2007 RSC Policy Briefs
The 110th Congress Is Bad for Business (12/3/07)
Since the opening minutes of the 110th Congress, business interests have been under attack. Hardly a week has gone by that a bill that would increase costs for, or regulations on, businesses has not passed the House. Attached is a non-exhaustive list of some examples of these House-passed bills that would harm businesses and, therefore, employees, consumers, the stock market, and the economy as a whole.
Repealing the AMT: Two Contrasting Approaches (11/1/07)
Consensus is building around the need to repeal the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) for individuals, which is a mandatory recalculation of the tax bill of certain taxpayers that always leads to higher taxes for these taxpayers. Repealing the AMT would save taxpayers billions of dollars immediately. One significant point of controversy is whether the repeal of the AMT should be “offset” by tax increases or spending cuts elsewhere. This policy brief examines the two schools of thought—to offset or not to offset.
Cap-and-Trade Proposals for Greenhouse Gas Emissions (10/1/07)
In light of increasing social pressures for lawmakers to legislate on global warming, the attached information on the leading Democrat proposals might be useful.
Transportation Spending and Gasoline Taxes (9/27/07)
In light of proposals to increase taxes on gasoline to pay for new spending for bridge repairs, and for transportation infrastructure improvements in general, the RSC prepared this Policy Brief to analyze whether more federal transportation spending is needed and to assess a potential gas tax increase.
Entitlements on the Road to Bankruptcy (4/30/07)
The RSC issued this report on the annual report of the Medicare and Social Security Trustees, which showed the troublesome state of these entitlements and their effects on the federal budget.
“Price Gouging” in Oil and Gasoline Markets (4/26/07)
In light of increasing gasoline prices and mounting pressure for lawmakers to “do something” about such increases, this information on the leading Democrat solution might be helpful.
“Net Neutrality” = Internet Regulation (4/16/07)
The attached policy brief explores the reality behind the rhetoric of "neutrality" on the Internet.
The "Card Check" Issue: The End of Secret Ballots in America? (2/13/07)
The attached policy brief addresses the Democrat desire to make it harder for Americans to vote privately in union elections.
THE FIRST 100 HOURS: Domestic Energy Disincentives (1/11/07)
During the week of January 16th, the Democrats are planning to bring a bill to the House floor that would provide disincentives for the domestic production of oil and gas, capture additional royalties from some existing oil and gas leases, and steer additional federal dollars to alternative energy sources such as wind, solar, and biomass. Read what we know in this policy brief.
THE FIRST 100 HOURS: 41% Minimum Wage Increase (1/5/07)
During the week of January 8th, the Democrats are planning to bring a bill to the House floor that would increase the federal minimum wage from $5.15-per-hour to $7.25-per-hour over approximately two years—a massive 41% increase. Read what we know in this policy brief.
