Tomorrow, 12/13, the House is scheduled to vote on the Middle Class Tax Relief & Job Creation Act. You can read the details of this proposed bill at http://www.speaker.gov/blog/?postid=271892 . Parts of this bill are very troubling. Here is the letter I wrote to my two Senators and Representative, asking them not to support this bill as is:

_________

I am writing to voice my dissatisfaction with the content of the "Middle Class Tax Relief & Job Creation Act."

While I am in favor of extending the payroll tax cut for an additional year, I cannot support much of what is in the bill. For example, allowing states to require mandatory drug testing in order to receive UI benefits. Preemptive drug screening has been struck down in multiple states and is a clear 4th Amendment violation. Another part I cannot support is extending the current federal civilian employee pay freeze for 3 more years. This will have a significant effect on my lifestyle and since I cannot expect the premiums I pay for health insurance to remain the same for those 3 years, I would definitely feel the pinch. I am currently doing my part by enduring a 2 year pay freeze.

Finally, I am disappointed that the bill contains no provision to require the very wealthy to do their part. This simply further proof that the GOTP cares nothing whatsoever about the average American citizen. Voting for this bill as written would, in my mind, be tantamount to treason.

I ask you to consider very carefully what position you take on this bill and to remember that your vote will have lasting effects on all Arkansans.

__________

I encourage you to write Congress, esp. if you are a Federal employee, and express your disapproval of this bill.