Can Money Buy an Election

I don’t live in a political battleground state. I do however live in a state where our election was important nationally. During this time TV couldn’t be watched for 30 minutes without seeing several commercials that were paid for by various groups whom I had no idea who they were. Clearly they were not being paid for by either political party or candidate. Now, don’t get me wrong, I don’t mind special interest groups. I do believe that they have their place. That being said I do have a problem with a few extremely rich people buying campaign commercials and making it seem as though they represent a large group of people.  Recently I’ve discovered one group in particular called, “Concerned Taxpayers of America.”  They funded many commercials primarily in Oregon and Maryland during the 2010 election.

Concerned Taxpayers of America=2 rich guys

I have no doubt that there are many concerned taxpayers in America. Probably tens or hundreds of thousands. However, this group that put forth these commercials are paid for by a million dollars financed by Maryland businessman and the head of a New York hedge fund. Two people can start an organization. They can also buy commercials for a political campaign. The part I feel becomes complicated is the title that they gave to their organization. Maybe a more accurate title could be “Two Concerned Taxpayers of America.” The title is really misleading because it makes it seem as though many people donated and felt the way these commercials portrayed the information. As a concerned taxpayer of America I hardly feel represented by two individuals who happen to be millionaires. I also don’t know how much I trust their perception of what is right and what is wrong with a candidate or issue. Yes, a million dollars is a drop in the bucket in the billion dollar campaign budget in this country, but the point is that just because someone has a million dollars doesn’t mean that they should be able to do their own campaign commercials.

Reform

I think that they majority of people agree that we need campaign reform. Can I get an “Amen?” One way proposed to help with the campaign commercial reform is that broadcasters must identify an income source supplying 10% or more of the group’s financing. I think that campaign reform needs to g much, much deeper, but this would be a start. Quite frankly I would be thrilled with a regulation that stated no one could put any commercials on TV for political campaigns. I find that they are skewed and rarely give any real information about the issues or the candidates.

Go to Washington every, single, day. Join http://thevotereffect.com today!

Social Networking in the Classroom

Social Networking in the Classroom

Today the Washington Post published a story about the Virginia Board of Education placing limits upon social networking within the classroom. http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/education/va-board-of-education-urges-policy-on-social-networks-as-teaching-tools/2011/01/24/ABiuo3RB_story.html

Interestingly, I believe that social networking is already IN many classrooms. Students are all about social networking all of time. They are texting, chatting, facebooking, twittering, or any other number of networks my 32 year old brain is not even aware of. Basically it comes down to they are social networking and it carries into every nook and cranny of their life. Including school. Even if they are not socially networking in school it is present with them in school. Now, I’m not saying let’s all open facebook accounts and chat through math class, but my theory is if you can’t beat them, maybe we should join them?

Without a doubt the major sites have security issues that could make a teacher cringe. Chat features that are out of the instructor’s control, the ability to upload any picture, all while writing on people’s walls which makes it so anyone can see what was written. It truly seems that using facebook within a classroom setting could be a virtual nightmare. Twitter would be more manageable, but the risks of students following someone utterly inappropriate (enter here Charlie Sheen) are also pretty terrifying. If only we could clean up these social networking tools so that they were 100% kid friendly.

Social networking is MORE than just facebook and twitter. As the Washington Post article mentions there are a multitude of school friendly sites. One in particular that I feel is a school friendly, educational site is http://thevotereffect.com. This site would make students civically aware, help them to understand the process of American politics, vote on bills, raise issues, comment on issues, and socially network with friends. Basically taking a civics class and breaking it down to a delivery method that they would not only understand, but whole-heartedly embrace.  The world is a changin’. If you don’t believe me just ask any kid if they remember a record or a tape. I certainly never thought I’d see an all touch screen anything, let alone a phone, or MP3 player. Personally I thought we were pretty evolved with CDs. Anyway, the world is changing and education is inevitably going to change with it. A stepping stone is going to be welcoming social networking into the classroom. After all, the business world wants kids coming into their professions to be more collaborative, right?

The key is not turning kids loose on social networking sites and saying, “Okay now, learn!” It is more about teaching how to use social networking sites as a collaborative tool that will make them more aware of to appropriately behave in a social networking setting. (Enter here, not calling people names, being a bully, or generally an embarrassing pain in the neck.) If we use proper tools, such as http://thevotereffect.com it will give teachers the structured environment to teach subject matter (applause!), while reinforcing proper social networking behaviors. Viola everyone is happy! Even the Virginia board of education.

Check out http://thevotereffect.com to see how you could incorporate it into your classroom!

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Across Enemy Lines

Last night I retweeted someone’s post on twitter. The quote was: “Politics are important in making America what it is. Embrace it.” I thought that the quote really rang true to the relationship between America and politics. I think when we hear the word “politics” there is often a negative connotation with the word, without reason. Politics, whether it means a fight over issues, voting, a discussion, or anything in between that dialogue is essentially what makes our country work. Anyway, back to the quote. Someone replied to my tweet and said, “We can all tell you’re left-winger.” First, making that seem like a put-down, and second, what about my retweet made me a left-winger? In my opinion that comment was no-winger. It was a completely neutral comment that reflects America. America, which is neither left or right-winger.

Was I frustrated? Yes. Very. Should I have been so upset? Yes. The facts are that judgments like this are tearing up our country. Why does every, single, issue have to be tied to right-winged or left-winged thinking? Let’s take for instance the issue of education. I’ve brought this up in earlier posts. Being pro-education is typically a leftist issue. Unless of course it is an election year. Then everyone is pro-education. My question with this is, don’t right-wingers send their children to school?  Why isn’t education an issue that is important to all parties? Why is it typical that the right-wing wants to cut and defund education? This makes no sense.

Next let’s look at the typically right-winged issue of being pro-life. How has this become such a right-wing issue? Isn’t it really a moral issue? In my opinion pro-choice and pro-life should not be an issue of right-wing and left-wing thinkers. It should be something that people have opinions on, but not as an entire party. Additionally I find it interesting that we have laws about this issue. I think that churches and other organizations should make it their mission to educate people against using abortion as an option. As far as making laws about abortion, I’m not so sure about that. In addition the right-wing also wants to cut many programs that benefit children in low-socioeconomic situations.

A major complaint against left-wingers is that they like to spend money on programs for people in low-socioeconomic situations, while increasing the taxes on the rich for some of these programs. They also proposed national healthcare, but invited the major insurance companies to the table to help develop national healthcare. Aren’t these contradictions of terms as well?

Obviously this is a gross generalization of both groups. Notice that I used the very title that I didn’t appreciate being called myself. Mostly because I didn’t feel that it was warranted. Neither title should be a put down. Maybe, just maybe neither title should be used at all. Individuals should be able to choose their issues without fear of being labeled. After all we are all Americans first and foremost.

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What about Marijuana and Prostitution?

Listen to either party and you will hear the same statement. We’re  broke. We have a deficit. Paying more in taxes is not popular so it seems that is not even an option. How about this option: WE NEED TO GENERATE MORE TAX REVENUE! Yes, that is what we need to do. We need to take something or somethings that are already being done, have the government regulate it, and TAX, TAX, TAX it! Thus, let’s make marijuana and prostitution legal in this country. Tax it by 20% or hey, why not 25% and make some money.

Pros

Yes, I am being serious. (Well sort of.) Prostitution is not called the world’s oldest profession for nothin’. It has been going on for eons with no signs of stopping. Nevada famously legalized prostitution in 1977, but has had brothels in operation since 1902. As of 2008 Nevada had 28 brothels in operation which requires male and female sex workers to participate in weekly sexually transmitted disease testing. Nevada gains about $400 million from the 28 brothels in the state. Hmm… multiply that by 50, you get the picture. The US could even tax it more than Nevada taxes it. AND they could make it legal in urban areas, which Nevada does not allow. Plus as Nevada does, the US would have to regulate prostitution and ensure that sex workers are being safe, not spreading diseases, are of a legal age and are taken care of. This regulation would make the sex workers and their customers much safer in the end. Every major city, truck stop, and even smaller cities report prostitution problems, so why not make it safe for all involved and make a little cash as a bonus?

Some places have already toyed with the idea of legalizing marijuana, such as Denver. The FDA has not approved smoking marijuana, but it has approved synthetic THC that is found in the medicinal form or marijuana called Marinol. Many Americans smoke marijuana. It is the most commonly used illicit drug. In 2009 the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) found that 104 million Americans ages 12 and older have tried marijuana once in their lifetime. That is nearly 42% of the population. The number of people who used in the past year was 28.5 million which translates to 11% of the population, and 16.7 million or 11% have used in the past month. Umm…I think that we have an untapped market here. It is ILLEGAL right now in most places yet a significant chunk of the population is still using. Did anyone notice that the study said 12 and over? Maybe if it were legal and people weren’t selling it on the street law enforcement could see to it that only people of a legal age partake in the use of marijuana. I think the idea needs to be reviewed for several reasons. First, think of the job creation that could occur from the legalization of marijuana. People would be needed to regulate it, manufacture it safely, package, distribute, and sell it. Next, people are already using as I’ve proven. Third, this would generate NEW taxes to pay for the deficit, programs, or whatever else is a looming economic problem. As an added bonus thousands of scum-bag pimps and drug dealers would be out of business.

Cons

No, I am not some heartless person who wants to corrupt society with these unmentionable evils. I do know that it would have negative impacts on the US without a doubt. First, prostitution is often a last resort employment option for women who are in desperate situations. Not to mention the fact that they are often the victims of abuse and abuse drugs.  The US promoting or rather allowing prostitution could make for a sticky situation. Many groups would be vehemently against the use of non matrimonial sex as a way to generate revenue to be unscrupulous.

Likewise the thought of the US slinging Mary Jane as a way to pay the bills would also be thought of as unscrupulous.  Legalizing marijuana would also be introducing another mind altering substance into society and people may begin to use who never would if it were illegal. Plus, it is not healthy. Marijuana cigarettes have many of the same harmful substances that cigarettes do and could cause similar cancers and health problems for our already unhealthy society.

Final Thoughts

In light of the budget crisis facing the US something needs to be done to generate more revenue to pay for our government. It does seem that the citizens of this country want more government than they are willing to pay for. We need services, we need roads, we need schools. If taxpayers refuse to pay, then someone must find another way. My point being that a chunk of society is already doing this. Why not legalize it, regulate it, and tax the heck out of it?

Give your opinion on this and many, many other issues at http://thevotereffect.com. Join the effect, be a part of the revolution.

Thanks to:

http://www.whitehousedrugpolicy.gov/drugfact/marijuana/marijuana_ff.html

http://www.justice.gov/dea/ongoing/marinol.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prostitution_in_Nevada#Museum

http://www.newsweek.com/2008/06/15/feeling-the-pinch.html

Go to Washington every, single, day. Join http://thevotereffect.com today!

Is The Donald Qualified to be Prez?

Tis’ the time of the election season when everyone thinks they can be president. The most recent candidate who I am questioning is Donald Trump. Undoubtedly a man with multiple financial successes and businesses, but does he have what it takes to run the country. Now, don’t get me wrong. I LOVE the show Celebrity Apprentice, and The Apprentice. Trump is charismatic and as I formerly mentioned successful. This morning as he was speaking about the other presidential hopeful the thought that crossed my mind was, “Why in the WORLD are we listening to Donald Trump on political matters.” I’d say his political experience includes voting (possibly), paying taxes (finding loopholes), and most recently exploring the option of becoming president. He has never been a public servant and I believe has little understanding of what is needed to run this country.

Trump has an impressive resume filled with successes (making lotsa money) and failures (bankruptcies). That being said, I’m not sure that owning golf courses, hotels, casinos, and towers really make someone qualified to be the president of the United States. Financial adviser to the United States? Maybe. Personally I believe that the only reason Donald Trump is considering running for president is to gain more media attention. Additionally, I would hardly consider him a viable political analyst. I don’t really care what he thinks about the other candidates. In short, Trump, stick to what you are good at, owning corporations. Stay out of politics other than voting.

The beauty of the United States is that anyone can be the leader, and each of us can have an opinion as to if they are to be elected or not.

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Top Ten Reasons to Join The Voter Effect

10. It is free and fun. All you need to join is an email address.

9. Know which bills are introduced in the House and the Senate.  

8. Read, track, and follow bills after they are introduced.

7. Vote on bills and have the results of your vote sent to your representative.

6. Raise issues to discuss with friends. Some issues being discussed include health care, education, taxes, the budget, and many more.

5. Vote and comment on issues.

4. Expand your social network by meeting new people who share your similar views or who you vehemently disagree with.

3. Follow how elected officials are voting on bills.

2. Go to Washington every, single, day.  

1. Revolutionize the way voters interact with their legislators.

Join today http://thevotereffect.com/

What's Your Party?

From a very young age I was fully aware of my political affiliation. It was ingrained into my brain by primarily my grandfather, mom and dad. They were what I would call die-hards. They were aware of their candidates, the issues, and everything that was happening in Congress. They either loved candidates or vehemently despised them. It was safe to say that everyone knew where they stood politically. That was the way I was raised, so likewise I was very similar to them. Before I was able to vote I remember celebrating political victories, and mourning the political losses.

As I’ve stated before my entire family are all fairly political, however, we do not all agree on our politics. Interestingly, several of the relatives that I have major disagreements with were also raised by my grandfather, which causes me to ask the question: How in the world did they end up with that opinion after being raised by him??!! This man was so passionate and informed it seems shocking to me that his own children would veer off into their own political directions. Was it the issues that turned them away or was it the sheer need to be their own person independent of their father’s thinking?

Currently I’ve been informing myself of the issues at http://thevotereffect.com. This site has been an awakening for me simply because it is a nonpartisan view of politics. It simply lists the bills and I either agree or disagree with the bill. My feelings about the bill are then sent to my representatives so that they actually know how I feel about the bills they vote upon.  I think this has been most eye-opening to a politically close minded person like myself because it gives me the freedom to really think for myself, rather than thinking in terms of a party and a person. For so many people we get really riled up during the elections. We rally behind a party and a person and we forget about what they do beyond that. They win and we let them off the hook. We “trust” that they are doing what we hoped they would do while in office. We put so much faith in the party and the person that it is no mystery why voters have no clue what elected officials do day to day.

While digging around at http://thevotereffect.com it is simple to see how our elected officials are voting on bills. One click and it is simple to see how much you really agree with your legislator. Education and knowledge are power. Gain all the political knowledge and power that you need at http://thevotereffect.com.

To this day I still agree with my grandfather’s politics. I am eternally grateful for his passion, following of issues, and candidates because in turn I am a civically aware citizen of the United States. I refuse to miss voting and always value my right to participate in my government. Http://thevotereffect.com is simplifying my daily political research and I can’t help but think that my grandfather would think it is pretty cool too if he were still here today.

This is the story of my political journey and arrival at my political party. What was your journey like? How did you form your political opinions? What informs you politically? Give your opinion at http://thevotereffect.com  

Go to Washington every, single, day. Join http://thevotereffect.com today!

Public Education is Everyone's Issue

Budget cuts can be scary. Scariest perhaps to public education. Always at the front of the cuts and constantly under scrutiny education has perhaps the largest undertaking with arguably the least respect. Nearly 90% of American children attend public school. Not only do nearly all children go to public school, but all children are accepted in public schools, meaning everyone is welcome regardless of their cognitive ability, race, socioeconomic status, or religious beliefs. Talk about a big job! Name another service that directly impacts a greater amount of the United States population? I can’t think of one. Not only do public schools educate 90% of the nation’s children, but they’ve been doing it since 1646 when the Massachusetts General Court passed legislation that required every town have and operate a grammar school. Parents were required to send their children to school or face fines. In 1852 the first education law was established in the American colonies.

Who’s Who?

Throughout history public schools have educated many famous Americans. Ronald Reagan, Gerald Ford, Jimmy Carter, Laura Bush, Steve Jobs, Hillary Clinton, and Colin Powell just to name a few. Include in that the “millions of citizens that helped build the greatest industrialized nation in the world.” Tax payers invested in all of these people when they were young. They were provided with adequate services, class sizes that promoted their best learning, teachers who were qualified, and facilities that were sufficient and safe. Above all, public schools were provided to all of these people. Public schools that were provided by the American tax payers. Are the same services being provided to the children today?

I am a Pro-Education Candidate!

Recently, and actually yearly when budget talks roll around everyone jumps on the “education costs too much money” bandwagon. This is frustrating because biyearly around election time every politician in the land is toting a pro-education agenda while promising big funds to schools and enhancing teacher salaries. Even Barack Obama made big education promises that have yet to be delivered upon. In addition to improving education politicians also promise “education reform.” Unfortunately they do very little reform or funding.  Currently we are in the “education costs too much money” mindset of the year. Politicians are frustrated because of the amount of money invested in education and the lack of competitiveness nationwide. However, what they fail to recognize is that cutting funds is not going to raise test scores. Rather, education as part of the bigger picture needs to be scrutinized. “The United States ranks 37^th in the world in education spending as a percentage of the gross domestic product.“ We are already underfunding education. Does education have problems? Absolutely. Do we need to slash budgets to improve them? Not hardly.

Who’s to Blame?

Concurrently what is happening is a “dog pile” of sorts onto teachers, parents, students, and everyone involved in education claiming that they are not doing enough. The media loves to either vilify bad teachers or mourn with fired teachers, but what needs to happen is a concrete conversation about teacher evaluations WITH unions and teachers, not penalizing salary and benefit cuts. Parents are often chastised for not doing enough to be involved with their child’s education, but who is out there teaching parents how to be involved in their child’s education appropriately and in the most helpful manner? Students are criticized for lacking drive and motivation. However, when all they hear about is the negative results of their efforts, how are the expected to respond. It is not to suggest that these parties are not all guilty in some part to the decline in American public education. However, it is important to think about how to best address this issue. Is the best way to address these problems to slash budgets, eliminate programs, and penalize low performing schools?

Come Together

Democrats, Republicans, Tea Party, and Independents all need to make education their issue. Pro-education should NEVER have been solely a Democrat issue, and cutting education NEVER should have been labeled a Republican agenda. Both parties should support education because it is how we build and create a stronger nation. All Americans should support public schools because it is the foundation of our future.

What needs to happen is a national dialogue about public schools. What do you find to be the most critical reform needed in education or education funding? This is a current discussion that is happening at http://thevotereffect.com. Education is going to be an issue as long as it is provided with public funding. Give your opinion on it now at http://thevotereffect.com.

Read more: http://wiki.answers.com/Q/When_did_public_education_become_mandatory_in_the_US#ixzz1GLEvgPRf

www.Centerforpubliceduction.org

Go to Washington every, single, day. Join http://thevotereffect.com today!

Peaceful Politics

Linus said it best on the Peanut’s Halloween special. “There are three things you can’t discuss with people. Politics, religion, and the Great Pumpkin!” I would have to say that I agree with what Linus said. It seems that people do not want to discuss religion, or politics under any circumstances. I guess the main reason being that it is “rude” or not appropriate because someone might become offended. I understand this reasoning but fundamentally disagree. Perhaps something that has the most impact on our day to day existence is politics. Schools, roads, regulations, medicare, job growth, and social security impact everyone. Shouldn’t that mean that we should all discuss politics more?

KEEP THE DOOR SHUT AND NO DISCUSSING POLITICS!

Last summer I went to a family reunion. Let me clarify. I went to a politically (severely politically) divided family reunion. Many family members feared a political shakedown that would end family harmony due to the STRONG and differing political beliefs. On the door of my aunt’s cabin was a list of rules. The final two were what I remember the most. Keep the door shut and no discussing politics. This rule was made so that no fights ensued and everyone could have a peaceful, political-free time. See, my family is under the belief that you can’t change anyone’s opinion, no matter what. Possibly it is because we are such a stubborn lot! What if we could discuss our political differences in a peaceful way? Could we potentially learn from one another? Or would we be doomed to political leg wrestling and gridlock that would cause my grandma to frown down upon us? I’m guessing we’d resort to the leg wrestle with lots of shouting and little listening.

Facebook Frenemies

A not-so-safe place to discuss politics is Facebook. I quickly learned that posting politics on Facebook can result in one of three things.

1.     Overwhelming support from fellow friends. This is the best. I also call it bandwagoning. Basically everyone tells you how much they agree with you and how great you are. It generally results in all around happiness.

2.     “Friends” attacking you and calling you all kinds of names that you don’t exactly want on your wall. Sometimes this will result in a polite delete to this person, or an all out brawl can ensue right there on your Facebook wall.  Both get nasty and make everyone feel yucky and wishing we could all just agree and get along.

3.     Phantom delete. This is where someone deletes you for no apparent reason, but it was probably something political that you posted at some point in time. Check your friends list. If you are a political person, chances are you have had the phantom delete happen to you too!

Can Politics be Peaceful?

YES! Currently the website http://thevotereffect.com is a very peaceful place to discuss politics. Not only is it peaceful, but it is also appropriate. I am a self proclaimed political junkie. I love to discuss politics. I don’t even mind discussing politics with people I disagree with. I just don’t want it to digress into a series of name calling, bantering, and personal attacks. I like to discuss issues and hear people’s perspectives. Fortunately, The Voter Effect is a place where people are coming together with a mission to create a dialogue about politics that is just that. A dialogue about politics. This is a site that has many aspects to it. First, bills are uploaded in real time so that users can stay current with what is in legislation and how it is progressing. Users on the site can actually vote on the bills and the results of the votes are sent directly to their legislators. Pretty slick, huh?  Second, users can raise issues. Part of this is discussing the issues with one another, voting on issues, and giving opinions. There are have been many hot issue raised including health care, high school sports, education issues, budget issues, funding, and many many more. Surprisingly I have given my opinion openly and I have not felt threatened or intimidated whatsoever. Rare in a political arena such as this.  The best part is that I am able to hear other people’s perspective without having a shouting match or losing Facebook friends.  All in all the best in social networking and politics is http://thevotereffect.com. Check it out. If you would like to become a political junkie or already are it just might be the place for you!

Http://thevotereffect.com

Go to Washington every, single, day. Join http://thevotereffect.com today!

You Get What You Need

A quote on this week’s edition of Meet the Press really resonated with me this morning. New York Times reporter David Brooks made the comment that the, “Country wants more government than it can pay for.” Arguably people would say that they don’t WANT more government, but perhaps they NEED more government than they can pay for. Ultimately this all brings me to a dinner conversation a group of my friends were having last night at a restaurant. Someone pointed out, accurately, that while we wait for our meal we do not have to be afraid that the food is safe. We know that everything meets the regulations of the FDA. We also know, thanks to the Health Department the place is clean and is operating in a manner so that none of us leave the restaurant with a foodbourne illness.  We have adequate, clean drinking water, and pretty much as much of it as we want. In addition our children go to school. FOR FREE from the time they are 5 until they are 18. Free. We have a military that protects us. We have law enforcement agencies that keep us safe and judicial systems that give all citizens a fair trial. As citizens we have paved highways and major roadways. In addition we can rest assured that everything is regulated and safe to the greatest ability of the department in charge of regulating it. I can’t really pick one of these areas where I want less government and more private control.

The point is that all of this is used by all of us and somehow it needs to be paid for. I think most Americans want at least SOME of these services. How much or how little would be the debate? The point being that we all pay for all of this through taxes. We get a say when we vote in how our taxes are spent. What Brooks was saying is that the American people want more services for less tax dollars and quite frankly that is impossible.

People may argue that what we are getting isn’t good enough. Schools are subpar, roads are bumpy, people still get food poisoning and some water quality is better than others. All in all, however, I’d have to say that you get what you pay for and for most of us the deal isn’t half bad. Not only that, but we live in a country where we can criticize our government, speak freely within reason, bear arms, and a whole host of numerous inalienable rights.

Give your opinion on taxes and everything government at http://thevotereffect.com.

Measures, and Resolutions, and Bills, OH MY!

During the current budget discussions it has dawned on me that I must not have paid as close attention in government class as I once thought I did. Being very interested I really thought that I knew the ins and outs, ups and downs of everything that is government terminology. I’ve noticed that more and more I’ve been “googling” to make sure that I am accurate in my thinking of definitions of certain government terms. I thought it might be helpful to share the terms because looking them up online isn’t as easy as you would think! It is no wonder that we have apathy towards our government. It is confusing and I think that is the reason why so many people retreat. All right. Here is a crash course in what a measure, resolution, and bill are, and how they are related to one another.

Step 1: Watch this. It is great. No matter how many times you have seen it. We love you Schoolhouse Rocks! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mEJL2Uuv-oQ

Step 2: Read below.

Measures

A measure is actually a term for any of the forms of legislation including, bills or resolutions. Basically anything the Senate takes action upon.  

Bills

A bill is the most common way that lawmakers propose legislation. A bill is the reauthorizing of federal policies, programs, and activities. It can also establish federal agencies and departments.  Private bills are bills that are named to specific individuals. The abbreviation for bills are S.1(or any number assigned) for bills in the Senate and H.R.1(or any number assigned) for bills in the House of Representatives. To see current bills in legislation, vote on them, and have your vote sent to your Congressman go to http://thevotereffect.com.

Resolution

Three types of resolutions used in lawmaking are; joint resolutions, concurrent resolutions, and simple resolutions.  

A joint resolution is used for, “incidental, inferior, or unusual purposes of legislation.” (House Manual,section 397) A joint resolution is also used in a declaration of war, continuing resolutions, i.e., for continuing the budget at current spending levels, to transfer appropriations, adjust the debt limit, to change the date Congress returns to session, approving or disproving executive action (president action), or extension of reporting dates. A joint resolution may also end treaties, extend congratulations, welcome, or thanks, as well as propose a Constitutional Amendment. Some joint resolutions to look for in the near future might include raising the debt ceiling, or another continuing resolution in regards to the budget. In a nutshell joint resolutions deal with the weird stuff that happens in Congress. Both Houses are required to pass a joint resolution. It can become a law.

A concurrent resolution includes the Congressional budget resolution, a sense of Congress resolution which means, “Fact, principles, opinions, and purposes of the two houses” House Manual, section 396. Concurrent resolutions also include adjournment, recess, correction of conference reports or enrolled bills, request for return measures presented to the President, creation of a joint committee of both Houses of Congress, and providing for a joint session of Congress. In a nutshell concurrent resolutions deal with many of the actions of Congress. They are not submitted to the President and cannot become law.

Gathering from how our government operates nothing is simple, but let’s see just how simple a simple resolution can be. They can be the adoption or amendment of the chamber rules. It can be a specific rule, order of business resolution, establishment of a standing order, privileges of the house resolution, and personal privilege of individual member, election of committee members or chamber offices, or terminating, censuring, or other discipline of a member. Committee funding, spending from the chambers fund, or creation of a special committee is also a simple resolution. If Congress wants to ratify, notify, or inquire they will do so through a simple resolution. A simple resolution is a request for the other house to return a measure, a citation for contempt of Congress, authorization of response to subpoena, discharge committee from a measure, nomination, or treaty. As suspected a simple resolution is nothing of the sort. Simple resolutions are nonbinding and deal with the internal affairs of the Senate. Simple resolutions do not require action by the House.

If you already knew all of this, good for you! If you learned something new that is fabulous too! J See current bills in legislation @ http://thevotereffect.com . Vote on bills, get your vote to your legislation, and revolutionize the way you interact with your Representatives and government.