Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89993034965
We will have a very good Zoom call Monday. Please post the graphic and link on social media. I am always hoping to gather more citizens. I worked on Constitution Month and the Impact Councils today. Important update! Our Impact Conference has been changed to November 4th. More details to come. On our Zoom call Monday we will talk about Constitution Month. We have a lot planned.
Here is a good recap from the 2023 session about tax changes:
H.B. 54 Tax Revisions provides $607.9 million in tax cuts. The bill:
• Reduces all Utahns' income tax rate from 4.85% to 4.65%. A $380 million reduction in taxes
• Expands social security tax credit eligibility to individuals earning up to $75,000 annually. A $22.7 million reduction in taxes.
• Provides a tax benefit for pregnant women by allowing a double dependent exemption for children in the year of their birth. A $3.5 million reduction in taxes.
• Increases the earned income tax credit (EITC) from 15% to 20%. A $1.2 million reduction in taxes.
• Removes the state portion of sales tax on food contingent on voters' approval to remove the constitutional earmark for income tax revenue during the 2024 general election. A $211 million reduction in taxes.
H.B. 301 Transportation Tax Amendments lowers the state tax on gas by two cents per gallon—a $32.7 million reduction in 2024.
H.B. 293 Tax Rebalancing Revisions (2018) maintain the basic property tax levy freeze decreases, preventing a $146 million future property tax increase. In F.Y. 2024, the basic property tax levy will decrease from .001661% to .001356%.
H.B. 364 Housing Affordability Amendments provides a low-income housing tax credit for Utahns—a $51 million reduction.
H.B. 170 Child Tax Credit Revisions expands on H.B. 54, allowing a double dependent exemption for children one to three years old—a $9.6 million tax reduction.
H.B. 130 Adoption Tax Credit enacts an income tax credit for expenses related to child adoption—a $2.6 million tax credit.
H.B. 151 Veteran Property Tax Revisions increase the taxable value a disabled veteran may have exempted from property tax to a maximum of $479,504. This number was adjusted from the 2015 amount of $252,126, with inflation considered.
H.B. 54 Tax Revisions provides $607.9 million in tax cuts. The bill:
• Reduces all Utahns' income tax rate from 4.85% to 4.65%. A $380 million reduction in taxes
• Expands social security tax credit eligibility to individuals earning up to $75,000 annually. A $22.7 million reduction in taxes.
• Provides a tax benefit for pregnant women by allowing a double dependent exemption for children in the year of their birth. A $3.5 million reduction in taxes.
• Increases the earned income tax credit (EITC) from 15% to 20%. A $1.2 million reduction in taxes.
• Removes the state portion of sales tax on food contingent on voters' approval to remove the constitutional earmark for income tax revenue during the 2024 general election. A $211 million reduction in taxes.
H.B. 301 Transportation Tax Amendments lowers the state tax on gas by two cents per gallon—a $32.7 million reduction in 2024.
H.B. 293 Tax Rebalancing Revisions (2018) maintain the basic property tax levy freeze decreases, preventing a $146 million future property tax increase. In F.Y. 2024, the basic property tax levy will decrease from .001661% to .001356%.
H.B. 364 Housing Affordability Amendments provides a low-income housing tax credit for Utahns—a $51 million reduction.
H.B. 170 Child Tax Credit Revisions expands on H.B. 54, allowing a double dependent exemption for children one to three years old—a $9.6 million tax reduction.
H.B. 130 Adoption Tax Credit enacts an income tax credit for expenses related to child adoption—a $2.6 million tax credit.
H.B. 151 Veteran Property Tax Revisions increase the taxable value a disabled veteran may have exempted from property tax to a maximum of $479,504. This number was adjusted from the 2015 amount of $252,126, with inflation considered.
Since I am running for state central committee I am going to invite all the Davis County delegates to the Zoom call Monday. That will give them an opportunity to learn about Utah Citizens for the Constitution and our focus on federalism.
Utah Citizens for the Constitution has a table at The Book of Mormon Evidences Conference. There are a lot of people that attend and a lot of different speakers including Tim Ballard and Lonnie Crockett who is on our board. I need help to man the table. I am hoping we can get more Impact Council Members. I have created a sign up genius for three people at a time for three hours. For the shift you sign up for there will be a pass provided and you will get in free. We can take turns at the table if someone wants to look around or hear a speaker. If you stay longer than your shift you are supposed to purchase a ticket. If any of you would be able to help that would be so appreciated.
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/409044CA4A62BAAFF2-book
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/409044CA4A62BAAFF2-book
Signupgenius
Book of Mormon Evidence Conference
Please review the available slots below and click on the button to sign up. Thank you!
Forwarded from Utah Citizens for the Constitution - Jen Brown
Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89993034965
Forwarded from Utah Citizens Chat
Thank you everyone for a great Zoom call last night. I was having trouble with my computer right before the call. It had to be restarted. It was stressful, I was focused on that and forgot to record the Zoom call. I will give a recap. Greg Duerden gave a short lesson on the Utah Constitution. Thank you Greg! I gave an overview of how we are organizing the Impact Councils. I posed the question, "Is all this work to organize worth it?" The unequivocal answer was yes! We can accomplish so much more when we come together and utilize our different strengths. I mentioned that I am forming an Impact Board to support groups of councils. The groups will be called districts. If you know someone or you are interested in serving on the Impact Board please let me know. We need people that are good with details and dependable.
Forwarded from Utah Citizens Chat
I emphasized that we will lose our influence if we have contention or participate in personal attacks. Our organization will be an example to others of finding common ground and sharing accurate information that leads to better decisions. Our in person Impact Conference has been changed to November 4th. Please mark the date on your calendar.
Forwarded from Utah Citizens Chat
Rep Colin Jack spoke about how he has been in the energy industry for decades and how they used to fight mother nature and now they are fighting the federal government to try and keep our lights on. There are six power plants in Utah that are being targeted by the EPA with this proposed "Good neighbor rule," that is expected to take effect anytime now. They have given untenable emission standards or the option to shut down.
Thankfully Rep Ivory ran and passed HB 425 which gives authority to our attorney general to defend the power companies and the interest of the Utah Citizens within the judicial process. Energy is not an enumerated power. This jurisdiction belongs to the states.
Thankfully Rep Ivory ran and passed HB 425 which gives authority to our attorney general to defend the power companies and the interest of the Utah Citizens within the judicial process. Energy is not an enumerated power. This jurisdiction belongs to the states.
SUGGESTED TALKING POINTS FOR APRIL 4TH THROUGH APRIL 15TH
The proposed "Good Neighbor Rule" by the EPA is so egregious and such a power grab that we will dedicate three talking points to this issue. Please text your rep about this!
*Rep Colin Jack explained on our monthly Zoom call that the purpose of the EPA's "Good Neighbor Rule" was to improve air quality in Denver. It is important to note that the rule will skip the Craig Power Plants in Colorado, which are closer to Denver and target six power plants in Utah. Certainly there is more involved here than only concern about the environment.
* I am very concerned about the new industries the EPA is planning to regulate. These include: cement, iron, steel mills, glass, basic chemical manufacturing, pulp, paper, and paperboard mills. The federal government does not have Constitutional authority for this power expansion. Here is a link to an analysis of the rule: https://www.environmentallawandpolicy.com/2022/03/epa-proposes-significant-expansion-to-interstate-ozone-transport-regulations/
* Energy is not a federal jurisdiction. It is not in the enumerated powers of the Constitution. Please do all you can to defend the ability of Utah to supply electricity to its citizens. Thank you for passing HB425 to defend the interests of the people.
* The social security and Medicare trustees issued their annual report that projected social security will not be able to pay full benefits starting in 2034 and Medicare by 2031. It is incumbant upon our legislators to act now and divert a disaster for so many older people. Utah must prioritize federal programs and slowly implement state funding. https://www.ssa.gov/oact/TRSUM/
* I know if Utah has the courage to follow the inspired framework of Constitutional government found in the Constitution it will prosper far beyond other states. We support and encourage you to reduce federal funding and increase Utah sovereignty.
The proposed "Good Neighbor Rule" by the EPA is so egregious and such a power grab that we will dedicate three talking points to this issue. Please text your rep about this!
*Rep Colin Jack explained on our monthly Zoom call that the purpose of the EPA's "Good Neighbor Rule" was to improve air quality in Denver. It is important to note that the rule will skip the Craig Power Plants in Colorado, which are closer to Denver and target six power plants in Utah. Certainly there is more involved here than only concern about the environment.
* I am very concerned about the new industries the EPA is planning to regulate. These include: cement, iron, steel mills, glass, basic chemical manufacturing, pulp, paper, and paperboard mills. The federal government does not have Constitutional authority for this power expansion. Here is a link to an analysis of the rule: https://www.environmentallawandpolicy.com/2022/03/epa-proposes-significant-expansion-to-interstate-ozone-transport-regulations/
* Energy is not a federal jurisdiction. It is not in the enumerated powers of the Constitution. Please do all you can to defend the ability of Utah to supply electricity to its citizens. Thank you for passing HB425 to defend the interests of the people.
* The social security and Medicare trustees issued their annual report that projected social security will not be able to pay full benefits starting in 2034 and Medicare by 2031. It is incumbant upon our legislators to act now and divert a disaster for so many older people. Utah must prioritize federal programs and slowly implement state funding. https://www.ssa.gov/oact/TRSUM/
* I know if Utah has the courage to follow the inspired framework of Constitutional government found in the Constitution it will prosper far beyond other states. We support and encourage you to reduce federal funding and increase Utah sovereignty.
Environmental Law and Policy Monitor
EPA Proposes Significant Expansion to Interstate Ozone Transport Regulations
In a proposed rule signed on February 28, but not yet published in the Federal Register, EPA proposed to significantly expand its current approach to
Forwarded from Karen Layton
Biblical Citizenship 8-Week class begins tonight! Family and friends across the country, it’s not too late to register.
Come learn about the Constitution through a Biblical aspect!
Register today for this FREE ONLINE 8-Week course here:
https://www.patriotacademy.com/coach/register/5881
Come learn about the Constitution through a Biblical aspect!
Register today for this FREE ONLINE 8-Week course here:
https://www.patriotacademy.com/coach/register/5881
What continues to be on my mind is the proper balance between the state and federal governments and why it matters so much. When the separation of powers is talked about most people jump right to the three branches of government and skip over the first division of power between the state and federal governments. This is where our Constitutional framework is most out of balance. Our organization must teach the citizens and the legislators about this division of power, but also why it matters so very much. The reason it is so important is that it is directly linked to our individual liberty. We must all work together to restore Utah sovereignty. I have had the thought that we need to start collecting stories about how individual liberty has been compromised because of the conglomeration of power in Washington DC.
Jen
Jen