Category: Uncategorized

Noem, Others Discuss Death Tax Impact

NOEM DISCUSSES DEATH TAX IMPACT ON FAMILY’S  FARM

  

ROGER SCHULLER – CLAREMONT, SOUTH DAKOTA

“To a family who has farmed the same land for a hundred years, nothing is more important than passing the business on to the next generation.  We want to hand off the land to our son and grandchildren, but paying the Estate Tax bill could force us to sell land or go into debt. Congresswoman Noem is a family farmer who understands the burden created by inheritance taxes and we are grateful that she is working to eliminate them. Getting rid of the Estate Tax will protect our livelihoods and our communities.”  [emphasis added]

 

 

132 ORGANIZATIONS SIGN LETTER SUPPORTING BILL

Family Business Coalition – View Full Letter

Palmer Schoening, Chairman of the Family Business Coalition said: “… The Death Tax Repeal Act of 2017 provides much needed relief to family business owners and farmers working with the intent to pass their businesses to the next generation. … Family businesses are important pillars in the communities that they are a part of and provide the majority of jobs in the country. According to the Harvard Business Review family businesses account for 60 percent of workers and 78 percent of new jobs.” [emphasis added] 

 

###

Rounds Questions SBA Nominee Linda McMahon During Confirmation Hearing

WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), a member of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, today questioned Linda McMahon, nominee to be administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA), on the role the agency would take to withdraw the Waters of the U.S. (WOTUS) rule. 

“Many family farms and ranches would be impacted by the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Waters of the U.S. rule,” said Rounds during the hearing. “The SBA’s Office of Advocacy sent a letter on October 1, 2014, to the EPA’s Administrator Gina McCarthy and Major General John Peabody of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers criticizing the WOTUS rule and its impact on small business. In fact, they actually recommended the entire rule be withdrawn…If you are confirmed as administrator of the SBA, would you be willing to write a similar letter recommending once again that this rule be withdrawn?”

“I would look forward to working with you and other members of the committee to make sure that we have the right regulations in place and not overly burdensome ones,” replied McMahon.

Rounds is a member of the Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, which has jurisdiction over Ms. McMahon’s confirmation hearing.

###

Noem Invites Trump to South Dakota at Legislature’s Request

Washington, D.C. – Rep. Kristi Noem today invited President Trump to visit South Dakota, highlighting the historic significance of Mount Rushmore and Crazy Horse as well as the state’s thriving economy.  Noem’s request came after the South Dakota Legislature passed Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 1, which formally invited President Trump to the state.

“As we work together to improve the path to prosperity for all Americans, I hope you visit South Dakota, and particularly, the faces etched in stone that memorialize the foundation upon which America’s greatness rests,” wrote Noem. 

The text of the letter follows: 

—- 

January 24, 2017

The Honorable Donald Trump
President of the United States of America
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, D.C.  20500 

Dear Mr. President,

George Washington’s leadership, Thomas Jefferson’s commitment to liberty, Theodore Roosevelt’s roughrider spirit, Abraham Lincoln’s ode to freedom: These pillars of American greatness are captured on Mount Rushmore’s cliffs and brought to life by the people of the Great State of South Dakota.  With this in mind, I am writing today to invite you to visit our state and America’s memorial to democracy. 

Additionally, just a few miles from Mount Rushmore rests the immense mountain carving of Crazy Horse, a legendary Native American leader.  The formation, which is the world’s largest in-progress mountain carving, will reach hundreds of feet into the air and stand as a lasting symbol of the role Native Americans have played in the growth and development of our nation.

Finally, I would note that South Dakota serves as a microcosm of American innovation and prosperity.  From the farms and ranches that span the heartland to the high-tech manufacturing and entrepreneurship taking hold in the state’s cities and towns, South Dakota has found a way to weather the national economic recession.  Our state is consistently listed as a top state for businesses and has maintained one of the nation’s lowest unemployment rates.

As we work together to improve the path to prosperity for all Americans, I hope you visit South Dakota, and particularly, the faces etched in stone that memorialize the foundation upon which America’s greatness rests.  This is an invitation I extend with the support of nearly two dozen state lawmakers, who, as one of their first legislative acts in 2017, introduced and passed Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 1, inviting you to visit our state.  I look forward to your response.

Sincerely, 

KRISTI NOEM
Member of Congress 

###

Trump Actions Show Commitment to Energy Independence, Says Noem

Washington, D.C. – Rep. Kristi Noem today issued the following statement after President Trump directed the federal government to move forward on the Keystone XL and Dakota Access pipelines: 

“The United States must look at every opportunity to increase energy independence, if we’re going to expand economic freedom and create a more secure nation. President Trump’s actions showcase his commitment to energy independence and I look forward to working with him as we move our country closer to a made-in-America energy supply.” 

In 2015, Rep. Noem joined the House in passing H.R.3, the Keystone XL Pipeline Act, which would have authorized the long-awaited pipeline’s construction and operation.  The legislation was passed by the Senate as well, but vetoed by President Obama. 

###

Rounds Statement on Trump’s Executive Actions to Move Keystone XL, Dakota Access Pipelines Forward

WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) today issued the following statement on President Trump’s executive action to move forward with construction of the Keystone Xl and Dakota Access pipelines. 

“President Trump understands that pipelines provide an effective and efficient means of transporting natural resources and meeting our country’s energy needs,” said Rounds. “Good domestic energy policies include an ‘all of the above’ approach that will strengthen our economy, create jobs and enhance U.S. energy independence. As the Keystone XL and Dakota Access pipelines move forward, I will continue to work with those involved to address their concerns.”  

###

Noem Introduces Death Tax Repeal in the House

Washington, D.C. – Reps. Kristi Noem (R-SD) and Sanford Bishop (D-GA) today introduced the bipartisan Death Tax Repeal Act of 2017 to fully and permanently repeal the death tax. According to a Joint Economic Committee report, the death tax has removed more than $1.1 trillion in capital from the economy while motivating family businesses and others to reduce savings and limit growth. 

“While we were still trying to pick up the pieces after my dad died in a farm accident, our family received a letter from the IRS.  Because of a tragedy that undermined our sense of security, the death tax was now about to undermine our financial security,” said Rep. Noem. “No family should have to go through what ours did, so I’m committed to seeing this tragedy tax finally repealed.” 

“I have always believed that the death tax is politically misguided, morally unjustified, and downright un-American,” said Rep. Bishop.  “It undermines the life work and the life savings of farmers and jeopardizes small- and medium-sized businesses in Georgia and across the nation.”

Rep. Noem, a member of the House Ways and Means Committee, and her family were hit by the death tax after her father passed away in a tragic farming accident. Rep. Bishop has long led the charge to repeal the controversial tax in order to prevent farmers, in Georgia and nationwide, from losing their family farms or being forced to sell much needed land, buildings, or equipment.

Sen. Thune led lawmakers in the U.S. Senate as well today in introducing companion legislation.

###

Thune Reintroduces Legislation to Kill the Death Tax

“As if the long arm of the IRS isn’t intrusive enough during life, too often the death tax punishes hard-working Americans even after they’ve passed away.” 

WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), a member of the tax-writing Senate Finance Committee, today reintroduced legislation to permanently repeal the federal estate tax, more commonly known as the death tax. Thune’s bill, the Death Tax Repeal Act of 2017, would finally end this purely punitive tax that has the potential to hit family farms, ranches, and businesses as the result of the owner’s death. U.S. Rep. Kristi Noem (R-S.D.) today introduced a companion version of Thune’s bill in the U.S. House of Representatives. A previous version of Thune’s bill was adopted as part of the non-binding fiscal year 2016 budget resolution.

“As if the long arm of the IRS isn’t intrusive enough during life, too often the death tax punishes hard-working Americans even after they’ve passed away,” said Thune. “In an environment where it’s frequently too difficult and costly for family-owned farms to be passed from one generation to the next, we should be knocking down hurdles to find ways to incentivize families to retain these multi-generation businesses. Repealing the death tax would be a big step in the right direction. I’m committed to working as hard and as long as it takes to get rid of this onerous tax, and I’m glad so many of my colleagues are willing to take up this fight as well.”

“I am proud to join Senator Thune in introducing the Death Tax Repeal Act, which will finally abolish this unfair tax, and I appreciate his leadership on this issue,” said Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell.

Thune’s bill is supported by the American Farm Bureau Federation, Associated Builders and Contractors, National Association of Manufacturers, National Federation of Independent Business, Americans for Tax Reform, Club for Growth, National Black Chamber of Commerce, International Franchise Association, National Taxpayers Union, Family Business Coalition, the Family Business Estate Tax Coalition, and many others.

Thune’s bill is cosponsored by U.S. Sens. Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.), John Barrasso (R-Wyo.), Roy Blunt (R-Mo.), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Thad Cochran (R-Miss.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Mike Enzi (R-Wyo.), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Cory Gardner (R-Colo.), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Dean Heller (R-Nev.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.), Johnny Isakson (R-Ga.), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), Jerry Moran (R-Kan.), Pat Roberts (R-Kan.), Mike Rounds (R-S.D.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Richard Shelby (R-Ala.), and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) 

###

Thune: Keystone XL Pipeline a Preview of Positive Actions for the American People

“President Trump has taken quick action to free up employment and economic opportunities by making it easier to complete these shovel-ready infrastructure projects.” 

WASHINGTON — U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) today issued the following statement after President Trump took administrative action to move the Keystone XL pipeline and Dakota Access pipeline closer to approval.

“For eight years, former President Obama impeded progress on the Keystone XL pipeline, and in the process crushed thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in economic investments. President Trump has taken quick action to free up employment and economic opportunities by making it easier to complete these shovel-ready infrastructure projects. Moving forward on these pipeline projects, particularly the long-delayed Keystone XL pipeline, provides a preview of good things to come for the American people.”

###

The Liberal out-of-state Special Interest group Represent.US is back at it, attacking legislators who have the unfortunate task of cleaning up their legislation that was declared unconstitutional by Judge Barnett, and enjoined from taking effect.

Seriously. Who has gotten a gold watch, all expenses paid vacation, or a million dollars form a lobbyist? That’s why this IM22 needs to be dismantled. It’s all built on a tower of lies.

As State Legislators continue their work to rectify the complete mess foisted upon South Dakota by falsehoods prosecuted by the out-of-state hucksters who funded Initiated Measure 22, I’d point out this morning that more measures have been filed which respond to what voters thought they were really going to get, as well as to prevent future messes:

Senate Bill 59 has been making it’s way through the process already, and actually sets an effective date for measures to take effect, allowing legislators and state government the opportunity to prepare for passage, with an opportunity to put rules and regulations into place:

SENATE STATE AFFAIRS ENGROSSED NO. SB 59 – 1/20/2017

Introduced by: Senators White, Bolin, Cronin, Curd, Haverly, Jensen (Phil), Langer, Netherton, Partridge, Peters, Rusch, Soholt, Solano, Tidemann, and Wiik and Representatives Stevens, Chase, Glanzer, Johns, Kettwig, Lake, Mickelson, Peterson (Kent), Reed, and Steinhauer

FOR AN ACT ENTITLED, An Act to delay the effective date for initiated measures and referred laws.

Read that here.

Senate Bill 77 has been filed to make sure that any measure filed which has a fiscal impact has circulators actually TELL people that it does:

SENATE BILL NO. 77 Introduced by: Senators Otten (Ernie), Nelson, Rusch, Russell, and Stalzer and Representatives Haggar, Haugaard, Otten (Herman), and Tieszen

FOR AN ACT ENTITLED, An Act to provide for a fiscal note for any initiated measure or initiated amendment to the Constitution that would have a fiscal impact on the state.

Read that here.

House Bill 1073 addresses the concerns about lobbyist “gifts” to legislators:

HOUSE BILL NO. 1073 Introduced by: Representatives Mickelson, Bartels, Bartling, Beal, Chase, Clark, Dennert, Haggar, Hawley, Heinemann, Howard, Jensen (Kevin), Johns, Kettwig, Latterell, Lust, McPherson, Otten (Herman), Peterson (Kent), Peterson (Sue), Qualm, Reed, Rhoden, Steinhauer, Stevens, Tieszen, Tulson, and Willadsen and Senators Otten (Ernie), Curd, Ewing, Greenfield (Brock), Heinert, Langer, Maher, Nelson, Netherton, Novstrup, Soholt, and Sutton

FOR AN ACT ENTITLED, An Act to revise and repeal certain provisions regarding gifts from registered lobbyists to public officials.

Follow that here.

House Bill 1074 addresses funding coming from out of state, although, while I don’t disagree with it, I question the constitutionality of the measure if challenged:

HOUSE BILL NO. 1074 Introduced by: Representatives Gosch, Brunner, Clark, Dennert, Greenfield (Lana), Howard, Jensen (Kevin), Kettwig, Lake, Latterell, Marty, Mickelson, Otten (Herman), Pischke, Qualm, and Rasmussen and Senators Youngberg, Cronin, and Jensen (Phil)

FOR AN ACT ENTITLED, An Act to provide for limits on certain out-of-state contributions to ballot question committees.

Read it here.

And House Bill 1076 addresses the need for a stronger review system if inconsistencies are determined, such as with the Gear-Up or EB5 contracts – which is what people THOUGHT they were getting with IM22, but as we know, that measure didn’t address them at all:

HOUSE BILL NO. 1076 Introduced by: Representatives Soli, Bartling, Hawley, Mickelson, Peterson (Kent), Qualm, and Wismer and Senators Greenfield (Brock), Frerichs, Heinert, and Sutton

FOR AN ACT ENTITLED, An Act to create a State Government Accountability Board.

Follow that measure here.

Thoughts?