The Independent: "What's legal here?
Saturday, August 6, 2005
Independent staff
PHOTO BY GLENN B. DETTMAN
The rattling of a thousand bingo balls in a cage. The scratching of a coin’s edge against the glossy surface of a lottery ticket. The electronic shuffling of a deck of cards in an online casino. The exasperated groan of defeat – and the joyous shrieks of victory.
As community and state leaders debate the prospect of a casino in our region – a plan that could face a long road ahead, wrought with legal, social and moral obstacles – the sounds of gambling are none too distant.
While some Stark County gamblers hit casinos out of state, others find their fun – or their fix – here at home.
For a good cause, of course.
While casino gambling is against the law in the state of Ohio, there are exceptions."
Monday, August 08, 2005
OrlandoSentinel.com: Opinion : Orlando News- EDITORIAL-Reform, not repea
OrlandoSentinel.com: Opinion : Orlando News: "Reform, not repeal
Our position: Estate tax shouldn't be dropped but deserves higher exemptions.
Posted August 6, 2005
After a binge of spending and tax cutting that will add tens of billions of dollars to this nation's mushrooming debt, Congress has taken a break for its annual August recess. Thank goodness.
But when members return to Capitol Hill next month, the Senate is expected to consider a House proposal that would do further damage to America's balance sheet: a permanent repeal of the federal tax on estates. The timing couldn't be much worse.
With Congress unwilling to bring taxes and spending in line, the federal government is stuck in a rut of annual budget deficits. The House estate-tax proposal would add almost $290 billion to those deficits over the next decade, according to Congress' Joint Committee on Taxation.
"
Our position: Estate tax shouldn't be dropped but deserves higher exemptions.
Posted August 6, 2005
After a binge of spending and tax cutting that will add tens of billions of dollars to this nation's mushrooming debt, Congress has taken a break for its annual August recess. Thank goodness.
But when members return to Capitol Hill next month, the Senate is expected to consider a House proposal that would do further damage to America's balance sheet: a permanent repeal of the federal tax on estates. The timing couldn't be much worse.
With Congress unwilling to bring taxes and spending in line, the federal government is stuck in a rut of annual budget deficits. The House estate-tax proposal would add almost $290 billion to those deficits over the next decade, according to Congress' Joint Committee on Taxation.
"
Non-cash gifts could dwindle if law is changed - PittsburghLIVE.com
Non-cash gifts could dwindle if law is changed - PittsburghLIVE.com: "non-cash gifts could dwindle if law is changed
An unusual gift
Sidney L. Davis/Tribune-Review
By Bill Zlatos
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Sunday, August 7, 2005
The Carnegie Museum of Natural History itches for fleas. Penn State University's passion involves bull semen.
Fleas and bull semen are just two of the unusual donations to local nonprofit groups. Some gifts can be worth millions. That's why some nonprofit groups are fretting about proposals pending in Congress to restrict such kinds of gifts."
An unusual gift
Sidney L. Davis/Tribune-Review
By Bill Zlatos
TRIBUNE-REVIEW
Sunday, August 7, 2005
The Carnegie Museum of Natural History itches for fleas. Penn State University's passion involves bull semen.
Fleas and bull semen are just two of the unusual donations to local nonprofit groups. Some gifts can be worth millions. That's why some nonprofit groups are fretting about proposals pending in Congress to restrict such kinds of gifts."
PoughkeepsieJournal.com - Program puts eateries' food on plates of needy, hungry
PoughkeepsieJournal.com - Program puts eateries' food on plates of needy, hungry: "The Charity Aid, Recovery and Empowerment Act
A measure that would allow family farmers, ranchers and restaurant owners to deduct the costs of food donated to hunger-relief charities. Problems between the House and Senate on other parts of the bill were a key factor in the amendment not being agreed to by Congress in 2004."
A measure that would allow family farmers, ranchers and restaurant owners to deduct the costs of food donated to hunger-relief charities. Problems between the House and Senate on other parts of the bill were a key factor in the amendment not being agreed to by Congress in 2004."
Washington Bureau - bizjournals.com-'Stars line up' in Congress for business priorities
Washington Bureau - bizjournals.com: "Two other priorities for the small business community -- estate tax repeal and association health plans -- await action when Congress returns in September.
Groups that favor permanent repeal of the estate tax will spend August lobbying senators. The tax, which is levied on inherited assets, will be phased out in 2010 but will return in 2011 unless Congress takes additional action.
The House has passed legislation to make estate tax repeal permanent several times. The Senate will vote on this legislation as soon as it returns to Washington, but most observers doubt the bill will get the 60 votes needed to overcome procedural hurdles."
Groups that favor permanent repeal of the estate tax will spend August lobbying senators. The tax, which is levied on inherited assets, will be phased out in 2010 but will return in 2011 unless Congress takes additional action.
The House has passed legislation to make estate tax repeal permanent several times. The Senate will vote on this legislation as soon as it returns to Washington, but most observers doubt the bill will get the 60 votes needed to overcome procedural hurdles."
Bill would force church to disclose its finances - The Boston Globe
Bill would force church to disclose its finances - The Boston Globe: "Bill would force church to disclose its finances
Attitude shifts on Beacon Hill
By Frank Phillips, Globe Staff | August 8, 2005
The Catholic Archdiocese of Boston, still dealing with the fallout from the clergy abuse crisis and upheaval over church closings, faces a major battle on Beacon Hill this week as lawmakers push for an unprecedented measure to force the church to open its books to the public.
The legislation, authored by state Senator Marian Walsh and backed by 32 other lawmakers, is being considered at a time when the church faces deep skepticism and in some cases open hostility from politicians on Beacon Hill and at City Hall. Some lawmakers who champion the bill, which will be brought up at a hearing Wednesday, previously stood side by side with church leaders on policy issues like abortion"
Attitude shifts on Beacon Hill
By Frank Phillips, Globe Staff | August 8, 2005
The Catholic Archdiocese of Boston, still dealing with the fallout from the clergy abuse crisis and upheaval over church closings, faces a major battle on Beacon Hill this week as lawmakers push for an unprecedented measure to force the church to open its books to the public.
The legislation, authored by state Senator Marian Walsh and backed by 32 other lawmakers, is being considered at a time when the church faces deep skepticism and in some cases open hostility from politicians on Beacon Hill and at City Hall. Some lawmakers who champion the bill, which will be brought up at a hearing Wednesday, previously stood side by side with church leaders on policy issues like abortion"
Thursday, August 04, 2005
The Pilot-Independent - Walker, Minnesota- "Conservation easements still in the crosshairs of public officials
The Pilot-Independent - Walker, Minnesota: "Conservation easements still in the crosshairs of public officials
by Babe Winkelman
The Pilot-Independent
Last Updated: Thursday, August 04th, 2005 08:11:11 AM
The heat is on, folks.
While Congressional lawmakers continue to scrutinize the validity of conservation easements in our nation's capitol, the Internal Revenue Service is now weighing in on the issue — big time. "
by Babe Winkelman
The Pilot-Independent
Last Updated: Thursday, August 04th, 2005 08:11:11 AM
The heat is on, folks.
While Congressional lawmakers continue to scrutinize the validity of conservation easements in our nation's capitol, the Internal Revenue Service is now weighing in on the issue — big time. "
Opinions - Independent Record-Death tax' is PR at its peak
Opinions - Independent Record: "Death tax' is PR at its peak
By Sen. KEN TOOLE - 08/04/05
Over the last several weeks Montanans have been deluged with a TV ad campaign featuring veterans urging us to get rid of the 'death tax.' The ads play to our sense of patriotism telling us that the 'death tax' is un-American. Here is yet another tax cut designed to benefit the super-rich that is being wrapped in the flag and stuffed down our throats.
Let's be clear — no one pays a tax after they are dead. No one pays a tax for dying. The 'death tax' is the new term for the inheritance tax, often called the estate tax. To the extent anyone pays this tax, it is the heirs of the wealthy and privileged in our country. This year, estates valued at less than $1.5 million for an individual heir and $3 million for a couple are exempt from the estate tax. Not a lot of poor working stiffs are leaving that kind of money to their children."
By Sen. KEN TOOLE - 08/04/05
Over the last several weeks Montanans have been deluged with a TV ad campaign featuring veterans urging us to get rid of the 'death tax.' The ads play to our sense of patriotism telling us that the 'death tax' is un-American. Here is yet another tax cut designed to benefit the super-rich that is being wrapped in the flag and stuffed down our throats.
Let's be clear — no one pays a tax after they are dead. No one pays a tax for dying. The 'death tax' is the new term for the inheritance tax, often called the estate tax. To the extent anyone pays this tax, it is the heirs of the wealthy and privileged in our country. This year, estates valued at less than $1.5 million for an individual heir and $3 million for a couple are exempt from the estate tax. Not a lot of poor working stiffs are leaving that kind of money to their children."
Tuesday, August 02, 2005
Oddly titled Merc lawsuit seeks to free money for charity
Oddly titled Merc lawsuit seeks to free money for charity: "t first glance, the title of the lawsuit is startling. The officers of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange appear to be suing the exchange and Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan.
A closer look reveals that the parties aren't battling at all. But there's a big issue involved -- what will happen to more than $57 million that could be donated to charities"
A closer look reveals that the parties aren't battling at all. But there's a big issue involved -- what will happen to more than $57 million that could be donated to charities"
Monday, August 01, 2005
AP Wire | 07/29/2005 |(Wisconsin) Governor asks FCC to extend no-call comment deadline
AP Wire | 07/29/2005 | Governor asks FCC to extend no-call comment deadline: "Governor asks FCC to extend no-call comment deadline
TODD RICHMOND
Associated Press
MADISON, Wis. - Gov. Jim Doyle asked federal officials Friday to extend the deadline for Wisconsinites to submit comments on a petition he says would devastate the state's telemarketer no-call list.
Doyle made the request after a Web site set up by the Federal Communications Commission to receive comments crashed for about three hours early Friday."
TODD RICHMOND
Associated Press
MADISON, Wis. - Gov. Jim Doyle asked federal officials Friday to extend the deadline for Wisconsinites to submit comments on a petition he says would devastate the state's telemarketer no-call list.
Doyle made the request after a Web site set up by the Federal Communications Commission to receive comments crashed for about three hours early Friday."
OpinionEditorials.com – Death and Taxes: Inevitable But Not Always Permanent - Dwyer
OpinionEditorials.com – Death and Taxes: Inevitable But Not Always Permanent - Dwyer: "Death and Taxes: Inevitable But Not Always Permanent
Joshua Dwyer
Death and taxes seem to have a lot in common. Benjamin Franklin said they were the only certain things in this life and except for a few notable examples in history, both are usually permanent.
In a welcomed change from its usual practice of creating new taxes, Congress is currently considering repealing two. If Congress can agree to permanently abolish both the telephone excise tax and the estate tax without compromise, citizens should applaud its efforts and encourage their representatives to turn it a habit.
"
Joshua Dwyer
Death and taxes seem to have a lot in common. Benjamin Franklin said they were the only certain things in this life and except for a few notable examples in history, both are usually permanent.
In a welcomed change from its usual practice of creating new taxes, Congress is currently considering repealing two. If Congress can agree to permanently abolish both the telephone excise tax and the estate tax without compromise, citizens should applaud its efforts and encourage their representatives to turn it a habit.
"
Regulation of donations
Regulation of donations: "Regulation of donations
China Daily Updated: 2005-08-01 05:30
Legislation covering charity funds allocation is badly needed to encourage a culture of donating, says an article in Jiangnan Times. An excerpt follows:
There was an embarrassing controversy surrounding charitable giving in Taizhou in East China's Zhejiang Province, not long ago."
China Daily Updated: 2005-08-01 05:30
Legislation covering charity funds allocation is badly needed to encourage a culture of donating, says an article in Jiangnan Times. An excerpt follows:
There was an embarrassing controversy surrounding charitable giving in Taizhou in East China's Zhejiang Province, not long ago."
WSJ.com - IRS's Tougher Stance Faces Resistance
WSJ.com - IRS's Tougher Stance Faces Resistance:
snip snip>>
"One focus of Mr. Everson's enforcement efforts has been tax-exempt organizations. He has increased the number of personnel overseeing tax-exempt and charity organizations, and plans to assign more if he gets sufficient funding. The IRS is scrutinizing half the tax-exempt credit-counseling industry, as measured by asset size, he says.
The examination of tax-exempt organizations stems from the sector's huge growth, Mr. Everson says. There are 1.8 million nonprofits with $3 trillion in assets, up from 500,000 such groups in 1995. The IRS, he says, is seeing an increase in questionable behavior, including partnerships with for-profit businesses that muddy such issues as financial relationships and governance. Abuses include individuals taking large tax deductions for donating worthless automobiles to charities or 'donating' large sums of money to organizations and then getting 'loans' in return."
snip snip>>
"One focus of Mr. Everson's enforcement efforts has been tax-exempt organizations. He has increased the number of personnel overseeing tax-exempt and charity organizations, and plans to assign more if he gets sufficient funding. The IRS is scrutinizing half the tax-exempt credit-counseling industry, as measured by asset size, he says.
The examination of tax-exempt organizations stems from the sector's huge growth, Mr. Everson says. There are 1.8 million nonprofits with $3 trillion in assets, up from 500,000 such groups in 1995. The IRS, he says, is seeing an increase in questionable behavior, including partnerships with for-profit businesses that muddy such issues as financial relationships and governance. Abuses include individuals taking large tax deductions for donating worthless automobiles to charities or 'donating' large sums of money to organizations and then getting 'loans' in return."
HoustonChronicle.com - Buggs: Worries over estate tax? Dream on
HoustonChronicle.com - Buggs: Worries over estate tax? Dream on: "Worries over estate tax? Dream on
By SHANNON BUGGS
Copyright 2005 Houston Chronicle
THE estate tax is back on the political radar screen.
Senate Republicans want to permanently repeal the law that allows the U.S. Treasury to tax the net assets of deceased wealthy citizens.
Prominently supporting the effort are small-business owners, farmers and automobile dealers who are again sharing their stories about how federal taxes on inheritances ate up family fortunes."
By SHANNON BUGGS
Copyright 2005 Houston Chronicle
THE estate tax is back on the political radar screen.
Senate Republicans want to permanently repeal the law that allows the U.S. Treasury to tax the net assets of deceased wealthy citizens.
Prominently supporting the effort are small-business owners, farmers and automobile dealers who are again sharing their stories about how federal taxes on inheritances ate up family fortunes."
OpinionJournal - Featured Article- Estates of Pain
OpinionJournal - Featured Article: "Estates of Pain
August 1, 2005
8:36am
Monday, August 1, 2005 12:01 a.m. EDT
Florida Governor Jeb Bush ought to send his counterpart in Connecticut, Republican Jodi Rell, a thank-you note with a box of chocolates and a ribbon tied around it. Last month Ms. Rell marked her first anniversary as Governor by signing into law a tax bill that might as well be called the 'Palm Beach Economic Development Act.'
The law requires that any resident of the Nutmeg State with an estate of more than $2 million pay a death tax of up to 16%--merely for the privilege of dying in Connecticut. The legislators in Hartford hope that the tax will raise $150 million in revenue each year--money that will come in only if the legislators in Hartford are also planning to build a Berlin Wall around the state."
August 1, 2005
8:36am
Monday, August 1, 2005 12:01 a.m. EDT
Florida Governor Jeb Bush ought to send his counterpart in Connecticut, Republican Jodi Rell, a thank-you note with a box of chocolates and a ribbon tied around it. Last month Ms. Rell marked her first anniversary as Governor by signing into law a tax bill that might as well be called the 'Palm Beach Economic Development Act.'
The law requires that any resident of the Nutmeg State with an estate of more than $2 million pay a death tax of up to 16%--merely for the privilege of dying in Connecticut. The legislators in Hartford hope that the tax will raise $150 million in revenue each year--money that will come in only if the legislators in Hartford are also planning to build a Berlin Wall around the state."
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