We are working better and paying more for body repairs
August 27, 2008
Having just noted that we are working better today and getting paid less, I now see this AP article in the Idaho Statesman:
The number of Idaho residents who don’t have health insurance has remained about the same since 2004, even while employers say they’ve scaled back on benefits for both full-time and part-time workers.
Same number covered, it says, but covered less. We are getting lower wages than we were a decade ago (see previous post) and our health benefits are ALSO decreasing.
The good ‘ol middle class squeeze.
We are working better but losing ground…
August 27, 2008
Recent info from Economic Policy Institute:
The economy expanded over the 2000s, and working families were highly productive, as output per hour rose 18% from 2000 to 2007. But despite their contributions to the economy’s growth, middle-income, working-age households—those headed by someone less than 65—lost ground over these years. Their median income, after adjusting for inflation, fell $2,000 between 2000 and 2007, from about $58,500 to $56,500 (2007 dollars).
Keep up the good work, my fellow Mainstreeters. Surely our corporate leaders will soon realize how valuable we really are and help us catch up to 1995’s wages. Surely.
According to the latest email from Idaho Congressman Bill Sali, he will be delivering this week’s national radio address. An excerpt from the script of his upcoming address:
Democrats sent Congress on a five-week vacation without holding a debate or a vote on a comprehensive energy plan of any kind. That’s why roughly 130 House Republicans have headed back to Washington this month – even with the lights dimmed and the microphones shut off – to speak out against this monumental abdication of leadership on the part of Speaker Pelosi.
I agree that the Democratic leadership is wimping out on this issue as they have on other issues. However, I think the timing of this “urgency” is obviously near the date of re-election for these “roughly 130 House Republicans.”
These “roughly 130″ folks are blessed to have that D.C. campaign podium, though, aren’t they?
From Eye on Boise by Betsy Z. Russell we read about Gov. Otter’s report on whistleblower Stan Howland’s accusations of our Idaho Tax Commission cutting deals with corporations. This is the second report that has cleared the Tax Commission of any wrongdoing which inspired Senator Brent Hill to again climb his soapbox and present his arrogant opinion.
Excerpts from Senator Brent Hill’s “False Alarm” [read his entire article here]:
People love scandals. And political scandals are particularly enjoyable. We like to assume that powerful politicians and government employees are guilty of whatever they are accused. It’s very satisfying to watch as they are stripped of their power and arrogance. A blow delivered to big government is as exciting as the fall of a giant by the sling of a shepherd boy.
Many of us felt a rush of anger and resentment when we heard of illegal activities within the Idaho State Tax Commission as reported by a courageous whistleblower. His accusations contained titillating phrases like, “illegal actions by the Commissioners,” “secret deals,” “preferential treatment,” and “costing the taxpayers millions.” A scandal—right here in Idaho! And who better to be found guilty than the agency we all hate for extracting taxes from us. This was good stuff.
With sarcasm like this from one of our elected leaders who is in a very important position of our state government, no wonder we like to see giants fall.
In addition to recommending an independent review of additional tax cases settled by the State Tax Commissioners, my 5 ½ page report to the governor and the legislature concluded, among other things, “that the Idaho State Tax Commissioners are functioning well within their legal responsibilities and in a manner that is generally in the best interest of the citizens of Idaho.”
Now, Senator Hill, your comment may not be “titillating” as Mr. Howland’s comments are, but many of us find no comfort whatever in your phrase “generally in the best interest of the citizens of Idaho.” You could be hiding something yourself (about this particular issue) when you generalize what you perceive to be our interests.
Senator Hill concludes:
But, when it comes to accusations of illicit, secretive, and corrupt activities by the State Tax Commission, the reports are in, the facts are laid out, the conclusions have been declared. And, as disappointing as it may be to some, the claims that the sky is falling can no longer be heeded.
I despise the arrogance.
Though this is not a recent posting (Feb, 2008) I just came across this blognote on PrideDepot.com regarding Rep. Phil Hart, District 3:
The Lewiston Tribune remarks today that Sen. Larry Craig isn’t the only politician shinning the spotlight of shame on Idaho.
Editorial writer Jim Fisher highlights state Rep. Phil Hart who owes about $90,000 in back taxes.
Consider state Rep. Phil Hart, the Athol Republican who the other day settled the last remaining issue in his long-running dispute with the Internal Revenue Service. The dispute rose from Hart’s refusal to pay any federal income tax from 1996 to 2003, based on his legal conclusion that he didn’t owe any. After losing repeatedly in court, Hart owes the government an estimated $90,000 in back taxes.
Last year, Speaker Lawerence Denney put him on the committee with authority over all tax issues, the Revenue and Taxation Committee.
It was on that committee that Hart this year was able to help protect out-of-state retailers from collecting the same sales tax that Idaho’s Main Street retailers must collect. And Idahoans can no doubt expect more such triumphs as long as he is in such an influential and coveted position.
Meanwhile, voters in other legislative districts should ask themselves how they ended up with a House of Representatives whose leader would put tax law in the hands of a guy like Phil Hart.
Our elected leaders never cease to amaze me. Hart is on the powerful committee that spends the taxes that we other citizens contribute to our state but has no shame to withhold his own obligation. Amazing!
Found this on Law.com from an article by Dan Levin:
SEC Settles With Former Apple GC Over Backdating
The Securities and Exchange Commission announced a settlement Thursday with Nancy Heinen, former general counsel at the Cupertino, Calif.-based leviathan. Under the terms of the deal, Heinen will pay $2.2 million in disgorgement and fines. She will also be barred from serving as an officer or director at a public company for five years, and will not be allowed to practice before the commission for three years.
“It’s a recognition that life is short. And rather than spend her energy fighting a lawsuit without end,” Ehrlich said, “she decided she’d rather devote her talents and time to making positive change in our society.”
The monetary penalty shouldn’t cripple Heinen, who has cashed in at least $50 million in Apple stock.
For her part, Heinen sounded like she would seek a different type of work. “With this lawsuit behind me, I look forward to addressing the greater challenges of social justice and economic disparity,” she said in a statement.
She will be addressing “economic disparity”? This should be interesting to follow. Let’s see… my nieces and nephews need new cars…
Merrill Lynch saves taxes in United Kingdom
August 15, 2008
Quotes from FinancialTimes.com:
After the latest sale, Merrill has a UK operating loss of about $29bn that it can carry forward indefinitely for tax purposes. At the current corporation tax rate of 28 per cent, that means the bank will be able to offset losses against future profits, lowering its UK tax bill by as much as $8bn. Merrill declined to comment. Other banks have suffered heavy losses as a result of the crisis, but these appear to be mainly at the expense of US taxpayers.
The big guys hurt the little guys again. Misery loves company, but I am sorry for you Brits having to share the pain of one of our 500-pound gorillas.
The American Christian
August 15, 2008
Bumper sticker:
“Don’t let this car fool you. My treasure is in heaven.”
As a Christian brother with respect to that car owner I am delighted he is storing his treasure in Heaven. I still read this mini-billboard as a public excuse. The vehicle was a new Cadillac SUV.
I check myself to make sure it is not jealousy that incites me to interpret this message as a public excuse for his extravagance. I think I would read it the same if it were hanging on a rusting, rattling ‘85 Subaru.
Perhaps that Cadi owner personally supports 100 families in Haiti. Maybe buying this vehicle is chump change for him and he gives most of his money to those who really need help. That would be awesome. Just don’t advertise your “guilt” for driving a nice car, if this is the case. You don’t need to.
On the other hand, if this vehicle or that ‘85 Sub is preventing you from helping those who really need help, then display that sign. You need to. More importantly, in this case, you need to assess the second sentence of your bumper sticker.
Rep. Sali demands action… before November!
August 1, 2008
From the website of Idaho Congressman Bill Sali:
“Rather than voting on adjournment, Congress should be debating long term efforts to increase production of American energy, including drilling in ANWR and offshore. We should be voting to remove restrictions on the development of oil shale; increase the number of nuclear power facilities; advance hydro- and wind-power; and incentivize new technologies, such as hydrogen and electric automobiles.”
Granted, Mr. Sali has only been in office a year and a half but, come now, is the Walt Minnick heat encouraging this burst of activity even more than the high price of gas?
Idaho Tax Commission may not be off the hook yet
August 1, 2008
Governor Otter and Idaho Attorney General Lawrence Wasden have investigated the allegations that our state’s Tax Commission may have been in the practice of cutting deals with some businesses and both reports found nothing improper with the actions of the Commission.
However, whistleblower Stan Howland has responded to the AG’s report with his own insider comments. These comments are from the perspective of a person who knows the law and works at this high level of the Tax Commission. Mr. Howland is not happy and by his intelligently stated comments has reason not to be. He speaks as a very concerned citizen — one of us who does not get the breaks that these corporations seem to be getting. (You can read his comments via Betsy Z. Russell’s article.)
Idaho Senator Kate Kelly is responsible for getting the AG to investigate this and may not be satisfied with the results. She is hinting that maybe we need an out-of-state investigator to look at these allegations. Senator Brent Hill, following Kelly’s lead, got his name involved in the encouragement of an investigation but it is not likely he would spearhead any further investigation, surely not one that might lead to uncomfortable controversy.
