. Urge him to work with Senator Baucus to co-sponsor a bi-partisan extenders bill including WOTC.

Congresswoman Virginia Foxx (R)

Congressman Howard Coble (R)

Congresswoman Sue Myrick (R)

Congressman Patrick T. McHenry (R)

North Dakota

Senator John Hoeven (R)—former governor of North Dakota, let’s urge him to support WOTC in the Republican Conference.

Congressman Rick Berg (R)—running for seat held by Senator Kent Conrad who is retiring, Berg is a member of Ways and Means and is in a close race with Heidi Heitcamp (D). Continue working to gain his co-sponsorship of H.R. 2082.

Ohio

Senator Rob Portman (R)

Senator Sherrod Brown (D)—running for re-election against State Treasurer Josh Mandel

Congressman Steve Chabot (R)

Congressman Steve Austria (R)

Congressman Pat Tiberi—Ways and Means Subcommittee Chairman

Congressman Steven C. LaTourette (R)

Congressman Michael R. Turner (R)

Oklahoma

Senator James Inhofe (R)

Senator Tom Coburn (R)—Finance Committee member

Congressman Frank D. Lucas (R)

Congressman Tom Cole (R)

Oregon

Senator Ron Wyden (D)

Senator Jeff Merkley (D)

Congressman Greg Walden (R)

Pennsylvania

Senator Patrick J. Toomey (R)

Senator Bob Casey (D) is running for reelection. Republican opponents are mining businessman Tom Smith and biotech businessman Steven Welch, primary April 24^th.

Congressman Glenn Thompson (R)

Congressman Jim Gerlach (R)—Ways and Means member

Congressman Bill Shuster (R)

Congressman Tom Marino (R)

Congressman Lou Barletta (R)

Congressman Charlie Dent (R)

Congressman Joe Pitts (R)

Congressman Tim Murphy (R)

Congressman Todd R. Platts (R)

Rhode Island

Senator Jack Reed (D)

Congressman David Cicilline (D)

Congressman Jim Langevin (D)

South Carolina

Senator Lindsey Grahan (R)

Senator Jim DeMint (R)

Congressman Joe Wilson (R)

South Dakota

Senator John Thune (R)

Congresswoman Christi Noem (R)

Tennessee

Senator Lamar Alexander (R)

Senator Bob Corker (R)

Congressman John J. Duncan, Jr. (R)

Congressman Phil Roe (R)

Texas

Senator John Cornyn (R)

Senator Kaye Bailey Hutchison (R) is retiring and Republican contenders are Lieutenant Governor David Dewhurst, former Dallas Mayor Tom Leppert, and former Solicitor General Ted Cruz. Democratic contender is retired General Ric Sanchez. Primary is May 29^th.

Congressman Louie Gohmert (R)

Congressman Ted Poe (R)

Congressman Sam Johnson (R)—Ways and Means member

Congressman Ralph M. Hall (R)

Congressman Joe L. Barton (R)

Congressman John Culberson (R)

Congressman Kevin Brady (R)—Ways and Means member

Congressman Michael McCaul (R)

Congressman K. Michaie Conaway (R)

Congresswoman Kay Ganger (R)

Congressman William Thornberry (R)

Congressman Bill Flores (R)

Congressman Randy Neugebauer (R)

Congressman Lamar Smith (R)

Congressman Pete Olson (R)

Congressman Francisco Canseco (R)

Congressman Kenny Marchant (R)—Ways and Means member

Congressman Michael C. Burgess (R)

Congressman John Carter (R)

Congressman Pete Sessions (R)

Utah

Senator Orrin G. Hatch (R), Ranking Member of Senate Finance Committee, is running for re-election and won the Republican caucus on March 15.

Senator Mike Lee (R)

Congressman Rob Bishop (R)

Vermont

Congressman Peter Welch (D)

Virginia

Senator Jim Webb (D) is retiring and former Senator George Allen (R), and former Governor Tim Kaine (D) are the principal contenders in a race too close to call.

Congressman Rob Wittman (R)

Congressman J. Randy Forbes (R)

Congressman Robert W. Goodlatte (R)

Congressman Frank R. Wolf (R)

Washington

Senator Maria Cantwell (D) is running for re-election. There are two Republican contenders—State Senator Michael Baumgartner and TV anchor Phillip Yin. Primary is August 7.

Congressman Jaime Herrera Beutler (R)

Congressman Doc Hastings (R)

Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R)

Congressman Dave Reichert (R)—Ways and Means member

West Virginia

Senator Joe Manchin (D) is running for re-election against Republican challenger John Raese. Primary is May 8^th.

Congressman David B. McKinley (R)

Congresswoman Shelley Moore Capito (R)

Wisconsin

Senator Ron Johnson (R)

Senator Herb Kohl (D) is retiring. Leading Democratic contender is Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin; leading Republican contender is former Governor Tommy Thompson.

Congressman F. James Sensenbrenner, Jr. (R)

Congressman Tom Petri (R)

Congressman Sean P. Duffy (R)

Congressman Reid Ribble (R)

Wyoming

Senator Michael B. Enzi (R)

Senator John Barrasso (R)

Congresswoman Cynthia M. Lummis (R)

Please do your best to get your members or clients in the field to make these important contacts. In our view, contacts from constituents are the most effective form of advocacy. This is essential work for the next three months. Please contact the Coalition by e-mail or 703-587-4566 for assistance at any time.

PAUL E. SUPLIZIO

President, WOTC Coalition

Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker Signs State’s Veterans Jobs Bills

Vaughn Hromiko — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 22:50:47 +0000

Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker signed three bills yesterday, designed to help military veterans in that state to find jobs. Each of the bills had been authored by Wisconsin State Representative Evan Wynn.

Watch the local FOX affiliate’s news coverage of the event. Representative Wynn’s press release follows below.

******** Representative Evan Wynn’s Press Release

(Madison, WI) – Governor Scott Walker signed into law Wednesday three bills authored by state Representative Evan Wynn that are aimed at helping veterans find jobs. The bipartisan bills were signed into law in Appleton, Wisc., at a Veterans of Foreign Wars Post and are part of Wisconsin’s 2012 Year of the Veteran initiatives.

“These bills are great for the veterans community and Wisconsin’s economy as a whole,” said Wynn. “Veterans have so much to contribute to their communities and this state, but the economic downturn of the last few years has left them with an unemployment rate double the average, with disabled veterans being hit even harder – 50 percent unemployment by some estimates.”

“With Governor Walker’s signature and the support of nearly every single member of the legislature, Wisconsin today made veterans and jobs a top priority,” added Wynn.

The bills received near unanimous support in the state Senate and Assembly, with only four votes against all three bills combined.

The first bill, now known as Act 209, waives the fee for most first-time professional and occupational licenses being sought by veterans. The second bill was signed into law as Act 211, and applies the federal guidelines when it comes to the appointment of disabled veterans to civil service jobs to the state civil service. Under the bill, a disabled veteran who is qualified for a position in state government may be appointed to that position rather than go through the state hiring process.

“Making it easier for veterans to transfer to civilian life is the least we can do to these honorable men and women who fought for us,” said Wynn. “These two bills are steps in the right direction for Wisconsin and our veterans.”

The third bill signed by Gov. Walker Wednesday, Act 212, creates a disabled veterans jobs tax credit that emphasizes full-time positions.

“Even more important that a job to disabled veterans facing 50 percent unemployment is a full-time job, which is why this bill emphasizes full-time and long-term employment by giving the largest tax credit to the employers that keep the veterans employed full-time and for more than three consecutive years,” said Wynn, who is a 22-year Army veteran himself.

Wynn also expressed his thanks to his colleagues who supported the measures in committee and on the floor with their votes and speeches, including the bipartisan coalition of 43 senators and representatives who are co-sponsors of the bills and Senator Julie Lassa and former Senator Pam Galloway, who co-authored the bills.

Rep. Wynn represents the 43rd Assembly District, which covers portions of Rock, Jefferson, Dane and Walworth counties.

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Alabama Heroes for Hire Act Signed by Governor

Vaughn Hromiko — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 22:33:39 +0000

Alabama Governor Robert Bentley signed the state’s Heroes for Hire Act yesterday. Read the press release from the Governor’s website, copied below.

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MONTGOMERY – Governor Robert Bentley on Wednesday signed into law the Heroes for Hire Act, which will help veterans returning from deployment find new jobs or start new businesses.

“When our service men and women were called to defend our freedoms, they didn’t ask questions. They simply answered the call to serve,” Governor Bentley said. “We must not forget the sacrifices veterans have made, and we encourage employers to remember our veterans as they fill open positions.”

The Act provides an additional $1,000 tax credit for job creation to employers who hire recently deployed, and now discharged, unemployed veterans. The Act also creates a $2,000 income tax credit to recently deployed, and now discharged, unemployed veterans who start their own businesses.

“Veterans have a unique set of skills and valuable experience that will benefit the companies that hire them,” Governor Bentley said. “Many veterans also have ideas that can help them launch a new business, and we want to give them every opportunity to succeed as they return home from service.”

The bill was sponsored by State Representative DuWayne Bridges and State Senator Tom Whatley.

“With wars winding down in Iraq and Afghanistan, thousands of Alabama veterans are returning home to a difficult economy in which it is hard to find a job,” Rep. Bridges said. “We need to give returning veterans every advantage we can toward finding employment. Our ‘Heroes for Hire’ bill does that by giving businesses a significant incentive for hiring a veteran who recently returned from war. Those who served on the front lines deserve to go to the front of the line for new jobs.”

“We need to do right by our heroes. These men and women put their lives on the line for our country,” Senator Whatley said. “This new law not only reaffirms our commitment to supporting our veterans, but also will contribute to Alabama’s decreasing unemployment rate.”

The Adjutant General of the Alabama National Guard added that the Heroes for Hire bill will benefit the livelihoods of veterans seeking new opportunities upon their return to Alabama.

“It is great to see the Governor and the Alabama Legislature promoting our veterans’ employment,” Major General Perry Smith said. “The Alabama National Guard has a higher unemployment rate than the state average, so this bill will be a great morale booster. More than that, it could be a life-changer for many Soldiers and Airmen.”

The Alabama Career Center System is a valuable resource for veterans searching for a new job. The system has career centers across the state, and connecting veterans with employment is among the system’s primary services. The Alabama Career Center System is managed under the authority of the Alabama Department of Industrial Relations and has additional information online at www.joblink.alabama.gov.

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California’s Sequoia Valley Enterprise Zone Formally Seeking Expansion

Vaughn Hromiko — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 18:14:19 +0000

The Porterville City Council voted on Tuesday to join other stakehoders of California’s Sequoia Valley Enterprise Zone in seeking an expansion of the area’s econcomic development area. Read about it in today’s article by Denise Madrid in the Porterville Recorder.

The city joined Tulare County and all of the incorporated cities that make up the Sequoia Valley Enterprise Zone, in their decision to expand the area by approximately 4,800 acres.

Now that the participating jurisdictions are in agreement, the request for an expansion will go before California’s Department of Housing and Community Development, the agency that oversees the state’s Enterprise Zone program.

The Sequoia Valley Enterprise Zone’s original designation was just recently approved in January. See my previous post from January 2012.