Nerd is my Gender
What's yours?
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Rex Sinquefield is at it again!
That’s right, the same rich asshole who is trying to kill St. Louis is also attacking the entire state! Why can I use words like “attack” and “asshole”? Because there’s no other way to describe a 12.25% tax on food.
Here’s the PDF in text format for you:
There are currently nine initiative petitions and two legislative proposals to place a constitutional amendment before voters in November 2012 that would eliminate personal and corporate incomes taxes and replace them with a greatly expanded sales tax. The proposals have significant costs for the state and its residents, and are fraught with uncertainty.
What Would the Mega Sales Tax Proposal Do?
• Eliminate state personal and corporate income taxes;
• Eliminate earnings taxes in St. Louis and Kansas City (even if the cities vote to continue the tax in April); [and we did!]
• Eliminate current dedicated state sales taxes that fund conservation and other services;
• Eliminate current state sales tax exemptions, including the exemption for food;
• Eliminate all tax credits except the Senior Circuit Breaker Tax Credit*; and
• Replace the current sales taxes with a higher sales tax on purchased goods AND almost all services.
The mega tax shifts from the diversified revenue structure that currently funds the state services that benefit Missouri’s local communities and economy to one that relies entirely on the consumption of individuals.
The Proposal Taxes Essential, Basic Products and Services
This is not the current sales tax, but a greatly expanded sales tax that would apply to nearly every product and service that Missourians need – including basic necessities and services required by working families. It is unlike anything ever seen before in any state.
• Basic necessities currently exempt from sales tax, like food, prescription medication, rent, and child care would be taxed.
• SJR 1 & HJR 8 tax health-related services including family counseling, mental health treatment, copayments for doctors’ office visits, and even nursing home care.
• Nearly every service industry becomes taxable. Transportation, realtor services, legal and financial services and even funeral services would be subject to the tax.
These Essential Products and Services Would Be Taxed at a Much Higher Rate
Estimates of the tax rate needed to pay for the cost of the proposal range from 10 to 15 percent, depending on which version of the proposal is evaluated. Jim Moody, former budget director under Governor Ashcroft, recently reported that the initiative petitions would require a rate of 15 percent (12.25 percent state rate plus an additional average local tax rate of 2.75 percent). Every time an exemption is added, the rate would need to be adjusted even higher.
The Vast Majority of Missourians Will Pay More in Taxes under the Proposal
A 2010 analysis by the Missouri Budget Project and Institute on Taxation & Economic Policy found that even with a prebate to every household, 95 percent of Missourians actually pay considerably more tax under this plan than they currently do.
The Mega Sales Tax Proposals are Constitutional Amendments
By locking in the policy as a constitutional amendment, any future changes would be extremely difficult and would require another vote of the people.
The Mega Sales Tax Will Likely Have a Negative Impact on Missouri’s Economy
Seventy percent of Missourians live near the borders of other states. The state’s 12.25 percent mega sales tax will likely provide an incentive for them to shop for goods and services in other states.
The Mega Sales Tax Creates Potential Financial Insecurities
• It is not clear who may get a prebate (a payment made to taxpayers to offset the cost of higher sales taxes), how the prebate would be funded, and how to assure that it holds its value over time without decreasing state revenue.
• Legislators will be pressed to exempt additional products/services from the mega sales tax, which means the rate will have to be higher than the estimated 15 percent (12.25 percent state, 2.75 percent local).
• The tax rates called for in the proposals are insufficient to replace current revenue. If the tax rate is capped at 7 percent (as called for in the petitions), instead of the 12.25 percent needed to replace revenue, the Missouri Budget Project roughly estimates the state will have a general revenue shortfall of more than $3 billion. (Missouri’s general fund budget is currently $7.9 billion.) This shortfall would have tremendous negative impact on education, health care, transportation, services for seniors, and the infrastructure that makes Missouri a desirable place to live and work.
• There will be considerable administrative cost to administer the prebates, particularly if monthly checks are sent to taxpayers to offset the cost of the mega sales tax.
• By taxing new goods, but not used goods, there is a potential disincentive to purchase things like newcars and houses. This could have a dramatic negative effect on manufacturing and building industries.
For more information, contact the Missouri Budget Project.
*The senior citizen circuit breaker is a property tax credit for seniors, disabled veterans, those who are 100% disabled, and certain widow(er)s.
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Skepticon IV registration now open!
Atheists have family values - this year, daycare will be available at the convention!
Last year over 1,000 people attended Skepticon III. So this year they’ve secured the Gilloiz Theater, which is positively beautiful and seats 1,130 people…
It’s already looking to be one of the most popular atheist events this year, so you may want to get in while the getting’s good. Don’t worry – it’s still absolutely free to get in. Knowing this group, they’ll probably also be tripping over themselves to find people floor space to crash on if lodging will be a strain on the pocketbook. They are also working on getting childcare available this year, and are talking with Camp Quest about running a day program for the kiddos. Fly, carpool, hike…all you need to worry about is getting yourself there.
I already registered, and I hope you can attend as well.
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Google Candidate Trends
This just in: Missourians have never heard of John Huntsman.
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"Intelligent design" bill in Missouri
My opinion was reportedly deleted after 15 minutes*, but luckily I got a screen capture to prove I was there:
I am concerned about House Bill 1227, primarily, why we need legislation to replace scientific consensus. I do not think it is the position of the House to create their own version of reality. If we are to increase the quality of public education in this state and attempt to reclaim our global competitiveness, we need to equip our students with the scientific skills they’ll need to succeed in their careers.
*Inability to access post may also have been due to user failure, not deletion.
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"Intelligent design" bill in Missouri
Update: confirmed that Rick Brattin is indeed deleting opinions about this bill off his Facebook page.
My opinion was reportedly deleted after 15 minutes*, but luckily I got a screen capture to prove I was there:
I am concerned about House Bill 1227, primarily, why we need legislation to replace scientific consensus. I do not think it is the position of the House to create their own version of reality. If we are to increase the quality of public education in this state and attempt to reclaim our global competitiveness, we need to equip our students with the scientific skills they’ll need to succeed in their careers.
*Inability to access post may also have been due to user failure, not deletion.
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Mo. Legislative Black Caucus opposing workplace discrimination bills
Missouri is trying to relax workplace discrimination laws. You know, because racism has been dead for 50 years, yo! How could this possibly go wrong?
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History Museum Wants You to Mail in Your Old Underwear
Meanwhile, in Saint Louis…
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Illegal to discuss sexual orientation? In MY state?
Dear Representative Genise Montecillo,
It has come to my attention that wording was recently introduced which states: “Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, no instruction, material, or extracurricular activity sponsored by a public school that discusses sexual orientation other than in scientific instruction concerning human reproduction shall be provided in any public school.”. I find this harmful to a school environment, because it would outlaw expressions of student identity. To say “I am queer” or “I am straight” would no longer be pride, but discouraged.
Even more harmful would be that teachers would have their hands tied when it comes to assisting students who have questions or need to access resources based on sexual orientation. What if a student is being bullied specifically for being gay? What if a student needs information or guidance regarding questions about one’s own sexual orientation?
“I’m sorry, we can’t discuss this” is no way to educate and support our youth. Please take a stand against HB2051.
Respectfully,
Andy Semler
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Illegal to discuss sexual orientation? In MY state?
I’ve come up with a new plan.
Missouri can just give St Louis to Illinois, and then secede from the union.
Dear Representative Genise Montecillo,
It has come to my attention that wording was recently introduced which states: “Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, no instruction, material, or extracurricular activity sponsored by a public school that discusses sexual orientation other than in scientific instruction concerning human reproduction shall be provided in any public school.”. I find this harmful to a school environment, because it would outlaw expressions of student identity. To say “I am queer” or “I am straight” would no longer be pride, but discouraged.
Even more harmful would be that teachers would have their hands tied when it comes to assisting students who have questions or need to access resources based on sexual orientation. What if a student is being bullied specifically for being gay? What if a student needs information or guidance regarding questions about one’s own sexual orientation?
“I’m sorry, we can’t discuss this” is no way to educate and support our youth. Please take a stand against HB2051.
Respectfully,
Andy Semler
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Illegal to discuss sexual orientation? In MY state?
Mr. Semler,
Thank you so much for contacting me regarding HB 2051. I am appalled by this legislation and will not only vote against it should it reach the floor, but strongly oppose and speak out against it.
As a former teacher I understand the importance of providing students with information. I was dismayed a couple of years ago when one of my students was unable to even access Internet sites to obtain information to complete her project for my class on the LGBT movement.
I signed a petition on FaceBook from PROMO. If you’re a user you might want to sign as well. http://t.co/1a81bszh.
I promise you I will continue to fight and vote for equality for all.
Again, I appreciate you taking the time to share your position with me.
Respectfully,
Genise MontecilloDear Representative Genise Montecillo,
It has come to my attention that wording was recently introduced which states: “Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, no instruction, material, or extracurricular activity sponsored by a public school that discusses sexual orientation other than in scientific instruction concerning human reproduction shall be provided in any public school.”. I find this harmful to a school environment, because it would outlaw expressions of student identity. To say “I am queer” or “I am straight” would no longer be pride, but discouraged.
Even more harmful would be that teachers would have their hands tied when it comes to assisting students who have questions or need to access resources based on sexual orientation. What if a student is being bullied specifically for being gay? What if a student needs information or guidance regarding questions about one’s own sexual orientation?
“I’m sorry, we can’t discuss this” is no way to educate and support our youth. Please take a stand against HB2051.
Respectfully,
Andy Semler
I’ve come up with a new plan.
Missouri can just give St Louis to Illinois, and then secede from the union.
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Illegal to discuss sexual orientation? In MY state?
Dear Semler,
Thank you for taking the time to contact me with your opposition to House Bill 2051, which would prohibit the discussion of sexual orientation in public school instruction, material, or extracurricular activity except in scientific instruction on human reproduction. Knowing your concerns, I can act appropriately on your behalf.
I oppose House Bill 2051. Prohibiting the discussion of sexual orientation makes it taboo, causing children who have questions about sexuality, or who identify with a sexual orientation targeted by this legislation, to feel ostracized. Experience from an early age to differing viewpoints and ways of life is important in developing children that are accepting of the diverse members of the world they live in.
If a child was being bullied because of their sexual orientation this bill would prevent them from fully explaining the situation to teachers and administrators. This is unacceptable. Sexual orientation is discussed in the bible; it is alluded to in some of the world’s greatest literature. How could an English class properly discuss the sonnets of Shakespeare or the novels of Virginia Woolf without delving into human sexuality? Learning about sexual orientation is a part of growing up, and classrooms should provide an accepting, structured environment for balanced discussions on the subject.
I will continue to support issues relating to equal rights for the LGBTQ community, particularly LGBTQ students who need much more protection in public schools. Currently, I am co-sponsoring Senate Bill 799 with Senator Justus which would modify schools’ anti-bullying policies to better protect LGBTQ students.
Please know that I am fighting for all Missouri citizens’ rights, even those the law unfairly excludes. Thank you again for contacting me. If you should have any future concerns, please feel free to contact my office.
Best,Joe Keaveny
Mr. Semler,
Thank you so much for contacting me regarding HB 2051. I am appalled by this legislation and will not only vote against it should it reach the floor, but strongly oppose and speak out against it.
As a former teacher I understand the importance of providing students with information. I was dismayed a couple of years ago when one of my students was unable to even access Internet sites to obtain information to complete her project for my class on the LGBT movement.
I signed a petition on FaceBook from PROMO. If you’re a user you might want to sign as well. http://t.co/1a81bszh.
I promise you I will continue to fight and vote for equality for all.
Again, I appreciate you taking the time to share your position with me.
Respectfully,
Genise MontecilloDear Representative Genise Montecillo,
It has come to my attention that wording was recently introduced which states: “Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, no instruction, material, or extracurricular activity sponsored by a public school that discusses sexual orientation other than in scientific instruction concerning human reproduction shall be provided in any public school.”. I find this harmful to a school environment, because it would outlaw expressions of student identity. To say “I am queer” or “I am straight” would no longer be pride, but discouraged.
Even more harmful would be that teachers would have their hands tied when it comes to assisting students who have questions or need to access resources based on sexual orientation. What if a student is being bullied specifically for being gay? What if a student needs information or guidance regarding questions about one’s own sexual orientation?
“I’m sorry, we can’t discuss this” is no way to educate and support our youth. Please take a stand against HB2051.
Respectfully,
Andy Semler
I’ve come up with a new plan.
Missouri can just give St Louis to Illinois, and then secede from the union.
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I’m an American living in St Louis, Missouri. I’m young, I’m white, I’m a parent, I’m an atheist. And I’m queer. It’s not a crime to be any of those things, and it’s not a crime to say any of those things. It’s okay to say “gay”.
(Source: youtube.com)
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http://oktosaygay.org/
Missouri won’t back off its attack of queer youth in our schools. Please sign sign the petition and add your voice! (Also, check out my vid on that page, “from Andy”.)
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Write your MO senators about HB1357/SB745
Dear Senator Keaveny,
I am a parent and resident of St Louis. I do not have health insurance, so I rely upon low-income clinics in the local community for my health. I currently am on birth control provided on a sliding-scale basis from Planned Parenthood, which has kept me from being in a crisis pregnancy myself.
When I am in need of help, I want to be able to trust that the agencies and professionals who are providing assistance are fully informing me of all the risks and benefits of all viable options. However, some of the literature I have read from certain local crisis pregnancy centers are filled with false or outdated medical information, clearly designed to misrepresent the alleged risks of abortion and alleged lack of risks of pregnancy. In short, it’s fraudulent, and purposefully so.
I urge you to prevent “ethics shelters” from being created where these centers can hide their actions away from government oversight. Someone in a medical or personal crisis shouldn’t have to deal with not knowing if they’re receiving trustworthy care, on top of financial and emotional stress. This state doesn’t need the added burden of increased emergency room visits to compensate for uninformed medical choices, nor do we want an increased number of children without eager and willing parents to raise them.
Respectfully,
Andy Semlerhttp://news.stlpublicradio.org/post/bill-forbidding-interference-crisis-pregnancy-centers-passes-mo-house
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Show Me - A St Louis Themed Erotic Anthology
Description: Help us to publish Show Me, a St. Louis-themed anthology of sex writing! Show Me features 12 vibrant pieces of short erotic fiction. The collection is varied, but the places, cultures, and experiences that make life - and sex - in St. Louis unique, tie the diversity together. This will be the first collection of erotic stories to focus on Midwestern urban and suburban life. A different atmosphere than the common big city or rural settings of much erotic fiction, these stories celebrate the desires and complicated pleasures that belong to a ‘big city that feels like a small town’, and to its suburban surroundings. We’re eroticizing the Midwestern metropolitan landscape! E-books and hard copies of the anthology will be available for sale in Fall 2012. Readers can look forward to steamy fantasies grounded in a strong sense of place. Places and things familiar to St. Louisans will play integral roles throughout the collection. At the moment, we are in the process of reading, editing, and selecting submissions from writers with St. Louis connections, and are looking forward to presenting readers with a kaleidoscopic vision of the region’s erotic life. Your support will go towards compensating authors for excellent work, great cover art, and publishing costs. If you can’t contribute financially, please help us out by spreading the word. The Show Me anthology is a fundraiser for Sex Positive St. Louis (sexstl.com), a local organization that develops social, educational and experiential events promoting the exploration of human sexuality in its many forms and celebrating the many valuable roles that sexuality plays in our lives.
Genderqueer with a touch of happy humanism.
