Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Should the Federal Government raise the Minimum Wage?

National Action Alert



Increase Minimum Wage


to $10 Per Hour

We received the following e-mail today: from National Write Your Congressman.

Mr Robin B Tucker,


Jesse Jackson Jr. (D-IL) introduced legislation "The Catching Up To 1968 Act of 2012" that will raise the minimum wage to $10 an hour and index it to inflation. "That may sound like a hefty wage increase but it doesn't fully equal the purchasing power of the minimum wage in 1968 - which today would be closer to $11 per hour, stated Rep. Jackson. "The bill is really only allowing American workers a degree of 'catch-up.' Thus the name and theme around the bill: 'Catching Up To 1968.' Of course, the current federal minimum wage has been $7.25 per hour since 2007."


The Catching Up To 1968 Act of 2012 contains four basic elements:


It raises the minimum wage to $10 per hour


The minimum wage is raised immediately - not gradually as in the past - beginning 60 days after the date of enactment


Beginning one year after the $10 per hour minimum wage takes effect, and each year thereafter, the minimum wage will be indexed in proportion to the increase in the Consumer Price Index (CPI)


For workers earning their living on the basis of tips, the cash wage paid to such an employee is to be 70% of the minimum wage when the law takes effect, but in no case less than $5.50 an hour, adjusted annually as necessary thereafter


While running for office, President Barack Obama promised to raise the minimum wage to $9.50 an hour by 2011. Both the president and his 2012 campaign opponent Republican Mitt Romney have supported the idea of adjusting the minimum wage to keep up with inflation.


Opponents argue that increases in the minimum wage fall disproportionately on small businesses who are the least able to absorb such a dramatic increase in their labor costs, and that supporters aren’t factoring in the cost to the employer who’s paying it. The Nation is currently in difficult economic times, and the focus needs to be getting unemployment down. The increase would force employers to cut other payroll costs, such as limiting overtime or laying off part-time help, squeezing employers who already are under pressure.


Do you think the minimum wage should be increased to $10 an hour and indexed to inflation? (Click Here)


Take action and voice your opinion now!


Do you think the minimum wage should be increased to $10 an hour and indexed to inflation? (Click Here)


Personally, we view the Federal Minimum Wage should be eliminated, on the basis it is matter for the States.  The late Tip O'Neill said the following phrase "All politics is local" and when it comes to the minimum wage... we believe this matter should be left up to the States and local markets.  The minimum wage in Iowa certainly has no relationship with the economies of urban Chicago, Los Angeles or New York.
 
The increase will cost $5,725.00 over the first year of implementation for any employee currently on the Federal minimum wage at $7.25.  What impact will that have on first-time employees and people with disabilities, who are limited to how many hours they can work? 
 
Why isn' the alternative minimum tax adjusted annually for inflation? 
 
Look at unemployment numbers today?  Is this a good idea for America and getting people stable and confident in America's economic future?

Friday, June 8, 2012

City of Cedar Rapids Public Meeting: Stormwater Utility Improvement Process

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 8, 2012, 9:25 a.m.

Public Meeting for Discussion of the Stormwater Utility Improvement Process

CEDAR RAPIDS, IA – June 8, 2012 – The Cedar Rapids Public Works Department will have a feedback opportunity for residents, business and industry representatives and all other interested groups on the possible changes to the Stormwater Utility. This will be the first meeting in a series of meetings to discuss the Stormwater Utility. The City of Cedar Rapids has had a Stormwater Utility since 1979. The funds generated from this utility have gone toward the upkeep of storm sewer. With changing regulations, increase miles of storm sewer/intakes and increase number of publically owned detention basins the City felt it was time to look at the level of service provide by the Stormwater Utility. The City of Cedar Rapids has concluded a study of how other Cities in Iowa have set up their Stormwater Utilities. We have entered into a six month process to discuss the Stormwater Utility Program.

Meeting: Date: June 14, 2012
Time: 4:30 – 5:30 p.m.
Location: Public Works, 1201 6th Street SW
Traffic Training Room

This public meeting will discuss the six month process the City of Cedar Rapids is starting as well as discuss the Stormwater Improvement Program – Service Analysis. At the end of this six month process the City of Cedar Rapids will decide whether there are reasons to change the Stormwater Utility Program and what those changes may be for Fiscal Year 2014 budget (July 2013). David Scanlan, Stormwater Manager, Cedar Rapids Public Works will give a 10 – 20 minute presentation at 4:30 to explain the process and the Service Analysis spread sheet. Then there will be question and answer until 5:30. All of the material can be found at the following web site: http://tinyurl.com/cwon5nn

If you are unable to attend and would still like to submit comments please send them to the following email address: SWUIP@cedar-rapids.org.

Saturday, June 2, 2012

First weekend of June: June 2-3, 2012

Busy morning in Downtown Cedar Rapids, with the first Downtown Farmers' Market for the month of June.  Tommy Tucker Realty Co. is located at 613 Second Avenue SE. 

Are you looking for a new home to buy or lease in Cedar Rapids or Marion, Iowa?  We enjoy the opportunity to help both customers and clients in their real estate needs.
  • Buying
  • Selling
  • Leasing
  • Property Management
  • 1031 Exchange
  • Real estate consultation

Today, we are advertising the following properties in The Gazette.


On Sunday, June 3rd, we will be conducting an Open House from 2-4 pm at 290 Indiandale Road SE.  A spacious and updated four bedroom, two-story home in a nice wooded neighborhood in Indian Creek Hills subdivision of Cedar Rapids. The property sells for $237,200 and lease options begin at $1,700 per month.

If you have any questions, please contact Robin Tucker, Realtor® Broker/Officer with Tommy Tucker Realty Co.  We have helped buyers, sellers, clients and customers, since 1958 with various property management and real estate brokerage needs.