Tax Cuts

By BRENDAN KIRBY Staff Writer SHARPSBURG - U.S. Rep. Roscoe G. Bartlett Thursday called for tax reform, defended House Speaker Newt Gingrich and pledged to help residents on a number of local matters during a series of citizens meetings throughout the county. The 6th District Republican who represents Western Maryland made stops in Smithsburg, Sharpsburg, Hancock, Maugansville and Hagerstown. In Sharpsburg, 13 residents grilled him on a variety of topics. George Plane said he was concerned by recent statements Gingrich made suggesting that tax cuts be delayed until the budget is balanced.

Berry says thanks To the editor: I would like to take this opportunity to thank each and everyone of you who has sent my father (Berry Chaney Sr,. the Beagle Man) cards, letters and pictures. He smiles every time a card or letter is read to him. He is home now but he has been on Eastern Boulevard a few times, even though he is supposed to be resting. He loves what he does best and that is waving. I will be keeping a record of everyone who sends a card or letter with their names and addresses so that I can share with my children.

While they await the results of today's primary election, Pennsylvania lawmakers have something to contemplate besides how many votes they'll get. Given the latest state revenue estimates, they must also worry about how to stem the rising tide of red ink. The Associated Press reported this week that by the end of the fiscal year on June 30, tax revenues will fall $1.22 billion short of what was predicted, or about $500 million more than the...

WASHINGTON (AP) -- In a major victory for President Barack Obama, Democrats muscled a huge, $787 billion stimulus bill through Congress late Friday night in hopes of combating the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression. Republican opposition was nearly unanimous. The Senate approved the measure 60-38 with three GOP moderates providing crucial support. Hours earlier, the House vote was 246-183, with all Republicans opposed to the package of tax cuts and federal spending that Obama has made the centerpiece of his plan for economic recovery.

WAYNESBORO, PA. The Pennsylvania Senate has passed a measure that favors senior citizens while providing property tax cuts in exchange for gambling revenue, but it will likely meet resistance from two Franklin County legislators when it goes before the state House of Representatives today. The measure reached by legislative negotiators Monday would use the $1 billion projected to be generated each year by new slot machines to fund tax cuts for the state's 3 million homeowners.

WASHINGTON (AP) -- In a bold bid to revive President Bush's multibillion-dollar financial rescue plan, Senate leaders scheduled a vote for Wednesday night on a version of the bill that adds substantial tax cuts meant to appeal to Republicans when it reaches the House. The goal is to net at least 12 more House votes than the rescue proposal received Monday, when lawmakers rocked the political and financial worlds by rejecting it. The gambit is certain to anger some conservative House Democrats, who object to tax cuts that are not offset with spending cuts.

HOUSE Federal boxing commission Members on Nov. 16 defeated, 190 for and 233 against, a bill (HR 1065) to begin federal regulation of professional boxing. The bill empowered the Department of Commerce to license boxers as a means of policing corruption and establishing the integrity of the sport. A yes vote was to pass the bill. Maryland Roscoe Bartlett, R-6, no Pennsylvania Bill Shuster, R-9, no West Virginia Shelley Moore Capito, R-2, no Deficit reduction Voting 217 for and 215 against, members on Nov. 18 passed a bill (HR 4241)