Welcome back! As always, feel free to check out the past recommendations and inspirations.
1) National Headlines → Immigration and Government Shutdown…Again?
Shortly after last week’s blog, Donald Trump made his now infamous “shithole” remark regarding Haiti, El Salvador, and African countries. That comment made headlines, but lost in the shuffle was the fact that the White House shot down a bipartisan immigration package which included protection for those under the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. Just 10 days ago, the president had offered to sign whatever bipartisan immigration package Congress could put forward.
Last fall, Trump announced that he would end the DACA program. The Trump administration felt DACA was unconstitutional and an overreach of an executive order issued by President Obama. Democrats are fighting to find a long term solution for DACA recipients and hoped to find leverage during one of these short term spending bills. For example, the government is currently only funded through Friday, and Republicans are unlikely to pass a continuing resolution along party lines meaning Democrats have their leverage.
All of this could lead to a government shutdown if Democrats hold their ground.
The Republicans have another stopgap measure in place to avoid a shutdown. Check out the graphic for details:
There are concerns that the resolution would not pass, which would likely cause a government shutdown. What does that actually mean? Check out this article for more details about a shutdown
“Activities related to national security (like the military services), safety and order (air traffic control, law enforcement) and medical care (veterans’ hospitals) are among the essential activities that carry on. So does the U.S. mail, since the Postal Service has its own funding stream. U.S. Treasury debt auctions continue, Social Security and Medicare checks get mailed, food stamps are distributed. Federal courts are open but their work is subject to disruption.” –Washington Post
This could be the 13th shutdown since 1981. The previous 12 have lasted anywhere from one to 21 days.Unless you plan on travelling to a national park or work for the federal government, a shutdown is unlikely to majorly impact your day to day life. But, it is a sign of gridlock in Washington.
If I were a betting man, I would wager there will be at least a short government shutdown.
2) Wisconsin Headlines → Special Elections
After winning in New Jersey and Virginia, Democrats won another special election across the country: this time in Wisconsin’s 10th Senate district. Patty Schachtner, won by just over 10 percentage points, which marks a 28 point swing from the results in 2016.
Governor Scott Walker and Speaker Paul Ryan both took notice.
Walker called the race a “wake up call for Republicans in Wisconsin.” When asked about the results Ryan said, “Typically, we have held this seat,” but “we lost this seat last night, so, yeah, we — I think we should pay attention to it.” –Politico
Tuesday also saw two other special elections in the 58th and 66th Assembly Districts. Republican Rick Gundrum defeated Democrat Dennis Degenhardt to win the 58th Assembly District, while in the 66th Assembly District, Democrat Greta Neubauer won as she faced no Republican opposition in a Democratic stronghold.
The 10th Senate District got the headlines as Republicans worry about a Democratic wave nationwide in the midterms later this year. Many of the special elections in the past year have been for state office. Republicans hope to ride on their tax victory and robust economy. Democrats are looking to push back against President Trump and his administration. A lot can change between now and election day 2018, as well.
3) Writer’s Choice → Apple in the USA
Apple announced this week they will be opening a new corporate campus in the USA, hiring 20,000 workers, and paying $38 billion in taxes from overseas profits. Apple’s move comes on the heels of the new corporate tax law passed at the end of 2017. President Trump and Republicans praised the move citing the tax bill as the reason for the announcement.
“At the same time, the company is realizing a savings of $42 billion from the new tax bill, notes analyst and investor Gene Munster, from Loup Ventures, as it takes advantage of a one-year window that lowers the tax rate on repatriated profits to 15.5%. That’s less than the 21% tax rate on corporate profits from the new law, itself a drop from the 35% prior rate.” -USAToday
Apple is not necessarily doing this to be patriotic. The new tax legislation allows for Apple to bring their assets back stateside at the lower rate of 15.5% on a one time move. However, Apple would be taxed at 21% on that money if they had not brought it back.
Apple becomes the most recent major company to announce expansions in the United States. Last week, Wal-Mart raised its starting wage for employees. Amazon is scouting cities for its next major headquarters. Microsoft and Alphabet could follow Apple’s lead in returning money to the US. The impact of these investments and repatriation are to be determined. Politicians claim these investments will boost the economy and aid Americans, but economists are not so sure. Only time will tell.
4) Recommendation of the Week → PTI
This show is my guilty pleasure. Tony and Mike are just like two guys bantering back and forth in a bar. They are passionate and emotional about topics. They have people they consider “ya boy.” They have their fun taglines. And they fact check themselves at the end of every show to ensure their arguments are valid. It is entertaining, provocative, and so much fun. Check it out on ESPN every weekday or on their podcast!
5) Inspiration of the Week → St. Sebastian
Saint Sebastian is my confirmation saint and his feast day is on Saturday! Here is a quick story:
Sebastian was a Christian in the Roman army. When he was found out, he was brought before Emperor Diocletian and sentenced to death by a firing squad of archers. He was shot and left for dead. He was nurtured back to health by those who were supposed to bury him. He returned to face the Emperor and decried his cruelty against Christians. He was caught and beaten to death with clubs.
So, yeah…..Sebastian, a Christian martyr, is a rock star. I pray we all have the zeal in our faith that Sebastian had.
Peace, love, and all the above,
DJE
Thursday Thoughts 