To address current economic concerns, the bi-partisan Leadership in the U.S. House and U.S. Treasury Secretary Hank Paulson announced on January 24 that they had reached an agreement on a short-term stimulus package in response to the slowing economy. 

This stimulus package will provide for a tax rebate for all Americans who pay income or payroll taxes in order to encourage consumer spending and build consumer confidence in the economy.   The package also includes critical tax incentives to encourage business investment activity:  bonus depreciation and a significant increase in first year expensing. 

Just as important, the proposal includes no tax increases of any kind, and it includes neither direct federal spending increases nor permanent increases in government programs. 

The House leaders were very disciplined and focused and moved quickly to do something that will make a difference this year in the economy.   If the Senate adds spending proposals to this bill, it will derail quick enactment and possibly kill the bill entirely.

IFA strongly opposes legislation to deprive workers of private ballot elections in the workplace, such as H.R. 800. Misleadingly entitled the “Employee Free Choice Act,” the bill would give unions the right to avoid private ballot elections, dismantling the 60-year old system overseen by the National Labor Relations Board, and would grant union recognition based on a simple majority of signed cards. Fortunately, the Senate voted NOT to consider H.R. 800 at this time, but by less than a majority (51-48, with 51 voting in favor of consideration of the bill now. The motion required 60 votes to pass.) Please immediately follow-up with your Senators to thank them, or share your disappointment with them. This issue will continue to be at the forefront of the Democrats agenda, as it is the number one priority for the special interest labor unions.