Talk Elections

1. The Most Serene Republic of the Midwest has a long and storied history of antagonism with the Pacific Region over the illegal Pacific occupation of several Midwestern regions, especially the one known as "New Mexico".

2. Despite this antagonism, the Midwest and Pacific have always remained friends, *hughughug*.

3. The Pacific Region no longer exists.

4. Thus, the Most Serene Republic of the Midwest kindly requests that the Atlasian government cede control over the administration of the Pacific Region to Midwestern authorities, who have the most logical claim to the lands of the Pacific.

The purpose of this act is to identify the most outstanding students in our region and expose them to an educational opportunity that is both academically enriching and brings new challenges to the student.

Section 1: Establishment of ilikeverin's School

1. The Midwest government shall appropriate two million dollars to establish a summer institution, known as ilikeverin's School, for the education of the most gifted and skilled students.

2. The mission of the ilikeverin's School shall be to identify the most outstanding students of the region and expose them to a learning environment that is both educationally enriching and fundamentally different form a regular school setting.

3. The Governor's School shall be hosted on a rotating basis on the grounds of public institutions of the various states.

4. The program shall last six weeks during the months of June, July, or August.

Section 2: Admission

1. In order to be eligible for ilikeverin's School, a candidate must be a rising student in the tenth, eleventh, or twelfth grade at any secondary school in the Midwest Region. Students who are home-schooled shall also be eligible.

2. Admission shall be based upon grade-point average, essays, teacher recommendations, and a telephone and/or video interview.

3. Instructors for the school shall be chosen by a government board after completing an application process.

4. Tuition and room and board shall be paid for by the region. The only cost to the students shall be transportation.

Section 3: Details of School

1. The courses offered shall include, but not be limited to: Literature, Languages (ex: Spanish, Chinese), Linguistics, Psychology, Neuroscience, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Applied Engineering, Computer Science, Architecture, Applied and Visual Arts, Performing Arts, Music, Urban Planning, and Sustainability and Environmental Studies.

2. All classes taken at ilikeverin's School by each student will result in that student receiving high school credit for that class, and the ability to be exempt from taking it in their regular high school. Students may also be eligible for college credit through Advanced Placement testing, which will be offered for various courses in the program.

3. Enrollment in each grade's class shall not exceed four hundred students.

Findings
1. The quality of roads in the Midwest is subpar and unacceptable.
2. Toll Roads in the Midwest have been out of date for a long time to the point where revenues are inadequate.
3. We need a solution that will fix our roads but at the same time doesn't balloon our deficit.
Toll Roads
1. The Region of the Midwest will begin to sell off toll roads in negotiations with large companies.
2. Toll Road owners shall follow a couple of rules:
a) They shall charge consumers fairly.
b) They shall keep up maintence on their roads without government help.
3. Buyers of Toll Roads in the Midwest will pay first an initial down payment, and then, a certain percentage of the fees racked up via the road. This will be decided in negotiations.

a) 25% of the number of people voting in the previous Midwest non-special election may propose a recall of any elected or appointed Midwest Official.
b) Recall votes shall begin ten days after of their accumulating the necessary support and shall begin between midnight Central Time and 0001 Central Time on the first Friday thereafter, and shall conclude exactly 120 hours after beginning.
c) Along with voting for the recall of said official, they will also be voting for their replacement.
d) if a majority vote to Recall, then the relevant official shall be removed from office immediately and replaced with whomever the people voted as the replacement.
e) a Recall must have necessary support within 7 days of its proposal or it will be invalid.

a) If a Regional Senate seat is vacant within 30 days of a Regional Senate election, than the Governor shall appoint any Midwest Citizen that is qualified to be a Regional Senator under the Federal constitution.
b) If a Regional Senate seat is vacant more than 30 days away from a Regional Senate Election, than the Gvoernor shall appoint any Midwest Citizen that is qualified to be a Regional Senator under the Federal constitution, and a special election will be held 10 Days after the appointment is given.

a)If the Governor's seat is vacant within 30 days of a regularly scheduled Gubernatorial election, than the Archduke of the Althing shall take over all responsibilities of the Governor.
b) If, however, the Governor's seat is vacant more than 30 days before a regularly scheduled Gubernatorial election, than the Archduke of the Althing shall take over all responsibilities of the Governor, with a special election taking place 10 days after said vacancy.

1. Effective January 1, 2014, no non-reusable bag shall be provided to a shopper in any store in the Midwest region.

2. A non-reusable bag is hereby defined as a disposable plastic bag.

3. All paper bags distributed in the Midwest Region must be made of at least fifty percent recycled material.

4. A tax of five cents shall be charged for every paper bag distributed in the Midwest Region.

Income Tax Rate:
$0-$20,000 ---- 0%
$20,001-$50,000 ---- 2.5% ($17.275 B)
$50,001-$100,000 ---- 5% ($11.294 B)
$100,001-$250,000 ---- 7.5% ($10.866 B)
$250,001- Onwards - 11% ($15.659 B)

TOTAL: $55.094 B

Sales Tax:
On all goods minus all clothing, food, prescription drug purchases, and apartment rentals  - 4%

TOTAL: $28.015 B

Corporate Tax:
$0-$50,000 - 0%
$50,000-$100,000 - 2.5% ($8.626 B)
$100,000-$1,000,000- 5% ($8.815 B)
$1,000,000 - $3,000,000 - 7.5% ($5.374 B)
$3,000,000 - Onwards - 11.5% ($8.412 B)

TOTAL: $31.227 B

Property Tax:
$35 per mil on assessed value of unimproved land

TOTAL: $66.283 B

Midwest Estate Tax:
1M-5M - 2% ($0.917 B)
5M - Over - 6% ($0.621 B)

TOTAL: $1.538 B

Cigarette and Marijuana Tax:
Cigarette Tax - 15% ($1.347 B)
Alcohol Tax - 15% ($1.835 B)
Marijuana Tax -15% ($1.389 B)
This is included in the sales tax.

TOTAL: $4.571 B

Healthcare Taxes:
Healthcare Payroll Tax - 1%

TOTAL: $17.892 B

Gas and Oil Tax:

Gasoline: 30 Cents/Gallon ($6.365 B)
Diesel: 40 Cents/Gallon ($3.313 B)

TOTAL: $9.678 B

REVENUES: $214.298 B

The Midwest believes in economic freedom for all of her citizens, however, actions must be made to protect our citizens from fraud. Therefore, the following shall be enacted:

1. Any legislation passed that regulates gambling in the Midwest Region is hereby repealed.

2. Gambling agencies shall be prohibited from acquiring information from consumers that is unnecessary. Such information includes:
a. Social Security
b. E-Mail address
c. Any passwords

3. A non-partisan government agency shall be founded with the purpose of investigating websites and gambling agencies for fraud and/or scams.

Midwest Grateful for Gratuities Act
No tips or gratuities may be used towards the computation of income for purposes of minimum wage laws in the Most Serene Republic of the Midwest.

State of the Midwest Act

1. The Governor shall, at the beginning of each month, give a written statement on the health and well being of the Midwest.
2. Most Serene Representatives may also, at the beginning of each month, give a written statement responding to the statement previously stated by the Governor.

Because we need an active region  Act
1)  No Ideological Merger Act is hereby repealed.
2) The Midwest region opposes all efforts to split the Midwest region.
3) The Midwest region encourages all efforts to merge the Midwest region and the Pacific region.

Section 1 - Teachers
1. Teachers shall be granted tenure after teaching for 10-20 years, depending on how the principals of the school evaluates their performance.
2. If the principal rates a teachers performance as poor three years in a row, the principal is allowed by the region to fire that teacher.
3. If the principal rates a teachers performance as poor four years in a row, that principal is required by the region to fire that teacher.
4. Any previous legislation that makes it harder to fire a teacher for criminal behavior shall be hereby repealed.
5. There shall be no specific curriculum assigned to any teacher by the Midwest Government.

Section 2 -School Environment
1. Class sizes shall be limited to 20-1.
2. Local and county Governments shall be given the right to do what they can to adjust for Part 1 of the School Enviorment section.
3. All students across all regions will be entitled to health care (including mental health) and daily lunch.  If a student is from a family with an income level below $25,000, their lunches shall be at no cost.

Section 3 - Job Search Programs
1. This bill shall increase funding to create Job Search Programs  in all Midwest High Schools and Colleges.
2. The job of those agencies is to help graduating or undergraduate students look for work that is applicable to them.
3. This work also includes internships and minimum wage employment.

Section 4 - College Admission
1. This bill encourages colleges to look less at scores from standardized testing and to look more at GPA, extracurricular activities, and volunteerism.

Section 5 - Private Schools
1. Allow private schools access to regional funds on a similar level to state schools if they do the following:
a. Follow the same standards in terms of healthcare as Public Schools.
b. Prohibit the use of tuition fees
c. Creation of Job Search Programs similar to that of public schools.
2. If a private school chooses to opt out of this program, then they will operate wholly independent of the system, and shall receive no regional funds.

Section 6 - Research for the Future
1. Teachers shall be encouraged by the state research the benefits and constrictions of using tablets in their particular classrooms.
2. Similarly, the education department shall research the costs of using tablets in terms of monetary cost.

Midwest Oldiesfreak Act
1. Any public or private individual or organization, that is located in the Midwest Region and conducts business in the natural resources sector, will not be provided with government subsidies and tax breaks unless proper restoration practices are undertaken.
2. The Midwest Region government will issue a refund equivalent to sales tax paid for the purchase of equipment that will contribute to the production of clean energy.
3. Any public or private business entity found to be improperly disposing of waste will compelled to finance all necessary environmental clean-up efforts in relation to the waste disposal sites.
4. Additionally, any public or private business entity found to be improperly disposing of wastes shall be subject to a fine, equivalent to 25% of the environmental clean-up costs incurred.
5. Any business entity that conducts business in the energy sector, and generates at least 50% of their energy from clean energy sources, shall be subject to the following corporate tax refund:

•50-55% of energy generated from clean sources: 0.50% of paid corporate tax
•55-60% of energy generated from clean sources: 0.75% of paid corporate tax
•60-65% of energy generated from clean sources: 1.00% of paid corporate tax
•65-70% of energy generated from clean sources: 1.25% of paid corporate tax
•70-75% of energy generated from clean sources: 1.50% of paid corporate tax
•75-80% of energy generated from clean sources: 1.75% of paid corporate tax
•80-85% of energy generated from clean sources: 2.00% of paid corporate tax
•85-90% of energy generated from clean sources: 2.25% of paid corporate tax
•90-95% of energy generated from clean sources: 2.50% of paid corporate tax
•95-100% of energy generated from clean sources: 2.75% of paid corporate tax

6. The term 'proper restoration practices' shall be defined as practices, such as reforestation, that are intended to restore an area that has been subject to environmentally-harmful practices to its natural state.
7. The terms 'clean energy' and 'clean energy sources' shall be defined as sources of energy, such as solar power and wind power, that are much less harmful to the environment than conventional sources.

Roads
1. $10 Billion will be allocated to local and state governments to put into infrastructure projects across the region, and only to those projects.
2. This money will be split to the states that need the money more than other regions, therefore, the State department of the Midwest will be encouraged to allocate more money to the states of Colorado, Minnesota, and Oklahoma.
3. These infrastructure projects shall be defined as needed repairs or building of roads, highways, bridges, and walkways.
4. Any proposal from a state or local government will require an estimate of cost and estimated number of jobs created before given approval.
5. Any state or locality that uses the money for any other purpose will have those funds withdrawn plus a fee of 5% of what they were given.

Libraries
1. The Government of the Midwest shall allocate approximately $91 Million dollars to create 13 new Libraries, 10 for each state, and 3 extra for states that are suffering the lowest number of libraries/worst education system

The Midwest Sales Tax Reduction Act
1. As long as unemployment remains above 6%, the Sales Tax shall be lowered from 4.0% to 3.5%

Anti Right to work  amendment
Article 1: the right of workers to join a labor union shall not be infringed.
Article 2: The right of labor unions to represent their members during negociations with their employers shall not be infringed.
Article 3: Labor Unions are defined as organization of workers formed for the purpose of advancing its members' interests in respect to wages, benefits, and working conditions.
Article 4: Enterprises, which  violate  Article 1 and  Article 2, shall be condemned to give 99% of their economic benefits to their employees.

Midwest Sponsorship Extension amendment
1) Every Midwesterner shall be able to introduce and sponsor constitutionnal amendments and legislature proposals.

Midwest Speed Limits Act:

1. It is hereby prohibited to drive any motor vehicle at velocities higher than eighty five miles per hour on highways or interstates in the Midwest Region for a period longer than twenty seconds. Local governments may vote to set speed limits below this amount.

2. This law shall be enforced by the use of speed cameras on major highways and the discretion of local law enforcement.

3. The punishment for surpassing the speed limit shall be a fine of up to two hundred and fifty dollars.

4. Multiple violations of this law may result in suspension and/or revocation of one's driver license.

The New Midwest Annual Budget
Income Tax Rate:
$0-$20,000 ---- 0%
$20,001-$50,000 ---- 2.5% ($17.275 B)
$50,001-$100,000 ---- 5% ($11.294 B)
$100,001-$250,000 ---- 7.5% ($10.866 B)
$250,001- Onwards - 11% ($15.659 B)

TOTAL: $55.094 B

Sales Tax:
On all goods minus all clothing, food, prescription drug purchases, and apartment rentals  - 4%

TOTAL: $28.015 B

Corporate Tax:
$0-$50,000 - 0%
$50,000-$100,000 - 2.5% ($8.626 B)
$100,000-$1,000,000- 5% ($8.815 B)
$1,000,000 - $3,000,000 - 7.5% ($5.374 B)
$3,000,000 - Onwards - 11.5% ($8.412 B)

TOTAL: $31.227 B

Property Tax:
$35 per mil on assessed value of unimproved land

TOTAL: $66.283 B

Midwest Estate Tax:
1M-5M - 2% ($0.917 B)
5M - Over - 6% ($0.621 B)

TOTAL: $1.538 B

Cigarette and Marijuana Tax:
Cigarette Tax - 25% ($2.245 B)
Alcohol Tax - 25% ($3.058 B)
Marijuana Tax -25% ($2.315 B)
This is included in the sales tax.

TOTAL: $7.618 B

Healthcare Taxes:
Healthcare Payroll Tax - 1%

TOTAL: $17.892 B

Gas and Oil Tax:

Gasoline: 30 Cents/Gallon ($6.365 B)
Diesel: 40 Cents/Gallon ($3.313 B)

TOTAL: $9.678 B
Federal Stimulus Act:  $5.5 B

REVENUES: $222.8455B





$76.602 Billion - School aid
$48 Billion..... Elementry all the way up to High School Education
$27 Billion..... College Education
$2 Million…. Illikeverin School Act
1.6 Billion The Build our Mathematics and Science Proposal



$34 Billion - Economic development
$20 Billion ...... Community development
$14 Billion ...... Area and regional development

$34 Billion - Transportation
$15 Billion ..... Highways and highway safety
$3 Billion ..... Air Transportation
$4 Billion ..... Other transportation
$12 billion ..... Non-Highway Roads

$7 Billion - Public safety

$28.047 Billion - Health services
$6 Billion ..... Substance abuse and mental health services
$7 Billion ..... Disease control, public health and bioterrorism
$8 Billion ..... Health research and training
$3 Billion ..... Food safety and occupational health and safety
$1 Billion ..... Other health care services
$3.047 Billion  Fight against obesity proposal

$1 Billion - Tax expenditures

$32.5 Billion - Environment & energy
$14 Billion ..... Loans to be granted to energy companies that will man up.
$13 Billion ..... Fund for alternative energy
$5 Billion ..... Updating the our current energy infrastructure
$0.5 Billion Midwest Green Governance bill

$2 Billion - Direct aid & incentives to municipalities

$2 Billion - Government administration

TOTAL EXPENDITURES - $217.149 Billion
TOTAL REVENUES - $222.845Billion
TOTAL SURPLUS - $5.696 Million - Saved for disaster relief fund

Midwest Surplus Bill
1)    Any  Midwest annual budget surplus that is accumulated shall be entered into the “Midwest Emergency Fund.”
2)   In order to use “The Midwest Emergency Fund”,   unanimous agreement from all Most Serene Representatives and the acting Midwest governor  shall be required.

New Capitol Amendment:

Article (a) of Section II of the Midwest Constitution will be amended as follows:

(a)- The Midwest government shall serve its legislative, judicial and executive functions in Minneapolis, MN, and it will be based on the Depositaren government complex. The Governor, Archduke and the Most Serene Representatives will hold their respective offices in said building

Redefining Roles Amendment:

Article (d) of Section II of the Midwest Constitution will be amended as follows:

(d) - The Depositaren shall be administered by the Governor in such a way as to promise the people of the Most Serene Republic of the Midwest free and fair elections, a transparent government and efficient statesmanship.

Election Efficiency Amendment:

Article (g) of Section II of the Midwest Constitution will be amended as follows:

(g) - On the first Tuesday of January of each year, citizens will be asked to vote to reaffirm their commitment to the function and existence of the legislative body as outlined in Section 2(b), or to establish solely the role of a universal assembly.

The New Governor Amendment:

Articles (e) and (f) of Section II of the Midwest Constitution are hereby repealed.

Changing the Depositaren Amendment:

Article (a) of Section III of the Midwest Constitution will be amended as follows:

(a)- The Depositaren building shall be established in the capital of the republic: Minneapolis, MN, where all records of government shall be stored and open to the public in what is to be called: "The Most Serene Library of the Midwest." This government complex shall be run exclusively with solar power and other forms of green power.

Helping Homelycooking to keep his sanity Amendment:

Article (b) of Section IV of the Midwest Constitution will be amended as follows:

The ten provinces of the Most Serene Republic of the Midwest shall be as follows:

•   Minnesota (MN)
•   Colorado (CO)
•   Oklahoma (OK)
•   Iowa (IA)
•   Kansas (KS)
•   Nebraska (NE)
•   Montana (MT)
•   South Dakota (SD)
•   North Dakota (ND)
•   Wyoming (WY)

Section 1
1.   To amend Section IV b. as to read:
“(b) The eleven provinces of the most serene republic shall be as follows:
-   Joy (JY) or Minnesota (MN)
-   Mirth (MH) or Colorado (CO)
-   Bluster (BL) or Oklahoma (OK)
-   Moxie (MX) or Iowa (IA)
-   Harmony (HY) or Kansas (KS)
-   Grit (GR) or Nebraska (NB)
-   Wonderment (WO) or Montana (MT)
-   Vitality (VY) or South Dakota (SD)
-   Serenity (SR) or North Dakota (ND)
-   Amity (AM) or Wyoming (WY)"
2.   Either name will be acceptable on Government documents, mail, or in daily speech.
Section 2
1.   The “Midwest State Name Act” is hereby repealed.

Section 1 Definition of Urban Region
1.   Counties with more than 300,000 people shall be covered under this law.
2.   Urban Agriculture is the establishment of a primary agricultural industry.
Section 2 Assistance Grants
1.   New companies can apply for a grant up to $30,000 dollars.
2.   A company can only receive a grant once.
Section 3 Budget and Timeframe
1.   The Budget for the Grants shall be $3,000,000.
2.   The Bill will run for 5 years, and may be renewed and extended.

Section 1
1.   A loan of no more than $100,000 may be received by a new business.
2.   Loan repayment will take over 5 years.
3.   An interest rate of 5% will be applied to the loan.
4.   Priority for companies created in areas where unemployment is above the regional average.
Section 2
1.   A budget of $50,000,000 per year will be allocated for this law.
2.   This law shall last for 5 years.

1. A mandatory time for a debate of the project shall be 48 hours, unless the Presiding Officer decide to extent this time upon a request from the floor, but for period no longer than additional 24 hours 2. A mandatory time for a votes on amendments shall be the same as above 3. A mandatory time for a final vote shall be 72 hours, but can be extended for additional 24 hours upon a request from the floor.

New Dude, Where's My Government Officer? Amendment
Dude, Where’s My Government Officer? Amendment shall be amended as follows:
a)If the Governor's seat is vacant within 30 days of a regularly scheduled Gubernatorial election, than the Archduke of the Althing shall take over all responsibilities of the Governor.
b) If, however, the Governor's seat is vacant more than 30 days before a regularly scheduled Gubernatorial election, than the Archduke of the Althing shall take over all responsibilities of the Governor, with a special election taking place 10 days after said vacancy.
c) The Most Serene Representatives shall elect among them a President Pro tempore.
d)If the Archduke of the Althing’s seat is vacant within 30 days of a regularly scheduled Gubernatorial election, than the President pro tempore shall take over all responsibilities of the Archduke of Althing.
e) If, however, the Archduke of the Althing's seat is vacant more than 30 days before a regularly scheduled Gubernatorial election, than the President pro tempore shall take over all responsibilities of the Archduke of Althing, with a special election taking place 10 days after said vacancy.
f) Section II, Part F of the Constitution is hereby repealed.
g)If a Most Serene Representative is vacant within 30 days of a regularly scheduled election, than the Governor shall appoint a Midwest Citizen of his choice, with approval given by the Althing.
h)If a Most Serene Representative is vacant more than 30 days away from a regularly scheduled election, than the Governor shall appoint a Midwest Citizen of his choice, with a special election taking place 10 days after said appointment.

Judiciary amendment

1,The judicial branch of the Government of the Midwest Region shall be vested in the Chief Judicial Officer of the Midwest Region. Any newly appointed Midwest Judicial Officer must be a registered voter in the Midwest Region.
2. The Chief Judicial Officer is to be appointed by the Governor with the support of the Althing. He or she shall have a term of six months. Whenever the office of Chief Judicial Officer becomes vacant, he or she must be replaced within two weeks.
3. The Chief Judicial Officer is to be charged with the duties of interpreting the laws of the Midwest Region and is charged to hold trials for the accused. If someone submits a case to him or her, then the Chief Judicial Officer must make a ruling on it, giving ample time to hear arguments from any side of the issue. The Chief Judicial Officer’s rulings are to be considered precedent for all future cases.
4. No persons shall hold the positions of Governor and Chief Judicial Officer at the same time, no persons shall hold the positions of Archduke of the Althing and Chief Judicial Officer at the same time and no persons shall hold the positions of Most Serene Representatives  and Chief Judicial Officer at the same time.

(e) - The Archduke of the Alþing shall formalize all rules of the Alþing that may come about, with approval of the Most Serene Representatives.

Section 1 Saudi Arabia of Wind Development
1.   A fund of $2 Billion/year will be set for supporting the construction of Wind Farms in the Midwest.
2.   The Money for this section shall come from the “Loans granted to energy companies to man up.” Line item of the budget.
3.   After the Midwest has achieved 20% energy production from Wind, the budget will be automatically lowered to $500 million/year.
4.   The Energy and Environment Department will be responsible for determining the amount awarded to each company. They will also be responsible for overview and making sure the company is complying with the loan.
5.   This Section take effect January 1, 2014.

Section 2 Regional Green Energy for Transportation Conversion Scheme
1.   Gas Stations shall install at-least one electric fueling Station for Electric Powered Vehicles.
2.   A Fund of $2 Billion/year for 5 Years will be set aside to assist Gas Stations with the conversion.
3.   The Money for this section shall come from the “Loans granted to energy companies to man up.” Line item of the budget.
4.   This Section shall take effect January 1, 2015
5.   If by December 31, 2019, an electric fueling station is not in place than a $100,000 fine will be placed on the company.
6.   The Transportation Department will be responsible for determining the amount awarded to each company. They will also be responsible for overview and making sure the company is complying with the loan.

Section 3 Methane Gas Usage Requirements
1.   By January 1, 2020 no less than 10% of electricity produced in the Midwest shall come from Methane Gas Plants.
2.   Power Companies that fail to comply will be fined 5% of profits/year.

Section 4 MPG Standards
1.   By January 1, 2020 the Mile per Gallon (MPG) for vehicles should not be lower than 30 MPG.
2.   Any dealer selling vehicles that have MPGs lower than the requirement shall be fined $5,000.00 per Vehicle.
3.   Vehicles on the road prior to January 1, 2020 will not subject to these requirements

However, I believe we should have a least one or two written rules to avoid confusion, like rules on ties, on a Governor's veto and a minimum limit for discussion. Otherwise, we might have problems that are quite serious (not the Urban Agriculture Assistance Grant Act, of course, that is just a small confusion). With you in charge of the Althing we all know that there are no problems at all, but what if we ended up with a troll in charge of the legislative process? He would be able to do as he pleases.

Midwest Oil, Natural Gas, and Coal Royalty Rates Bill
Section 1
1.   The Production of Oil shall be taxed $5/Barrel
2.   The Production of Natural Gas shall be taxed at $2/Cubic Foot
3.   The Production of Coal shall be Taxed at $100/Ton
Section 2
1.   Money raised from these royalties shall be set aside in the following manner
a.   30% for Environment and Energy
b.   15% for Health services
c.   25% for School aid
d.   10% Economic Development
e.   The remaining 20% will be placed in the General Fund to be allocated at the discretion of the Althing.
2.   The rates shall take place effective January 1, 2014

STTTTLOFUTF Resolution

1. This resolution shall be known as the "Stop Trying to Take the Land out from under Tyrion's Feet Resolution".

2. The federal government of Atlasia does not recognize the Midwest Region's claim to the State known as New Mexico to the federal government.

3. The federal government of Atlasia does not recognize any alternate names the Midwest Region may give the State of New Mexico.

4. The State of New Mexico is rightfully a member of the Pacific Region, and any claim to the contrary by another region shall be disregarded.

5. All registered residents of New Mexico are citizens of the Pacific Region, and any claim to the contrary by another region shall be disregarded.

6. Should any changes be made to the borders of the Midwest or Pacific regions, or the number of regions changed, then this Resolution shall be declared null and void.

7. This resolution shall be effective upon passage.

Labeling of Products Act

Section 1 Labels
1.   All products sold and distributed in the Midwest shall have country of origin labels.
a.   If the product is produced in Atlasia, then an additional regional label is required.
2.   All food products that have genetically modified ingredients or are genetically modified shall have a label saying that it is genetically modified.

Section 2 Fines and implementation
1.   Any company found in violation of this law will be fined $10,000 per item found to breach the law.
2.   This Law shall come into effect January 1, 2014.

Native Atlasian Revitalization Bill

Section 1 Reservation Development Fund
1.   A fund of $500,000,000 shall be established for the use by tribal governments and/or reservation governments for job creation policies.
2.   The fund will be overseen by the Office of the Governor.

Section 2 Timeline
1.   The Fund shall last for five years.
2.   The fund shall start in FY 2014.

Midwest Family Leave Act

Section 1
1.   Any company, nonprofit or government body operating in the Midwest shall be subject to this law.
2.   A person regardless of gender will be allowed to take one month paid family leave a year if they are the parent/guardian of a child under the age of 5 years old.
3.   The individual will be paid full salary for the month.
4.   No person shall be discriminated against during the hiring process for having children under the age of 5.
5.   No person shall be fired solely for having children under the age of 5.

Section 2
1.   Any company, nonprofit, or government body found in violation of this law shall pay a fine of $100,000 and pay the individual discriminated against restitution of 1 years pay.
2.   This bill shall become law immediately upon being signed into law. 

Midwest 2014 budget
Income Tax Rate:
$0-$20,000 ---- 0% TBD
$20,001-$50,000 ----  2% TBD
$50,001-$100,000 ----  4% TBD
$100,001-150 000----- 6% TBD
$150,001-$200,000 ---- 7.5% TBD
$200,000-$250, 000---- 9% TBD
$250,001- $500,000 - 11%TBD
$500,000-$Onwards---- 13% TBD
TOTAL: TBD

Sales Tax:
On all goods minus all clothing, food, prescription drug purchases, and apartment rentals  - 4%

TOTAL: TBD

Corporate Tax:
$0-$50,000 - 0%
$50,000-$100,000 - 2.5% TBD
$100,000-$500,000- 5% TBD
$500,000-$1,000,000-6%?TBD
$1,000,000 - $3,000,000 - 7.5% TBD
$1,500,000-  $2,000,000 8,5% TBD
$2,000,000- $2,500,000 9,5% TBD
$2,500,000- $3,000,000 10,5% TBD
$3,000,000 -$5,000,000 - 11.5% TBD
$5,000,000- Onwards – 12,5% TBD
TOTAL: TBD

Property Tax:
$35 per mil on assessed value of unimproved land

TOTAL: TBD

Midwest Estate Tax:
1M-5M - 5% TBD
5M - Over -10% TBD

TOTAL: TBD

Cigarette, Alcohol,Marijuana and guns Tax:
Cigarette Tax - 50%  TBD
Alcohol Tax -   40% TBD
Marijuana Tax - 50% TBD
Gun sales Tax-  50% TBD
This is included in the sales tax.

TOTAL: TBD

Healthcare Taxes:
Healthcare Payroll Tax - 1%

TOTAL: TBD

Gas and Oil Tax:
Gasoline: 40 Cents/Gallon TBD
Diesel: 40 Cents/Gallon TBD
Midwest Oil, Natural Gas, and Coal Royalty Rates Bil: 46.1 B
TOTAL: TBD

Federal Stimulus Act:  $5.5 B

REVENUES: TBD


---------------------------------------------------------------

$79.402 Billion - School aid
$48 Billion..... Elementry all the way up to High School Education
$27 Billion..... College Education
$2 Million…. Illikeverin School Act
1.6 Billion The Build our Mathematics and Science Proposal
$2.8 Billion… Midwest Teacher Pay raise


$TBD - Economic development
$20 Billion ...... Community development
$14 Billion ...... Area and regional development
 $0.05Billion……. Small Business Start Up Loan Act
$0.003 Billion…. Urban Agriculture Assistance Grant Act:
$0.5B Native Atlasian Revitalization Bill
$1B Small Farm Assistance Bill
TBD Rural Housing Bill





$39.391 Billion - Transportation
$15 Billion ..... Highways and highway safety
$3 Billion ..... Air Transportation
$4 Billion ..... Other transportation
$12 billion ..... Non-Highway Roads
$5.391  Billion The Midwest Road Repairs Act of 2013 + Extra Libraries

$7 Billion - Public safety

$28.047 Billion - Health services
$6 Billion ..... Substance abuse and mental health services
$7 Billion ..... Disease control, public health and bioterrorism
$8 Billion ..... Health research and training
$3 Billion ..... Food safety and occupational health and safety
$1 Billion ..... Other health care services
$3.047 Billion  Fight against obesity proposal

$1 Billion - Tax expenditures

$32.5 Billion - Environment & energy
$14 Billion ..... Loans to be granted to energy companies that will man up.
$13 Billion ..... Fund for alternative energy
$5 Billion ..... Updating the our current energy infrastructure
$0.5 Billion Midwest Green Governance bill

$2 Billion - Direct aid & incentives to municipalities

$2 Billion - Government administration

Previous Midwest Surplus: 4.17155
TOTAL EXPENDITURES: TBD
TOTAL REVENUES: TBD
Midwest Surplus after 2014: TBD

Midwest Teacher Pay raise
Coming soon

Cost: $2,8 Billion

Small Farm Assistance Bill
Section 1
1.   An eligible farm for this bill is a farm smaller than 15 acres.
2.   An eligible farm for this bill is a farm that produces cattle, pig, sheep, chicken, grain, fruit, and/or vegetables or a mixture of any of the above.
3.   A farm may be eligible if family owned even if it does not meet 1. As long as less than 5 employees are not family members.
Section 2
1.   A fund of $1 Billion Dollars shall be reserved for loans to farms eligible under this bill.
2.   Loans shall be for farm upgrades, equipment purchases, and/or disaster or crop failure relief.
3.   The Department of Economic Development shall be responsible for administering loans.

Midwest Increased Speed Limits Act
1. It is hereby prohibited to drive any motor vehicle at velocities higher than seventy five miles per hour on highways or interstates in the Midwest Region for a period longer than twenty seconds. Local governments may vote to set speed limits below this amount.
2. This law shall be enforced by the use of speed cameras on major highways and the discretion of local law enforcement.
3. The punishment for surpassing the speed limit shall be a fine of up to five hundred dollars.

The Dual Name of Provinces Amendment:

Article (b) of Section IV of the Midwest Constitution will be amended as follows:

(b) - The ten provinces of the Most Serene Republic shall be as follows:

-   Joy (JY) or Minnesota (MN)
-   Mirth (MH) or Colorado (CO)
-   Bluster (BL) or Oklahoma (OK)
-   Moxie (MX) or Iowa (IA)
-   Harmony (HY) or Kansas (KS)
-   Grit (GR) or Nebraska (NE)
-   Wonderment (WO) or Montana (MT)
-   Vitality (VY) or South Dakota (SD)
-   Serenity (SR) or North Dakota (ND)
-   Amity (AM) or Wyoming (WY)

Either name will be acceptable on Government documents, mail, or in daily speech.

Start Up Midwest Act
Section 1 Start up Midwest Grant process
1.   Each year entrepreneurs wishing to start up a business in the Midwest may apply for the Midwest Start up Grant.
2.   The Grant shall be no more than $50,000.00.
3.   Applicants must apply to the Department of Economic Development who will choose the top twenty five companies to award the Grant too.
4.   The Business after receiving the grant must stay in the Midwest for two years.
5.   Grant recipients shall also partake in at least 10 hours of informational sessions on how to create a start up business in the Midwest.
Section 2
1.   Any business which fails to abide the terms of the grant, set out by the Department of Economic Development, shall be fined no more than $60,000.
2.   If a company leaves the Midwest prior to the two years expiring, they are fined an additional $20,000.
Section 3
1.   A budget of $1,250,000 shall be set aside for the Grants each year.
2.   The law shall take effect January 1, 2014

Midwest Biofuels Act
Section 1 Biofuel Fueling Station Scheme
1.   A fund of $5 Billion dollars shall be established to help Gas Stations retrofit a minimum of one pump to be able to provide pure Biofuel.
2.   This fund shall run for 5 years.
Section 2 Mandate for Biofuel accepting vehicles
1.   By January 1, 2020, at-least 50% of all vehicles sold in the Midwest shall be able to run on 100% biofuel.
2.   Any dealer found in violation of the law shall be fined up to $5,000 per vehicle.
Section 3 Biofuel/Alternative Energy Tax Free Holiday
1.   During the month of October, 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017 any vehicle that can run on 100% alternative energy shall not be subject to sales tax.

Bank of the Midwest Creation Bill
Section 1 Structure
1.   The bank shall have a board of directors, appointed by the State Governor of the Midwest, the Chair shall be appointed by the Governor of the Region.
2.   The bank shall have a minimum of 1 branch in each state.
Section 2 Funding
1.   A fund of $10 Billion dollars shall be set aside for the creation and operation of the bank.
2.   The fund shall start in FY 2014
Section 3 Jurisdiction
1.   The bank shall be responsible for providing the following services at an interest rate below the market rate:
a.   Loans to Small Businesses
b.   Loans for  general economic development
c.   Loans to Farms
d.   Loans for Housing mortgage providers to provide mortgages for those covered under the rural housing act.
e.   Loans for students for attending Public Universities.
f.   Loans for Housing Mortgage providers to provide mortgages for those who are below the poverty line.
g.   General Savings and Checking accounts for residents of the Midwest.
h.   Emergency loans to communities affected by Natural Disasters in the Midwest region.

Chief Judicial Officer Nomination:

I appoint ilikeverin to be the Midwest Chief Judicial Officer.

School Sales and Advertising Freedom Act
Section 1 Amendment to the 'Fight Against Obesity Bill'
The 'Fight Against Obesity Bill' is amended as follows:

Recognizing that obesity is a scourge that is currently affecting the Midwest, for a healthier generation, it is the goal of the Midwest Government to promote physical activity and healthy eating in our public education system.

I - Public Schools:

1. It shall be prohibited for companies with food deemed unhealthy to advertise in primary, secondary, and universities in the Midwest Region.
2. "Healthy Midwest Week" shall occur each year during the third week of October, in which all public institutions of learning are mandated to encourage healthy eating and physical activity.
3. In an effort to improve funding for physical education and healthy meals in school, the following amendment to the Midwest Budget shall be implemented:

Formerly: Cigarette Tax - 15% ($1.347 B) Alcohol Tax - 15% ($1.835 B) Marijuana Tax -15% ($1.389 B)

New Tax Proposal: Cigarette Tax: 25% Alcohol Tax: 25% Marijuana Tax: 25%

Any increase of revenue due to this increase shall be used to provide salaried teachers for physical education, necessary materials, as well as for schools to use on creating plans for healthier meals.

4. All pop beverages shall be prohibited from being sold in all primary and secondary schools in the Midwest Region during school hours.

II - Everyday Life:

1. Around each hour, local television stations in the Midwest must air a five to twenty second ad spot that promotes healthy eating and physical activity.
2. Depending on their programming, local television stations shall be given a certain flexibility on when and how often they advertise health. They can air the ad as much as once per ad break and as late as every two hours.
3. When given this flexibility, the average timing of the ad should still be around once per hour. With certain legal repercussions occurring if more than once every hour and a half. i. Exceeding once per 1 hr 30 minutes, but preceding once per 1 hr 35 minutes shall result in a $500,000 Fine. ii. Exceeding once per 1 hr 35 minutes, but preceding once per 1 hr 45 minutes shall result in a $1,000,000 Fine. ii. Exceeding once per 1 hr 45 minutes, preceding once per 2 hrs shall result in a $2,000,000 Fine with the possibility of even higher.4. For each violation, fees are increased by the amount of times violated times 2.5.

Local television agencies are hereby encouraged by the Government of the Midwest to air five to twenty second commercials promoting healthy eating and physical activity.

This measurement shall be done every quarter, with results continually tabulated.

Midwest Extraterrestrial life act
1) Humanity will likely discover Extraterrestrial life in the 21th or 22th century.
2) Aliens shall have the same rights than humans.
3) Humans, who encounter aliens, shall immediately contact the police in order to avoid a diplomatic incident, and possibly the invasion of Earth.

Midwest Centers for Search of Employment Act

1 - Centers for the search of employment are created in all the region of Midwest.
2 - As offices of this centers, will be used the government offices of each town. Rent of other buildings is in the responsibility of individual towns.
3 - These centers will be nominated "Objective Work"
4 - All the companies, businesses and buildings that need of new hires, may contact the centers "Objective Work" for exhibit the request.
5 - All the citizens that will have found the ideal job for them, will be immediately put in touch with the companies, businesses and buildings.
6 - The region of Midwest will spend $ 150.000 for the promotion of these centers.

Equal Employment for All Midwesterners Act

Section 1. Prohibition of Prospective Employee Credit Checks
1. Except as provided in Section 2, no employer may use any consumer report or procure a search of a consumer report that may bear on a consumer's creditworthiness or credit standing.

Section 2. Exceptions to Section 1
Exceptions may be made to Section 1 when:

1. A consumer requires clearance from regional security.
2. A state or local government already requires the usage of a consumer report.
3. A consumer is in a supervisory, professional, managerial, or executive position at a financial institution.

Defending the Unemployed Act 

Section 1. Prohibition of Job Discrimination Based on Status of Employment
1. It is hereby made illegal for an employer to discriminate against anyone seeking a job based on their being unemployed.
(i) No employer may put out a job advertisement including any provision that would suggest that the unemployed would be disqualified from said job.
(ii) No employer may put out a job advertisement including any provision that would suggest that applications from the unemployed would not be considered.

Vital Civic Information Act:

1. The Government of the Most Serene Republic of the Midwest shall keep a complete and accurate record at all times of the names of current members of the Alþing, the names of the regional executive and judicial officers, the dates of any forthcoming general or special elections and any other information which the government sees fit to make its citizens aware of.

2. The information to be made public by this act shall be published within three days of the passage of this Act.

3. Any future changes to the above information must be made within three days of an event necessitating a change, such as a new officer/legislator's ascendance to or removal from his respective office or the calling of a new special election.

4. The duty of updating the thread belongs to the Governor, who may make any necessary changes to the above information when necessary.

5. The above information shall be made public through a new thread in the Regional Governments subforum of the Atlas Fantasy Government forum.

6. If any inappropriate information, such as any egregious self-promotional, offensive or irrelevant text is made public through the media specified in Article 5, the Chief Judicial Officer is hereby authorized to remove it, at his discretion, upon the recommendation of any Midwest Citizen.

Anti Abortion Amendment

1 - All mothers who have trouble keeping children and do not want to keep them, can give birth without publicly revealing their identity in all hospitals of the Midwest.
2 - The mother's personal data are kept for 16 years, for an eventual future utilization.
3 - The mothers have three months to change mind and take the child.
4 - During this three months, the child is kept and cured by the hospital.
5 - After three months, if the mother not take the child, the child is immediately declared adoptable.

Midwestern Cooperative Act

Section 1- Definition of a workers’ cooperative
A “workers’ cooperative” is a company that meets, but is not limited to, the following guidelines:
1. Shares of ownership are owned by the members/employees and the assets are owned by the membership.
2. Is democratically controlled and operated through the “one person, one vote” principle.
3. Members provide their labor as a production input and share the cooperative’s profits based on their labor input.
Section 2- Loans
1. A one-time loan of no more than $200,000 may be received by the workers’ cooperative
2. The loan will be given a 1% interest rate.
3. Enterprises that do not meet the guidelines set in Section 1 will be denied this loan.
4. A budget of $300 million will be allocated for these loans.
Section 3- Taxes
1. Workers’ cooperatives are hereby exempt from regional corporate taxes.
2. Enterprises that do not meet the guidelines set in Section 1 will denied this exemption.
Section 4- Timeframe
1. This law will go into effect beginning on January 1, 2015.
2. This law will last five years, and may be renewed and extended.

Drip Irrigation Encouragement Act

Section 1- Intro
1. In an effort to promote water conservation in Midwestern agriculture, the Most Serene Republic of the Midwest will be offering tax credits for the installation of drip irrigation systems.
Section 2- Tax Credits
1. Farmers who purchase a drip irrigation system for their crops shall be eligible for a tax credit equal to 25% of the cost of the drip irrigation system and its installation, up to a maximum of $2,000.
Section 3- Timeframe
1. This law will go into effect in 2015.

Midwest Sunday Rest Amendment
1) The right of workers not to work on Sunday shall not be infringed, except in case when public safety might be compromised.

Midwest tuition fees bill
1)The Midwest governement shall take over 95% of tuition fees at Midwest public Universities.

Compassionate Contractors Act

1. The Midwestern government shall hereby hire only unionized companies as contractors.

Midwest Life Imprisonment Abolition Act
Life imprisonment shall not be prescribed by a Midwest civilian court of law.

Midwest pro workers and pro growth Act
Section 1. Midwest TNF Paid Vacations
1. In addition to providing Atlasian workers the option of taking off federal holidays, employers shall provide 36 paid vacation days per year to all employees.
2. The language in Subsection 1 of the Paid Leave Act of 2013 should not be construed as prohibiting employers from offering more than 16 paid vacation days per year to all employees. Rather, it should be interpreted as requiring all employers to offer at least 36 paid vacation days per year to all employees.
3.Employees who do not wish to use their paid vacation days shall have their paid vacation days 'rolled over' into the next calendar year. Employees may not roll over more than 60 days of paid vacation days into the next calendar year.

Section 2  Midwest TNF Paid Parental leave
1Employers are hereby required to provide employees with a total of 225 paid days of leave for the express purpose of helping raise young children. That is, parents shall receive full pay for days claimed under paid parental leave.
2. Employees may take these paid days off at any time until the child reaches the age of eight.
3. Parents may share paid parental leave between themselves and are in fact encouraged to do so. 10 of the 225 paid days of leave are hereby entitled to fathers themselves.
4. Employees may claim paid parental leave days at any point after the pregnancy is confirmed to an expectant mother. Those who claim days prior to the birth of the child shall be required to give a valid medical reason as to why, signed off on by a medical doctor, for the purposes of validation.

Sector 3: Corporate Tax Cut
Corporate Tax shall be amended as follow:
Corporate Tax
$0-$50,000 - 0%
$50,000-$100,000 - 2.5% 2%
$100,000-$500,000- 5%  4%
$500,000-$1,000,000-6% 5%
$1,000,000 - $3,000,000 - 7.5%  6%
$1,500,000- $2,000,000 8,5% 7%
$2,000,000- $2,500,000 9,5% 7.5
$2,500,000- $3,000,000 10,5% 8.5
$3,000,000 -$5,000,000 - 11.5% 9%
$5,000,000- Onwards – 12,5% 10%
TOTAL: $34B $27.2B

Midwest High Speed Rail Act of 2014:

1. The Government of the Most Serene Republic of the Midwest shall construct a series of railroad tracks designed for high speed electrically operated trains, which will run up to 120 mph (193 km/h). This High Speed Rail will be built for the following series:

Line A: Minneapolis-St. Paul (MN) to Des Moines (IA).
Line B: Des Moines (IA)-Lincoln (NB)-Topeka (KS)-Oklahoma City (OK).
Line C: Helena (MT)-Cheyenne (WY)-Denver (CO).
Line D: Fargo (ND)-Sioux Falls (SD).
Line E: Topeka (KS)-Denver (CO).

2. The Most Serene Republic shall allocate the funds to build one line each year:

Line A: $13 Billion (2014 Fiscal Year)
Line B: $30 Billion (2015 Fiscal Year)
Line C: $32 Billion (2016 Fiscal Year)
Line D: $13 Billion (2017 Fiscal Year)
Line E: $25 Billion (2018 Fiscal Year)

3. Construction on Line shall commence on April 1st, 2014. Each line construction from B to E shall commence on January 1st of all consecutive years, one line each year.

4. The Government of the Most Serene Republic reserves the right to operate the trains, but private companies are to be allowed to purchase the rights after making the necessary arrangements with the Government of the Most Serene Republic, represented by the Bank of the Midwest Chair. Profits will be used to run and maintain the rail, and left overs will go to the treasury and will be available for the next year’s budget.

5. The trains, lines and companies operating it are to be rigorously inspected each all by the government in order to keep safety and quality standards for the service. Companies who fail to keep the standards are to be fine with a sum of up to $20.000.000 and face revocation of their rights for the use of the lines and trains for up to ten years.

Midwest Valorization Amendment

1 - The Most Serene Republic of the Midwest allocates 500 milions of dollars for all the initiatives that valorize the Midwest, especially the rural areas, as documentaries, tv series and others initiatives.
2 - This law will go into effect beginning immediately

Midwest Extraterrestrial life act
1) Humanity will likely discover Extraterrestrial life in the 21th or 22th century.
2) Aliens shall have the same rights than humans.
3) Humans, who encounter aliens, shall immediately contact the police in order to avoid a diplomatic incident, and possibly the invasion of Earth.

Section 1:  Definition
1) According to "Anti Right to work amendment" of the Fourth Midwest Constitution, the right of workers to join a labor union and the right of labor unions to represent their members during negociations with their employers  shall not be infringed.
2) Labor Unions are defined as organization of workers formed for the purpose of advancing its members' interests in respect to wages, benefits, and working conditions.
3) Every companies with more than 15 employees shall be subject to this bill.

Section 2: Companies Penalties
1) Companies, which violate "Anti right to work amendment" after one year, shall pay an additional annual corporate tax of 10%
2) Companies, which violate "Anti right to work amendment" after two years, shall pay an additional annual corporate tax of 20%
3)Companies, which violate "Anti right to work amendment" after three years, shall pay an additional annual corporate tax of 30%
4)Companies, which violate "Anti right to work amendment" after four years, shall pay an additional annual corporate tax of 40%.
5)Companies, which violate "Anti right to work amendment" after five years, shall be nationalized by the Midwest Government.


Section 3: Newly companies exception
1) Companies with less than 3 years of activity shall get a deadline of 2 years to respect  "Anti Right to work amendment" of the Fourth Midwest Constitution.
2) After this deadline of 2 years, these companies shall be subject to the Section 2 of this bill.

Section 4: Entry into force
1) "Anti Union companies Act" shall come into effect immediately  upon its passage.

Canadian Provinces Renaming Act of 2014

1. In all official correspondence, documentation, and record-keeping of the Most Serene Republic of the Midwest, Canadian provinces recognized as part of the Midwest shall be referred to as follows:
               Saskatchewan (SK) shall be known as Magnanimity (MY)
               Manitoba (MB) shall be known as Fidelty (FD)
               Alberta (AB) shall be known as Exuberance (EX)
               The Northwest Territories (NWT) shall be known as Defiance (DF)

2. This legislation shall take effect upon it's passage.

Midwest LGBT Equality, Hate Crimes and Suicide Prevention Act


Section 1: Overview of the Protection of LGBT People within the Midwest
1) Any business, school or anyone else seen denying anyone who's LGBT the same rights as others will be subject to fines and lawsuits. Instances of this includes but is not limited to firing, refusing to allow someone who’s LGBT to partake in the services of a business, lower pay, an unfair, harder work environment, failure to allow the admission of an LGBT student into a school, or permitting bullying by peers or sabotaging the academic performance grades by teachers.


Section 2: Recognizing Hate Crimes as a Regional Felony
1) Physically assault, verbal abuse and sexual harassment will also be prohibited when the motives for it are done on the basis and intent of the person's sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or disability. Anyone seen violating this law will be fined, imprisoned on bail, or face a criminal lawsuit based on the seriousness and bodily harm from the incident.

2) Regional agencies will be given the authorization to further pursue hate crimes through investigations and prosecutions of hate crimes that might not be pursued locally.

3) Matthew Shepard, a college student who resided in Amity (Wyoming), will be recognized by the Midwest as a national hero and be posthumously awarded the Midwest Medal of Freedom. Fred Phelps and the Westboro Baptist Church shall also be evicted from the Midwest.


Section 3: Suicide Prevention among LGBT Youth
1) In order to prevent the number of suicides among young members of the LGBT community, the Midwest government shall enforce the need of colleges and high schools to implement programs, clubs and hire counselors to help in dealing with the strain of bullying, stress, self-esteem and finding friends in schools.

2) The Midwest government will reimburse these schools depending on the overall costs and expenses.


Section 4: Implementation
1) This law will go into effect upon the passage of the bill.

   

Preamble
1) Prostitution was legalized federally in 2013 by unanimous consent of the Atlasia senate.
2) Midwesterners have to understand the necessity of improving the federal law instead of trying to repeal it, regardless their different views about "prostitution".
3) Every Midwest law concerning Prostitution is hereby repealed.



Section 1: Restriction

1) Sex workers shall be prohibited from offering their services in public places. Sex workers shall be strongly encouraged to join a "brothel" for offering their services.
2)  A brothel is hereby defined as any establishment in which the sale of sexual services is conducted or permitted by law.
3)  Sex work is hereby defined as any sexual activity between two or more persons in which payment is expected in return for any kind of sexual favor or activity. Not included in the definition are already legal forms of paid sexual activity, such as stripping or pornography.
4)  No publicity for "Sex Work" shall be made with sexual contents in public places.
5) Brothel shall be prohibited from being built close to churches, schools and other academic institutions.
6) Every sexual intercourse in a brothel shall be made with a form of contraception which shall prevent pregnancy and HIV.

Section 2: Sex Workers are human
1) Sex Workers shall be considered as workers and shall have the right not to work on Sunday, and shall be able to unionize.
2) Their Employers shall not tax their profits more than 50% of their profits.
3) Sex Workers shall be respected. No sexual intercourse shall be made without their consent. Sex Workers shall be able to define which "sexual intercourse" they want.

Section 3: Taxation
1) Sex Work shall not be subject to the Midwest Corporate Tax.
2) Sex Work shall be taxed at a rate of 50%.

Section 4: Implementation
1) "Midwest Prostitution Act" shall come into effet immediately upon its passage.

Preamble
1)Considering that Immigration and Integration don't seem to have been federally and locally an important issue, it's the Althing's duty to act on these issues.
2)Immigrants aren't a thread to the Midwest, but a necessity. We, Midwesterners, must foster the integration of Immigrants and fight against racism everywhere in the Midwest.
3)All Midwest laws concerning Immigration are hereby repealed.

Part 1: Legal Immigration
Section 1: Language
   1)The official language of the Midwest region is English. All Midwest public documents  shall be written in English.
2)However, considering the importance of hispanic minorities, a translation into Spanish  of all Midwest public documents shall be available.
3)A budget of $200,000,000 will be allocated to help Minorities to learn English.


Section 2  Legal Immigrants without American Nationality
1) Legal Immigrants, who live in the Midwest for at least one year and are at least 18 years of age , shall have the opportunity to vote in local and regional elections
2)Considering that the current Midwest Governor is a foreign-born, legal immigrants, who live in the Midwest for at least one year and are at least 18 years of age, shall have the opportunity to be eligible for local and regional offices.
3)Legal immigrants shall enrol their children in private or public schools.


Section 3:Protect our legal immigrants
1)Not being an american citizen shall not constitute grounds for termination of employment.
2)No segregation based along nationality shall be allowed in the Midwest.
3)Except the right to vote in federal elections, legal immigrants shall have the same rights than Midwesterners.



Part 2: Illegal Immigration
Section 1 : Anti Vichy
1)The Midwest Police shall not be able to take into account anonymous reports for arresting illegal immigrants.
2)The Midwest Police shall not to be able to determine the immigration status of anyone they stop or arrest if there is reason to suspect that the individual might be an illegal immigrant.
3)Immigrants shall not be arrested close to educational institutions.

Section 2: Illegal immigrants rights
1)Illegal immigrants shall be able to get a legal job. When they get a legal job,  illegals immigrants and their family shall not be arrested anymore.
2)Illegal immigrants shall have access to social security, they shall have access to hospitals without the risk of being deported.  Illegal immigrants shall be able to benefit from education bursaries.
3)Illegal immigrants shall be able to make complaints without the risk of being arrested. Illegal immigrants are first of all humans.

Section 3: Atlasia
1)The Midwest Government strongly encourages Atlasia to make path to citizenship and nationality easier.
2)The Midwest Government strongly encourages Atlasia to amnesty illegal immigrants.
3)The Midwest Government strongly encourages Atlasia not to spend too much money in order to secure Atlasian borders.   




Part 3: Fight against Racism, inegalities,..
Section 1: Reducing geographical disparities
1)Every Midwest city over 3.500 inhabitants shall have at least 10% subsidised housing in total property for rent.
2)Subsidized housing is government supported funding or financial assistance for its citizens to help provide or afford housing. Forms of subsidies include direct mortgage interest deductions, housing subsidies, non-profit housing, public housing, rent supplements and some forms of co-operative and private sector housing,
3)A budget of $2,000,000,000 shall be allocated to help cities for this purpose.


Section 2: Positive discrimination
1)5% of all Midwest Public universities shall be reserved for non-white students.
2)A budget of $2,000,000 shall be allocated to help Midwest schools suffering from a poor academic performance.
3) A budget of $500,000,000 shall be allocated to help disabled students.

Section 3: Fight against racism, antisemitism,...
1)All dissemination of ideas based on racial superiority or hatred, incitement to racial discrimination, as well as all acts of violence or incitement to such acts against any race, any religion, or group of persons of another colour and of another religion, shall be forbitdden in the Midwest.  Any Violation is subject to a $45,000 fine.
2)Every Midwest school shall at least  promote tolerance 6 hours per year for every student.
3)A budget of $10,000,000 shall be allocated to promote tolerance everywhere in the Midwest.


Conclusion: Implementation
1)Part 1, Part 3 Section 2 shall come into effect January 1, 2015.
2)Part 2, Part 3 Section 3 shall come into effect upon the passage of this legislation.
3)Part 3, Section 1 shall come into effect January 1,2015.

Midwest Redraft Amendment
1) Whensoever the Midwest Alþing  shall pass a bill and present it to the Midwest Governor, he shall have the option to redraft the bill and return it to the Midwest Alþing  in redrafted form. The Midwest Governor shall have this option once with each particular bill presented to him.
2) The original sponsor of the bill, shall either file a motion to approve the Midwest Governor’s redraft by a simple majority vote, and return it to the Midwest Governor for his signature or veto, or reject  the redraft.
3) If the Midwest Alþing approves the Midwest Governor's redraft by a simple majority vote, the redrafted bill shall be returned to the Midwest Governor for his signature or veto.
4) If the Midwest Alþing or the original sponsor of the bill rejects the President's redraft, the original sponsor shall either file a motion to send the original draft of the bill back to the Midwest Governor for his signature or veto, or shall direct the Midwest Alþing to resume debate on the bill as presented to the Midwest Governor.

Midwest Cris Valorization Act

1 - The Most Serene Republic of the Midwest allocates 500 milions of dollars for all the initiatives that valorize the Midwest, especially the rural areas, as documentaries, tv series and others initiatives.
2 - This law will go into effect beginning immediately

Section 1: Definition of a Cooperative
A "cooperative" is a company that meets, but is not limited to, the following guidelines:
1. Shares of ownership are owned by the members/employees and the assets are owned by the membership
2. Is democratically controlled and operated through the "one person, one vote" principle.
3. Members provide their labor as a production input and share the cooperative's profits based on their labor input.
Section 2: Establishment of a Regional Cooperative Development Program
1. The Department of Economic Development shall establish a program known as the "Regional Cooperative Development Program."
2. The Regional Cooperative Development Program shall create and run "Local Cooperative Development Centers" (LCDCs).
3. The Regional Cooperative Development Program shall create LCDCs in localities where such centers do not exist.
Section 3: Responsibilities of Local Cooperative Development Centers
1. These centers shall provide financial forecasting, business planning, and another preparatory activity that ensures that the establishment of a cooperative enterprise is grounded in sound business practices.
2. These centers are also able to make sure that new cooperatives are established without conflict with the law.
3. LCDCs will be given the task of educating the public, as well as prospective or current cooperative members about how cooperatives work.
4. LCDCs will also provide cooperatives with professionally-trained professionals by offering training courses focused on cooperative development and management.
5. LCDCs will also be able to provide cooperatives with loans, which will be allocated by the Regional Cooperative Development Program
   a) The loans specified under Section 2 of the Midwestern Cooperative Act shall be under the jurisdiction of the Regional Cooperative Development Program
Section 4: Allocation of Funds
1. $50 million shall be allocated annually to the Regional Cooperative Development Program at the beginning of each fiscal year.
   a) This amount does not include the $300 million reserved for loans specified under Section 2 of the Midwestern Cooperative Act
Section 5: Timeframe
1. This bill, if passed, shall go into effect on January 1, 2015.

Section 1: Seizure
1. All privately-owned prisons and correctional facilities in the Midwest shall hereby be brought under the control and jurisdiction of the Midwestern government.
Section 2: Prevention
1. No regional or local government official shall contract with a private contractor for the provision of services relating to the operation of a Midwestern prison or correctional facility.
2. No current or future Midwestern prison or correctional facility shall transfer ownership or operational control to any private contractor.
Section 3: Clarification
1. Federal correctional facilities and prisons are, of course, exempt from Section 2.
Section 4: Timeframe
This bill shall go into effect immediately after passing.

Midwest Fitzgerald-Cris-Brewer compromise, LGBT Equality, Hate Crimes and Suicide Prevention Act


Section 1: Overview of the Protection of LGBT People within the Midwest
1) Any business, school or anyone else seen denying anyone who's LGBT the same rights as others will be subject to fines and lawsuits. Instances of this includes but is not limited to firing, refusing to allow someone who’s LGBT to partake in the services of a business, lower pay, an unfair, harder work environment, failure to allow the admission of an LGBT student into a school, or permitting bullying by peers or sabotaging the academic performance grades by teachers.


Section 2: Matthew Shepard
1) Matthew Shepard, a college student who resided in Amity (Wyoming), will be recognized by the Midwest as a Midwest hero and be posthumously awarded the Midwest Medal of Freedom.


Section 3: Suicide Prevention among LGBT Youth
1) In order to prevent the number of suicides among young members of the LGBT community, the Midwest government shall enforce the need of colleges and high schools to implement programs, clubs and hire counselors to help in dealing with the strain of bullying, stress, self-esteem and finding friends in schools.

2) The Midwest government will reimburse these schools depending on the overall costs and expenses.


Section 4: Implementation
1) This law will go into effect upon the passage of the bill.

Section 1 : The actors
1)   The Midwest Government may, in cooperation with local partners, conclude collective agreements  with private companies,  public companies or associations,  for  the implementation of project activities which ensure industrial  and vocational training.
2)   The collective agreements include provisions on the perennial objectives of skills, the requirements of  vocational training whose conditions  shall be decided by unanimous consent during these collective agreements.


Section 2 : Midwest Governement assistance
1)For each job created, the Midwest Government shall pay half of the job costs.
2) These jobs shall be federal minimum wage jobs.
3) These jobs shall be exempted from the Midwest Corporate Tax.


Section 3 : Who can get these jobs, What kind of job is it?
1)   Only unemployed people, who are aged 18 to 26  may get these jobs.
2)   These jobs shall be fixed-term employment contracts for a period of 50 months.


Section 4 : End of contracts
1)    These contracts may be terminated before their conclusion, by the employee if he has found an another job, or a training that would lead to a job.
2)   These jobs shall not exist in combination with an another business activity.


Section 5: Implementation
1) This law will go into effect upon the passage of the bill.

Stop nuclear power plant building

1) No new nuclear power plant may be built in the Midwest region.
2) This law will go into effect upon the passage of the bill.

1)For each person under 21 years of age, $100 per month shall be granted to their legal person in charge.
2)If the person under 21 years of age has several legal persons in charge, this benefit shall be equally divided between them.
3)If the person under 21 years of age is legally emancipated, he shall receive this benefit.
4)This law shall come into effect June 1, 2014

Income Tax Rate
$0-$20,000 ---- 0% $0
$20,001-$50,000 ---- 2% $13.5B
$50,001-$100,000 ---- 4% $8.7B
$100,001-150 000----- 6% $3.5B
$150,001-$200,000 ---- 7.5% $3.2B
$200,000-$250, 000---- 9% $3B
$250,001- $500,000 - 11% $8.3B
$500,000-$Onwards---- 13% 6.8B
TOTAL: $47B

Sales Tax
On all goods minus all clothing, food, prescription drug purchases, and apartment rentals - 5%
Total: $34B

Corporate Tax
$0-$50,000 - 0%
$50,000-$100,000 - 2%
$100,000-$500,000- 4%
$500,000-$1,000,000-5%
$1,000,000 - $3,000,000 - 6%
$1,500,000- $2,000,000 7%
$2,000,000- $2,500,000 7.5%
$2,500,000- $3,000,000 8.5%
$3,000,000 -$5,000,000 - 9%
$5,000,000- Onwards –  10%
TOTAL: $27B

Property Tax
$40 per mil on assessed value of unimproved land : $78B
TOTAL: $78 B

Midwest Estate Tax:
1M-5M - 5%
5M - Over -10%
TOTAL: $3.2B

Cigarette, Alcohol,Marijuana, prostitution and guns Tax:
Cigarette Tax - 50% $4.6B
Alcohol Tax - 50% $5.5B
Marijuana Tax - 50% $4.3B
Gun sales Tax- 50% $0.6B
Prostitution sales Tax -50% 2,3B
This is included in the sales tax.
TOTAL: $16.1B


Healthcare Taxes
Healthcare Payroll Tax - 1%
TOTAL: $18B


Gas and Oil Tax
Gasoline: 40 Cents/Gallon $8.4B Diesel: 40 Cents/Gallon $3.3B
Midwest Oil, Natural Gas, and Coal Royalty Rates Bil: $46.1B
TOTAL: 57.8B


REVENUES:$293.4B




$84.902 Billion - School aid
$48 Billion..... Elementry all the way up to High School Education
$27 Billion..... College Education
$2 Million…. Illikeverin School Act
1.6 Billion The Build our Mathematics and Science Proposal
$2.8 Billion… Midwest Teacher Pay raise
$5,5 Billion Midwest Tuition Bill

$49B - Economic development
$20 Billion ...... Community development
$14 Billion ...... Area and regional development
$0.05 Billion..... Small Business Start Up Loan Act
$0.003 Billion.... Urban Agriculture Assistance Grant Act:
$0.5B Native Atlasian Revitalization Bill
$1B Small Farm Assistance Bill
$13.5B Rural Housing Bill

$39.391 Billion - Transportation
$15 Billion ..... Highways and highway safety
$3 Billion ..... Air Transportation
$4 Billion ..... Other transportation
$12 billion ..... Non-Highway Roads
$5.391 Billion The Midwest Road Repairs Act of 2013 + Extra Libraries
$7 Billion - Public safety


$28.047 Billion - Health services
$6 Billion ..... Substance abuse and mental health services
$7 Billion ..... Disease control, public health and bioterrorism
$8 Billion ..... Health research and training
$3 Billion ..... Food safety and occupational health and safety
$1 Billion ..... Other health care services
$3.047 Billion Fight against obesity proposal
$1 Billion - Tax expenditures


$37.5 Billion - Environment & energy
$14 Billion ..... Loans to be granted to energy companies that will man up.
$13 Billion ..... Fund for alternative energy
$5 Billion ..... Updating the our current energy infrastructure
$0.5 Billion Midwest Green Governance bill
$5 Billion Midwest Biofuels Act

$32.35 Billion- Other Bills
$2 Billion - Direct aid & incentives to municipalities
$2 Billion - Government administration
$10 Billion- Bank of the Midwest Creation
$13 Billion High Speed
$4.55 Billion Child allowance
$0.3B Midwest Cooperative Act
$0.5B Midwest Valorization Act
$2.7B Midwest Immigration Act


Previous Midwest Surplus: $4.17155 B
TOTAL EXPENDITURES: $281,84B
TOTAL REVENUES: $293,4B
2014 Midwest Surplus: $11,56B
Midwest Surplus after 2014: $15,73B

New Midwest Gambling Freedom Act
Midwest Gambling Freedom Act shall be amended as follow:

The Midwest believes in economic freedom for all of her citizens, however, actions must be made to protect our citizens from fraud. Therefore, the following shall be enacted:

1. Any legislation passed that regulates gambling in the Midwest Region is hereby repealed.

2. Every Midwest citizens shall have the right to go into gambling if:
a. The Midwest citizen is at least 18 years of age.
b. The Midwest citizen has never been convicted of extortion, fraud or robbery.

3. Gambling agencies shall be prohibited from acquiring information from consumers that is unnecessary. Such information includes: a. Social Security b. E-Mail address c. Any passwords

4. In order to set a distance between the market place and the Midwest Regional Government, no program put forward by the Midwest Government shall require its citizens to gamble. This includes smaller purchases such as lottery tickets. This is a clause to note that the Midwest Government, while allowing their citizens to do what they will with their money, that they do not condone the action of gambling.

5. A non-partisan government agency shall be founded with the purpose of investigating websites and gambling agencies for fraud and/or scams and which don't respect the 2nd and 3nd articles.

Midwest Education Reform Bill

Section 1: New Education Administration
1) The Midwest Government authorizes the creation of the Midwest Education Service (MWES), to oversee and accredit institutions and work on issues of Education policy.
2) The Governor of the Midwest shall appoint any individual residing in Atlasia Midwest Education Commissioner (MWC), who shall run the MWES.
3) The MWC shall be confirmed by a referendum.
4) The MWC’s term shall expire when the Governor’s term expires.
5) The MWC may be reappointed an unlimited number of times, but each time requires another referendum.
6) The MWC may not serve as Governor at the same time that he/she is MWC.

Section 2: Midwest Hope Scholarship
1) All Midwestern schools are required to report grading on a 4.0 GPA scale. All GPAs must be unweighted.
2) All students with a 4.0 GPA from a MWES-accredited public institution shall not be required to pay tuition at Midwestern regional and state universities, via a program known as the Midwest Hope Scholarship (MWHS)
3) The Midwest shall create the Midwest Hope Scholarship Lottery (MWHSL) to finance the the MWHS.

Section 3: Teacher Evaluations and Standardized Tests
1) Regional or Statewide standardized tests shall be prohibited.
2) Teachers shall be evaluated by Aptitude and Qualifications Inspection Service (AAQIS)  from MWES instead.
3) Teachers shall not be informed of AAQIS visits beforehand.
4) All public universities in the Midwest shall be barred from considering standardized aptitude tests, including, but not limited to the SAT and ACT, in admissions.

Preamble
1)Considering that Immigration and Integration don't seem to have been federally and locally an important issue, it's the Althing's duty to act on these issues.
2)Immigrants aren't a thread to the Midwest, but a necessity. We, Midwesterners, must foster the integration of Immigrants and fight against racism everywhere in the Midwest.
3)All Midwest laws concerning Immigration are hereby repealed.

Part 1: Legal Immigration
Section 1: Language
   1)The official language of the Midwest region is English. All Midwest public documents  shall be written in English.
2)However, considering the importance of hispanic minorities, a translation into Spanish  of all Midwest public documents shall be available.
3)A budget of $200,000,000 will be allocated to help Minorities to learn English.


Section 2  Legal Immigrants without American Nationality
1) Legal Immigrants, who live in the Midwest for at least one year and are at least 18 years of age , shall have the opportunity to vote in local and regional elections
2)Considering that the current Midwest Governor is a foreign-born, legal immigrants, who live in the Midwest for at least one year and are at least 18 years of age, shall have the opportunity to be eligible for local and regional offices.
3)Legal immigrants shall enrol their children in private or public schools.


Section 3:Protect our legal immigrants
1)Not being an american citizen shall not constitute grounds for termination of employment.
2)No segregation based along nationality shall be allowed in the Midwest.
3)Except the right to vote in federal elections, legal immigrants shall have the same rights than Midwesterners.



Part 2: Illegal Immigration
Section 1 : Anti Vichy
1)The Midwest Police shall not be able to take into account anonymous reports for arresting illegal immigrants.
2)The Midwest Police shall not to be able to determine the immigration status of anyone they stop or arrest if there is reason to suspect that the individual might be an illegal immigrant.
3)Immigrants shall not be arrested close to educational institutions.

Section 2: Illegal immigrants rights
1)Illegal immigrants shall be able to get a legal job. When they get a legal job,  illegals immigrants and their family shall not be arrested anymore.
2)Illegal immigrants shall have access to social security, they shall have access to hospitals without the risk of being deported.  Illegal immigrants shall be able to benefit from education bursaries.
3)Illegal immigrants shall be able to make complaints without the risk of being arrested. Illegal immigrants are first of all humans.

Section 3: Atlasia
1)The Midwest Government strongly encourages Atlasia to make path to citizenship and nationality easier.
2)The Midwest Government strongly encourages Atlasia to amnesty illegal immigrants.
3)The Midwest Government strongly encourages Atlasia not to spend too much money in order to secure Atlasian borders.   




Part 3: Fight against Racism, inegalities,..
Section 1: Reducing geographical disparities
1)Every Midwest city over 3.500 inhabitants shall have at least 10% subsidised housing in total property for rent.
2)Subsidized housing is government supported funding or financial assistance for its citizens to help provide or afford housing. Forms of subsidies include direct mortgage interest deductions, housing subsidies, non-profit housing, public housing, rent supplements and some forms of co-operative and private sector housing,
3)A budget of $2,000,000,000 shall be allocated to help cities for this purpose.


Section 2: Positive discrimination
1)5% of all Midwest Public universities shall be reserved for non-white students.
2)A budget of $2,000,000,000 shall be allocated to help Midwest schools suffering from a poor academic performance.
3) A budget of $500,000,000 shall be allocated to help disabled students.

Section 3: Fight against racism, antisemitism,...
1)All dissemination of ideas based on racial superiority or hatred, incitement to racial discrimination, as well as all acts of violence or incitement to such acts against any race, any religion, or group of persons of another colour and of another religion, shall be forbitdden in the Midwest.  Any Violation is subject to a $45,000 fine.
2)Every Midwest school shall at least  promote tolerance 6 hours per year for every student.
3)A budget of $10,000,000 shall be allocated to promote tolerance everywhere in the Midwest.


Conclusion: Implementation
1)Part 1, Part 3 Section 2 shall come into effect January 1, 2015.
2)Part 2, Part 3 Section 3 shall come into effect upon the passage of this legislation.
3)Part 3, Section 1 shall come into effect January 1,2015.

Texting While Driving Abolition Act

Section 1: Enforcement and Exemptions

1) Any person driving any form of transportation including but not limited to motor vehicles, trollies, or streetcars shall be prohibited from using any handheld device while the vehicle is in motion.

    a) Drivers are not subject to this bill who are using their cell phone as a means of a vital emergency including but not limited to contacting the law enforcement, the fire department, or paramedics. Should they be pulled over, it will be at the discretion of the police whether or not they get a ticket.

    b) Drivers who are parked and not interfering with the flow of traffic shall be permitted to use their electronic handheld devices.

    c) Drivers who use Bluetooths will be permitted to use them while driving.
   
    d) Drivers who use GPS’s will be permitted to use them while driving.
   
    e) Public safety officials shall be permitted to use an electronic handheld device in a motor vehicle if it pertains to helping them with their task at hand.

2) "Electronic handheld devices" are defined as a wireless cell phone, any form of computer including a laptop or tablet, a text messenger, or any other personal handheld device that involves distractions through digital communications.

Section 2: Consequences

1) Because it is difficult to determine whether a driver is indeed using a handheld device illegally, police must have a separate, legit reason for pulling the person over or giving the person a ticket, citation or a warrant for their arrest if they are not 100% confident that the driver is using a device.

2) Whoever is found in violation of this law that is not exempt shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and face up to a $500 fine which the person can either pay or attempt to fight in court. Age shall not be a factor in whether a ticket is issued.

3) This law shall take effect immediately if passed.

Amendment to the Midwest Abortion Act

The Midwest Abortion Act is hereby amended to read as follows:

1: No abortions shall be permitted after the start of the third trimester, except in the cases of threat to the mother's health, severe fetal defects, or a pregnancy caused by rape/incest.

2: Any individual who induces a prohibited abortion shall have any existing license from the Mideast Region or a subdivision thereof to practice a medical profession revoked for up to two years.

3: Any individual who induces a prohibited abortion shall be sentenced to a fine no larger than $25,000. Any person knowingly facilitating the inducement of a prohibited abortion shall be subject to a criminal fine no larger than $5,000.

1. The Althing shall consist of 3 Members
1. Each member shall be elected by single member districts.
2. Districts shall be divided equally by population.
3. No State shall be in more than one District.
1. The districts shall be reapportioned one (1) month prior to the election of the Althing.
2. No resident shall be allowed to move during the one (1) month prior to the election.
3. People who move or register in the Midwest during the one (1) month prior to the election shall not be counted in the reapportioning of districts.
4. The Districts shall be reapportioned by the Althing through legislation.
1. The Electoral system shall be PR-STV.
1. If no person runs for a District, then the district shall be open to any candidate from any part of the region.

Healthcare Solvency Bill
Section 1 Payroll Tax increase
1. The Healthcare Payroll tax shall be raised to 1.5%.
Section 2 Implementation
1. This bill shall take effect on January 1, 2015.

The Midwest Pro-Workers and Pro-Growth Amendment Bill
This bill shall amend the Midwest Pro Workers and Pro Growth Act
Section two of the bill shall now read.
1. Employers are hereby required to provide employees with a total of 150 paid days of leave for the express purpose of raising young children. That is, parents shall receive full pay for days claimed under paid parental leave.
2. Employees may take these paid days off at any time until the child reaches the age of eight.
3. Parents may share the paid parental leave between themselves and are encouraged to do so. 100 of the 150 days are allowed to be used by the other parent/guardian.
4. Employees may claim parental leave days at any point after the pregnancy is confirmed to an expectant mother. Those who claim days prior to the birth of the child shall be required to give a valid medical reason as to why, signed off on by a medical doctor, for the purposes of validation.

Don't Miss 3 Consecutive Votes in the Althing Amendment.

1. If a Representative missed 3 consecutive votes in the Althing, without a valid reason (as a Leave of Absence), the Governor can remove the Representative from his office and appoint a Midwest Citizen of his choice for the seat.
2. For the appointment, the Governor must follow the "Dude, Where's My Government Officer? Amendment".

Resolution condemning the Pacific Aggression
Whereas, The Most Serene Republic of the Midwest condemns The People's Region of the Pacific for illegally occupying the States of Wonderment, Amity, and Mirth.
Whereas, The Most Serene Republic of the Midwest rejects The People's Region of the Pacific claims of jurisdiction of Grit and Harmony.
Whereas, The Liberal Court of The People's Region of the Pacific has struck down the Executive Orders of Governor Varavour pertaining to the Midwest stating they are "blatently and explicitly unconstitutional."
Therefore, The Most Serene Republic of the Midwest demands an end to the occupation of the Midwest by the Pacific.
Therefore, if the Pacific does not relinquish control immediately, then The Most Serene Republic of the Midwest requests that the President stand down the Pacific National Guard in Midwestern Land and transfer control to the Midwestern National Guard. 

Midwest Emergency Contingency Fund Act
Section 1 Establishment of Fund
1. Every year that the Midwest is in Surplus, a minimum of $4 Billion dollars shall be assigned to the Midwest Emergency Contingency Fund (MECF).
2. If the surplus is below $4 Billion , then all of the Surplus will be assigned to this fund.
3. If the fund reaches $40 Billion, the Section 1.1 and 1.2 shall not take effect.
Section 2 Purpose of Fund
1. The MECF  shall be used in recovery efforts from Natural Disasters and Civil Unrest.
2. The use of funds from the MECF shall be legislated by the Althing.
Section 3 Implementation
1. This law shall take effect upon passage.

Resolution of the Recognition of Sovereignty of the Most Serene Republic of the Midwest
Whereas, the Most Serene Republic of the Midwest consists of the following States, Provinces, and Territories: Wonderment, Amity, Mirth, Bluster, Harmony, Grit, Moxie, Vitality, Joy, Serenity, Magnanimity, Fidelity, Exuberance, and Defiance.
Whereas, no other region or other form of Government other than the Federal Government of Atlasia has jurisdiction in the lands of the Most Serene Republic of the Midwest.
Whereas, the Most Serene Republic of the Midwest recognizes the Sovereignty of its neighboring Regions.
Therefore, the Most Serene Republic of the Midwest requests that the Sovereignty of the Most Serene Republic of the Midwest is respected.
Therefore, if the Sovereignty of the Most Serene Republic of the Midwest is violated, the Most Serene Republic of the Midwest shall have the authority to restore said sovereignty with the assistance of the Atlasian Government.
Therefore, the Most Serene Republic of the Midwest does not recognize the secession movements taking place in Moxie and Bluster. The Most Serene Republic of the Midwest demands the re-integration of Moxie and Bluster.

Midwest Bank Chair Act
Section 1 Allowance of Elected Officials to serve as Bank Chair
1. The Bank Chair, whom is appointed by the Governor under the Bank of the Midwest Creation Bill, shall be allowed to be a member of the Althing, Archduke, Governor, or Chief Justice.
2. The nominee must be approved by the Althing via a confirmation vote.
Section 2 Implementation
1. This law shall take effect immediately upon passage.

Midwest Minimum Wage Act
1. The minimum wage in the Midwest is hereby $15.00/hr.
2. The minimum wage shall be increased quarterly in accordance with inflation.

The Midwest Sanity to Recall Amendment
1. The Recall Amendment is repealed in its entirety.

2. The Midwest Sanity to Recall Amendment shall replace the Recall Amendment as the constitutional procedure for recall of elected and appointed Midwest officeholders.

a) A recall petition collecting signatures equivalent to 35% of the number of voters in the last regularly-scheduled Midwest regional election, within a period of seven days (168 hours), shall suffice to recall any Midwest elected or appointed officeholder.

b) A voting booth on the recall of said official shall be opened on the first Thursday 7 days (168 hours) after the petition obtains the necessary signatures, and shall conclude after exactly 5 days (120 hours).

c) The recall vote shall ask of the voters two questions. The first question shall be whether or not the officeholder in question should be recalled, with the options of "Yes", "No" and "Abstain". The second question shall be whom shall replace the officeholder in the event the recall is successful.

d) If 60% or more of the voters vote "Yes" to recall the officeholder on the first question, then that officeholder shall be immediately removed from office and replaced with whomever is the winner of the vote on the second question.

e) No elected Midwest officeholder may be subjected to more than one recall attempt per term in office. No appointed Midwest officeholder may be subjected to more than one recall attempt every four months.

Skills and Retraining Assistance Program Bill
Section 1 Adult Education Loan or Grant
1. When a company is closed down or lays off workers, those workers are eligible to apply for a Adult Education Loan or Grant
2. The amount for an Adult Education Loan (AEL) shall be up to $20,000, an Adult Education Grant (AEG) shall be up to $10,000.
3. Either a AEL or AEG may be used only for assisting in paying for re-training programs or furthering education at a Technical School, College, or University.
4. Those eligible may only receive an AEL or AEG once per employer induced unemployment.
5. The Program shall be administered by the Bank of the Midwest.
Section 2 Funding
1. A fund of 5 Billion dollars shall be set aside each budget cycle.
2. When unemployment falls below 5%, the amount allotted shall be reduced to 2.5 Billion.
Section 3 Implementation
1. This bill shall become law, after passage and approval from the Governor, after the funds have been allocated in the Budget of the Midwest.

The Cottage Industry Assistance Act
Section 1 Definition of Cottage Industry
1. A cottage industry is defined as the production of goods or services from ones residence.
2. A cottage industry may not have more than 3 employees.
3. A farm is excluded from this definition.
4. Cottage Industries include the production of clothing, food services, textiles, art work, jewelry, or the provision of services such as home care, lawn services, cleaning services, or consulting.
Section 2 Cottage Industry Assistance Loan
1. A Cottage Industry that meets the definitions established in Section 1 may apply for a loan of $50,000 for the purposes of purchasing equipment, advertising, and complying with all health and safety laws.
2. The loan will be administered by the Bank of the Midwest
3. The loan shall be interest free and must be paid back within five years of the loan being taken out.
Section 3 Implementation
1. This Bill shall become law as soon as it is passed and signed by the Governor.

Midwest Health of Sex Workers Act
Section 1 Requirement for Monthly Check-ups
1. All people who engage in Sex Work, as defined by the Midwest Prostitution Act, shall be subject to this law.
2. All sex workers must undergo a monthly check up for the purpose of preventing transmission of Sexually Transmitted Diseases.
3. If a Sex Worker has contracted a STD, they are immediately compelled to stop performing sex work until the STD is treated.
4. If the STD is incurable, then the Sex Worker is prohibited from providing sex work again.
Section 2 Punishment for Violation
1. If a person does not comply with Section 1.2 of this law, they shall be fined $10,000 per missed visit. After 5 missed visits, the individual is prohibited from providing sex work in the Midwest.
2. If a person does not comply with Section 1.3 of this law, they shall be fined $10,000 and may face a jail sentence of up to 6 months.
3. If a person does not comply with Section 1.4 of this law, they shall be fined $25,000 and may face a jail sentence of up to 1 year. If the person violates this section again, they shall be fined $50,000 and shall face a jail sentence no shorter than 3 years and no longer than 5.
Section 3 Enactment
1. This bill shall become law as soon as it is approved.

Heating Fuel Tax Reduction Bill
Section 1 Reduction in the Tax on Heating Fuel
1. The Tax on Heating Fuel shall go from 40 cents to 15 cents.
2. Heating Fuel shall be exempt from the Sales Tax.
Section 2 Enactment
1. This law shall take effect immediately upon passage.

Increase Activity and Representation Amendment
Section 1
1) Section II, part (b) of the Fourth Midwest Constitution shall be amended as follows:

"The Alþing shall consist of three four Most Serene Representatives elected at-large to the Alþing in a five day at-large election that shall begin on the third Thursday closing in on Friday of the month during the months of January, March, May, July, September and November. They are elected using the PR-STV voting system."

Section 2
2) Section II, part (d) of the Fourth Midwest Constitution shall be amended as follows:

"One Archduke of the Alþing is to be elected at-large from among the trustees over the course of five days, starting on the third Thursday closing in on Friday of the month of January, May, and September. They are elected using the PR-STV voting system. The Alþing shall be empowered to create appropriate regulations for the election of the Archduke of the Alþing; however, no candidate may become Archduke of the Alþing without an absolute majority of the vote, unless serious business is afoot. The winner is to serve as head of government, and as the official "Lord of the Cakes." The Archduke’s vote shall have the same power as that of a Most Serene Representative. shall be that resolving tied verdicts reached by the Alþing. The Archduke also acts as the head of the Alþing, bringing pieces of legislation up for debate, vote, and bringing the legislation to the Governor for signing."

The Midwestern Reservation Advancement Bill
Section 1 Jurisdiction
1. This bill shall only take place in the Counties home to Native Atlasian Reservations.
Section 2 Native Reservation Start Up Business Fund
1. An interest free loan of $25,000 shall be made available to the establishment of Native Atlasian run businesses.
2. The Loan shall be administered by the Bank of the Midwest.
3. A fund of $60 Million shall be set aside for this section.
4. The funds will be allocated once and will be used until it has been exhausted.
Section 3 Reservation School Teacher Pay Increase
1. Teachers in a school system on a Reservation shall be paid an $5,000/year.
2. The funds for this shall come from the budget of the Midwest and not the local school system.
Section 4 Implementation
1. This bill shall become law immediately upon passage.

Soda Tax Act
Section 1 Jurisdiction
1. This tax shall be implemented on all soft drink beverages.
2. This law excludes soft drinks sold in a restaurant.
Section 2 Rate of tax
1. The tax on all regular soft drinks shall be 10%.
2. The tax on all reduced fat, diet, zero calorie soft drinks shall be 7%.
Section 3 Implementation
1. This law shall take effect immediately upon passage.

Fair Hours Act
Section 1 Minimum Times for Breaks
1. For every 180 minutes worked by an employee during one shift, the employee is entitled to a 15 minute break.
2. For every 360 minutes worked by an employee during one shift, the employee must be allowed a 45 minute meal break and entitled to a 15 minute break.
3. For every 480 minutes worked by an employee during one shift, the employee must be allowed a 45 minute meal break, and entitled to two 15 minute breaks.
4. All breaks must be paid.
5. Employees must be made aware of when they can take the breaks mentioned in Section 1-1, 1-2, and 1-3 of this law.
Section 2 Fines for non-compliance
1. If a company is found to be in violation of Section 1 of this bill will face fines.
2. If the company violates Section 1.1, they will be fined $5,000 per infraction.
3. If the comapny violates Section 1.2, they will be fined $10,000 per infraction.
4. If the company violates Section 1.3, they will be fined $20,000 per infraction.
5. If the company violates Section 1.4, they will be fined $5,000 per infraction.
6. If the company violates Section 1.5, they  will be fined $5,000 per infraction.
7. No worker shall be fired for making the Midwest Government aware of infractions.
8. If it is found that an employee is fired in retaliation, then the company shall be fined $50,000.
Section 3 Implementation
1. This law shall take effect June 30th, 2015.

Midwest Proposed Budget
Revenue
Income Tax Rate
$0.00-$50,000.00 --- 0%
$50,000.01-$100,000.00 --- 5%
$100,000.01-$150,000.00 --- 6%
$150,000.01-$200,000.00 --- 7%
$200,000.01-$250,000.00 --- 8%
$250,000.01-$300,000.00 --- 10%
$300,000.01-$400,000.00 --- 11%
$400,000.01-$500,000.00 --- 12%
$500,000.01-$750,000.00 --- 13%
$750,000.01-$1,000,000.00 --- 14%
$1,000,000.01+ --- 15%
Sales Tax --- 5%
Corporate Tax
$0.00-$50,000.00 --- 0%
$50,000.01-$100,000.00 --- 1%
$100,000.01-$250,000.00 --- 2%
$250,000.01-$500,000.00 --- 3%
$500,000.01-$750,000.00 --- 4%
$750,000.01-$1,000,000.00 --- 5%
$1,000,000.01-$2,000,000.00 --- 7%
$2,000,000.01-$3,000,000.00 --- 9%
$3,000,000.01-$4,000,000.00 --- 11%
$4,000,000.01+ --- 13%
Property Tax
$40 per mil on assessed value of unimproved land
Midwest Estate Tax
$0.00-$1,000,000.00 --- $0
$1,000,000.01-$5,000,000.00 --- 5%
$5,000,000.01-$10,000,000.00 --- 7%
$10,000,000.01+ --- 8%
Consumption Taxes
Cigarette Tax --- 50%
Alcohol Tax --- 50%
Marijuana Tax --- 50%
Gun Sales Tax --- 50%
Sex Work Tax --- 50%
Healthcare Taxes
Healthcare Payroll Tax --- 1.5%
Gas and Oil Taxes
Gasoline Tax --- $.40/Gallon
Diesel Tax --- $.40/Gallon
Oil Royalty --- $5/Barrel
Natural Gas Royalty --- $2/Cubic Feet
Coal Royalty --- $100/Ton

Expenditure
Education
$48 Billion ----Primary Education
$27 Billion ---- College Education
$.002Billion ---- Ilikeverin School Act
$1.6 Billion ---- The Build our Mathematics and Science Proposal
$2.8 Billion ---- Midwest Teacher Pay Rise
$.702 Billion ---- Midwest Immigration and Integration Act
Education Total: $105.304 Billion
Economic Development
$20 Billion ---- Community Development
$14 Billion ---- Area and Regional Development
$.05 Billion ---- Small Business Start Up Loan Act
$.003 Billion ---- Urban Agriculture Assistance Grant Act
$.05 Billion ---- Native Atlasian Revitalization Bill
$1 Billion ---- Small Farm Assistance Bill
$13.5 Billion ---- Rural Housing Bill
$2.01 Billion ---- Midwest Immigration and Integration Act
$.00015 Billion ---- Midwest Centers for Search of Employment Act
$.5 Billion ----Midwest  Cris Valorization Act
Economic Development Total: $51.11315 Billion
Transportation
$15 Billion ---- Highways and Highway Safety
$3 Billion ---- Air Transportation
$4 Billion ---- Other Transportation
$12 Billion ---- Non-Highway Roads
$5.391 Billion ---- The Midwest Road Repairs Act of 2013 + Extra Libraries
$7 Billion ---- Public Safety
$28 Billion ---- Midwest High Speed Rail Act of 2014
Transportation Total: $74.391 Billion
Health
$6 Billion ---- Substance abuse and mental health services
$7 Billion ---- Disease control, public health, and bioterrorism
$8 Billion ---- Health Research and Training
$3 Billion ---- Food Safety and occupational health and safety
$1 Billion ---- Other Health Care Services
$3.047 Billion ---- Fight against obesity proposal
$1 Billion ---- Tax Expenditure
Health Total: $29.047 Billion
Environment and Energy
$14 Billion ---- Loans to be granted to companies who will man up
$13 Billion ---- Fund for Alternative Energy
$5 Billion ---- Updating our current energy infrastructure
$.5 Billion ---- Midwest Green Governance Bill
$1 Billion ---- WAMSR Creation Bill
$5 Billion ---- Midwest Biofuels Act
Environment and Energy Total: $38.5 Billion
Bank of the Midwest
$10 Billion ---- Bank of the Midwest Creation Act
$5 Billion ---- Skills and Retraining Assistance Program Bill
Bank of the Midwest Total: $15 Billion
Other
$4 Billion ---- Midwest Emergency Contegency Fund
$2 Billion ---- Direct aid and incentives to municipalities
$2 Billion ---- Government Administration
Other Total: $8 Billion
Expenditure Total:$321.35515 Billion

Fifth Most Serene Republic of the Midwest Constitution

Preamble

We the People of the Midwest Region, to honor our ancestors and ensure the fair health and wellbeing of our progeny for many generations to come, do recognize the necessity of a codified Constitution for the harmonious regulation of conflicts of interests betwixt diverse Persons and Factions, and do hereby found the Most Serene Republic of the Midwest and declare this Constitution to be the foundation for its righteous, valid governance. May it forever henceforth stand guard o'er the rights, privileges, and cultural characters of our Peoples!

Section I

By consenting to the implementation of this Constitution and by accepting its legitimacy, the People and their Government acknowledge that theirs is a relationship with a number of rules and restrictions institutionalized to ensure their mutual wellbeing.

(a) - No act of regional government shall impede or infringe upon the rights of the People to:
▪   Free thought, expression, conscience, creed, and cultural identity...
▪   Free movement, association, and participation in cultural rites...
▪   Shelter, food, water, clothing, medical care, education, and healthful environs...
▪   Private possession of and secure control over use of their property...
▪   Representative democracy in the politics of the state and economy...
▪   Due process, fair trials, and uniform treatment under the law...
▪   Equitable recognition of consensual civil partnerships under the law...
▪   Recourse for significant abuses of the body and mind, and for defamation...
▪   Security of person from execution, exile, torture, and uncivil punishments...
▪   Ample time off from work for sleep, leisure, and other necessities of life...

Except for when the exercise of rights aforementioned is construed to present a dire, reasonably well-understood threat to the physical and/or mental wellness of persons. These ten items shall be known collectively as the Checklist of Untouchable Social Privileges.

(b) - In exchange, no act of the individual shall impede or infringe upon the rights of state to:
▪   Enact and enforce laws in compliance with the contents of this Constitution...
▪   Accrue and appropriate funds for performing state functions via taxation...
▪   Defend itself from violence, foreign invasion, and domestic treachery...
▪   Establish and maintain Land, Sky, and Wave Corps for peacekeeping...
▪   Defer to the authority of the Republic of Atlasia when it is proper...
▪   Confine, isolate, and rehabilitate persons found guilty of crimes in court...
▪   Teach people the value of mutual respect and peaceable coexistence...
▪   Discretion in resolving conflicts of interest betwixt rights of the People...
▪   Regulate the trade and use of tools with potentially lethal functions...
▪   Ensure that all members of society can fruitfully participate in public life...

Except for when the exercise of rights aforementioned is construed to present a dire, reasonably well-understood threat to and by the People - in which event they are to check the power of the republic. These ten items shall be known collectively as the Checklist of Approved Social Tasking.

Section II

a)   The eleven provinces of the most serene republic shall be as follows:
•   Joy (MN)
•   Mirth (CO)
•   Bluster (OK)
•   Moxie (IA)
•   Harmony (KS)
•   Swagger (NM)
•   Grit (NE)
•   Wonderment (MT)
•   Vitality (SD)
•   Serenity (ND)
•   Amity (WY)

b)   The capital of the Most Serene Republic of the Midwest shall be Cheesewhiz, Vitality (formerly known as Belle Fourche). A magnificent Midwestern Haberdashery Lounge thread is to be established, for the promotion of the culture and history of the glorious Most Serene Republic of the Midwest and contact with the surrounding Regions.

c)   In all official correspondence, documentation, and record-keeping of the Most Serene Republic of the Midwest, Canadian provinces shall be referred to as follows:
•   Defiance (NWT)
•   Exuberance (AB)
•   Fidelity (MB)
•   Magnanimity (SK)

d)   The official symbols of the republic shall be as follows:
•   Anthem - Yakety Sax
•   Bird - Black-billed magpie
•   Cat - Fritz
•   Colors - Copper and gold
•   Emotica - ;D and >:(
•   Flag - Click here
•   Flower - Sunflower
•   Gesture of Affection - *hughughug*
•   Gesture of Solidarity - *hughuggrunt*
•   Motto - Granumi hoc Bonus
•   Muffin - Blueberry
•   Toast - Skål!

e)   The official holidays of the region shall be as follows:
•   New Year's Day (Jan 1)
•   Groovy Day of Love (Feb 14)
•   Earth Day (Apr 22)
•   International Workers' Day (May 1)
•   Whiskerando Day (Jul 6)
•   Hug Gustaf Day (Jul 14)
•   Halloween (Oct 31)
•   Native Atlasian Heritage Day (Nov 28)
•   Human Rights Day (Dec 10)
•   Christmas Day (Dec 25)
•   Kwanza (Dec 26 - Jan 1)
•   The Festival of Light (Variable)
•   Muslim Friends Day (Variable)

f)   In casting votes, except for in the case of preferential ranking, an affirmative attitude shall be expressed using an expression of, "ya," "you bet," "you bet'cha," or " ;D ," while any votes cast in opposition are to be expressed as, "na," "oh deev," " >:( ," "uff-da," or a variation thereof.

g)   The Midwest has no official language but the provinces may determine which language(s) shall be primary, provided no language be prohibited.

h)   The right of workers to join a labor union shall not be infringed. The right of labor unions to represent their members during negotiations with their employers shall not be infringed. Labor Unions are defined as organization of workers formed for the purpose of advancing its members' interests in respect to wages, benefits, and working conditions.

i)   The right of workers not to work on Sunday shall not be infringed, except for government employees.

j)   Most Serene Republic of the Midwest chooses to keep our Senator accountable.
a.   If a Regional Senate seat is vacant within 30 days of a Regional Senate election, than the Governor shall appoint any Midwest Citizen that is qualified to be a Regional Senator under the Federal constitution.
b.   If a Regional Senate seat is vacant more than 30 days away from a Regional Senate Election, than the Governor shall appoint any Midwest Citizen that is qualified to be a Regional Senator under the Federal constitution, and a special election will be held 10 Days after the appointment is given.

Section II

a)   Legislative powers shall be vested in an Alþing.   

b)   The Alþing shall consist of three Most Serene Representatives elected at-large to the Alþing for two month terms.

c)   A five-day at-large election shall begin on the third Thursday closing in on Friday of the month during the months of January, March, May, July, September and November. They are elected using the PR-STV voting system.

d)   The Most Serene Representatives shall decide on matters pertaining to the creation and passage of legislation. They shall introduce legislative proposals and debate them in a special thread, in addition to being able to propose constitutional amendments. Constitutional amendments shall be put to a public vote of the trustees after being passed under normal procedure by the Alþing. A constitutional amendment shall be adopted with at least 67% of the vote of the trustees or at least 50% of the vote of the trustees and the approval of the Governor.

e)   The Most Serene Representatives shall elect among them a President Pro Tempore.

f)   Every Midwesterner shall be able to introduce and sponsor Constitutional Amendments and legislature proposals. Constitutional Amendments and legislature proposals introduced by a Midwesterner shall be sponsored by a member of the Althing or by an executive officer. If one week after its introduction the Constitutional Amendment or the legislature proposal doesn't have a sponsor, it shall be withdrawn.

g)   If a Most Serene Representative missed 3 consecutive votes in the Althing, without a valid reason (as a Leave of Absence), the seat is declared vacant. 

h)   A seat in the Althing may be declared vacant if a member has posted less than 5 posts in all of the Atlasia Fantasy Elections area of the Atlas in a 10-day period.

i)   If a seat in the Althing is vacant within 30 days of a regularly scheduled election, then the Governor shall appoint a Midwest Citizen of his/her choice.
a.   If a Most Serene Representative seat is vacant within 30 days of a regularly scheduled election, than the Governor shall appoint a Midwest Citizen of his choice, with approval given by the Althing.
b.   If a seat in the Althing is vacant more than 30 days away from a regularly scheduled election, then the Governor shall appoint a Midwest Citizen of his/her choice, with a special election taking place 10 days after said appointment.

j)   One Archduke of the Alþing is to be elected at-large from among the trustees over the course of five days, starting on the third Thursday closing in on Friday of the month of January, May, and September. They are elected using the PR-STV voting system. The Alþing shall be empowered to create appropriate regulations for the election of the Archduke of the Alþing. The winner is to serve as head of government, and as the official "Lord of the Cakes." The Archduke’s vote shall be that resolving tied verdicts reached by the Alþing. The Archduke also acts as the head of the Alþing, bringing pieces of legislation up for debate, vote, and bringing the legislation to the Governor for signing.

k)   The Archduke of the Alþing shall formalize all rules of the Alþing that may come about, with approval of the Most Serene Representatives.
a.   If the Archduke of the Althing’s seat is vacant within 30 days of a regularly scheduled Archduke election, then the President Pro Tempore shall become of the Archduke of the Althing.
b.   If, however, the Archduke of the Althing's seat is vacant more than 30 days before a regularly scheduled Archduke election, then the President pro tempore shall take over all responsibilities of the Archduke of Althing, until 10 days after said vacancy when a special election for the Archduke shall take place.

l)   The public can recall a Most Serene Representative and the Archduke from office.
a.   A recall petition collecting signatures equivalent to 35% of the number of voters in the last regularly-scheduled Midwest regional election, within a period of seven days (168 hours), shall suffice to recall a Most Serene Representative or the Archduke.
b.   A voting booth on the recall of said official shall be opened on the first Thursday 7 days (168 hours) after the petition obtains the necessary signatures, and shall conclude after exactly 5 days (120 hours).
c.   The recall vote shall ask of the voters two questions. The first question shall be whether or not the officeholder in question should be recalled, with the options of "Yes", "No" and "Abstain". The second question shall be whom shall replace the officeholder in the event the recall is successful.
d.   The officeholder that is facing the recall can't be a candidate for the second question.
e.   If 60% or more of the voters vote "Yes" to recall the officeholder on the first question, then that officeholder shall be removed from office and upon conclusion of voting, replaced with whomever is the winner of the vote on the second question.
f.   The vote on the second question shall take place 3 days (72 hours) after the conclusion of the voting on the first question.
g.   No elected Midwest officeholder may be subjected to more than one recall attempt per term in office. No appointed Midwest officeholder may be subjected to more than one recall attempt every four months.

Section III

a)   The executive power shall be vested in a Governor of the Most Serene Republic of the Midwest

b)   The Governor is elected to a term of 4 months. 

c)   A five-day at-large election shall begin on the third Thursday closing in on Friday of the month during the months of February, June, and October, using the PR-STV voting System.

d)   The Governor is tasked with the following duties:
a.   Serving as the ceremonial head of state, "Hugger in Chief" of the Land, Sky, and Wave Corps, and regional spokesperson.
b.   Whensoever the Midwest Alþing shall pass a bill and present it to the Midwest Governor, he or she shall have three options:
i.   If the bill is to his or her liking, he or she may hug the bill, making it law.
ii.   If the Governor finds the bill to be unconstitutional or totally unacceptable beyond repair, he or she strikes it, rendering the legislation annulled unless the Alþing can muster a unanimous for an override before the end of its session.
iii.   If there are changes that the Governor wishes to make, he or she shall have the option to redraft the bill and return it to the Midwest Alþing in redrafted form. The Midwest Governor shall have this option once with each particular bill presented to him.
1.   The original sponsor of the bill, shall either file a motion to approve the Midwest Governor’s redraft by a simple majority vote, and return it to the Midwest Governor for his signature or veto, or reject the redraft.
2.   If the Midwest Alþing approves the Midwest Governor's redraft by a simple majority vote, the redrafted bill shall be returned to the Midwest Governor for his signature or veto.
3.   If the Midwest Alþing approves the Midwest Governor's redraft by a simple majority vote, the redrafted bill shall be returned to the Midwest Governor for his signature or veto.
c.   Oversees all elections in the Region in such a way as to promise the people of the Most Serene Republic of the Midwest free and fair elections.
d.   Maintaining a transparent government.
e.   Nominating a Chief Judicial Officer for the Region.
f.   Promoting progress in areas of scientific research and the fruition of new works of aesthetic art by citizens of the region
g.   Counseling with the Archduke and Alþing on nominations and other stuff.
h.   Spreading rumors to children that legendary critters and figures of folklore like Santa Claus, Paul Bunyan, and Dave Leip dwell in Cheesewhiz.

e)   A yurt-shaped Depositaren building shall be established in the capital of the republic.
a.   Here all records of government shall be stored and open to the public in what is to be called: "The Most Serene Library of the Midwest." This government complex shall be run exclusively with solar power and other forms of green power.
b.   Therein shall reside the Governor.
c.   The Governor shall administer the Depositaren. 

f)   If the Governor's seat is vacant within 30 days of a regularly scheduled Gubernatorial election, then the Archduke of the Althing shall become Governor and take over all responsibilities of the Governor, thus vacating the position of Archduke.
a.   If, however, the Governor's seat is vacant more than 30 days before a regularly scheduled Gubernatorial election, then the Archduke of the Althing shall take over all responsibilities of the Governor while still remaining Archduke, with a special election taking place 10 days after said vacancy.

g)   The public can recall a Governor or appointed officeholder from office.
a.   A recall petition collecting signatures equivalent to 35% of the number of voters in the last regularly-scheduled Midwest regional election, within a period of seven days (168 hours), shall suffice to recall the Governor or any appointed officeholder.
b.   A voting booth on the recall of said official shall be opened on the first Thursday 7 days (168 hours) after the petition obtains the necessary signatures, and shall conclude after exactly 5 days (120 hours).
c.   The recall vote shall ask of the voters two questions. The first question shall be whether or not the officeholder in question should be recalled, with the options of "Yes", "No" and "Abstain". The second question shall be whom shall replace the officeholder in the event the recall is successful.
d.   The officeholder that is facing the recall can't be a candidate for the second question.
e.   If 60% or more of the voters vote "Yes" to recall the officeholder on the first question, then that officeholder shall be removed from office and upon conclusion of voting, replaced with whomever is the winner of the vote on the second question.
f.   The vote on the second question shall take place 3 days (72 hours) after the conclusion of the voting on the first question.
g.   No elected Midwest officeholder may be subjected to more than one recall attempt per term in office. No appointed Midwest officeholder may be subjected to more than one recall attempt every four months.

Section IV:

a)   The Judicial Branch of the Government of the Midwest Region shall be vested in the Chief Judicial Officer of the Midwest Region. Any newly appointed Midwest Judicial Officer must be a registered voter in the Midwest Region.

b)   The Chief Judicial Officer is to be appointed by the Governor and must be confirmed by a unanimous Althing vote. He or she shall have a term of four year.

c)   The Chief Judicial Officer is to be charged with the duties of interpreting the laws of the Midwest Region and is charged to hold trials for the accused. If someone submits a case to him or her, then the Chief Judicial Officer must make a ruling on it, giving ample time to hear arguments from any side of the issue.

d)   No person shall hold the positions of Chief Judicial Officer while serving another position in the Regional Government at the same time.

e)   The Governor shall be able to remove the Chief Judicial Officer at any time during their term, the Althing must unanimously approve of the decision.

f)   The Althing can vote to remove the Chief Judicial Officer by a unanimous vote if they are found to be absent from their duties.

Section V:

a)   The Land, Sky, and Wave Corps shall be responsible for policing all developed and wilderness areas within the region, rendering emergency assistance during times of grave unrest or regional disaster, serving in the regional defense against acts of terrorism, and assuming the roles of military police on bases of the Atlasian armed forces.

b)   No regional militia is to be maintained. In the event of an invasion, the Land, Sky, and Wave Corps shall coordinate with private militias and the Atlasian armed forces to mount the defense of our People and their resources. There shall never be conscription.

c)   Military personnel shall, without exception, be entitled to trials by civilian courts.

d)   In the event of a state of war existing betwixt Atlasia and one or more other nations, the Midwest retains its prerogative to choose whether to remain one with its fellow regions in Atlasia, peaceably declare independence from the Union, or to surrender.

Section VI:

a)   When this Constitution becomes operative it shall replace any Constitution, and amendments thereof, in place prior to it.

b)   At the time of the Adoption of this Constitution, all those presently in any office shall remain in that office until their term would have otherwise have expired, or they resign, are dismissed, are impeached and convicted or are expelled.

c)   All those considered to be registered voters at the time of the Adoption of this Constitution shall remain or be removed as registered voters under the new terms set forth under this Constitution.

d)   All Legislation and Judicial Rulings not inconsistent with this Constitution passed prior to the Adoption of this Constitution shall remain in full force, unless superseded by subsequent legislation or Judicial Rulings.

Domestic Partnerships Act of 2015

Section 1: Extant Regional Law

Effective upon the passage of this Act, any regional documents referring to 'marriage' or 'civil unions' shall be updated to replace said terms with the term 'domestic partnership', which shall become the legally recognized term for any such union between persons having legal sanction and approval by the Most Serene Republic of the Midwest.

Section 2: Domestic Partnerships

1. Domestic partnerships that have the legal approval of the Most Serene Republic of the Midwest shall be any partnership that includes two or more consenting persons. Domestic partnerships shall not be recognized wherein (a) they consist of the partnership of a person and non-persons (i.e. any animal or object); or (b) they consist of a partnership between a living person and a dead person, or of a living person and dead persons, or of dead persons.

2. Any existing statute or regulatory prohibition on the practice of consensual incestuous (hereby defined as a union of persons in close familial proximity, i.e. a father and daughter, mother and son, brother and sister, etc, etc.) relations of the Most Serene Republic are hereby repealed. Such persons shall be legally allowed to enter into domestic partnerships without discrimination or harassment from the Most Serene Republic of the Midwest.

3. Domestic partnerships must be certified by an appointed municipal clerk, or in the case of forum members, must be approved by the Governor of the Midwest. Partnerships must be witnessed by two persons other than those committing to the partnership in order to be legally binding.

4. All domestic partnerships shall be partnerships of complete equality between the parties involved, and no provisions thereof shall favor any member of the partnership in question unless explicitly agreed upon by all parties.

5. All domestic partnerships are understood as contracts that shall be legally enforceable in the event of a division of the partnership in question. In order for a domestic partnership to have legal sanction, all parties involved shall agree to draw up a prenuptial agreement in order to provide for the division of property and/or assets in the event of a division of the agreement in question. However, no alimony shall be required by any court of the Most Serene Republic of the Midwest in the event of a partnership dissolution, and no person shall be compelled by law under any circumstance to provide for a non-working former partner that one is no longer legally bound to.

6. A domestic partnership may be annulled at any time with the consent of any one member of said partnership. At this time, the prenuptial agreement signed before the certification of the domestic partnership shall be used to divide any properties held jointly by the parties in question. Any person under the age of sixteen (16) that is the result of a domestic partnership shall be placed in joint custody between the parties involved in the domestic partnership, unless an agreement is reached between the parties providing for a different custody arrangement while providing for visitation rights for the other parties involved, except in thos cases in which custody and/or visitation rights would be inappropriate. No child support payment shall be required by law of any of the parties involved in the event of an annulment of the domestic partnership in question.

7. Domestic partners shall have rights including, but not limited to (a) joint-ownership of property, unless separate arrangements are agreed upon in the prenuptial agreement for the domestic partnership in question; (b) joint bank accounts; (c) the right to claim certain tax benefits as currently defined under Midwest regional law and federal law; (d) the right to claim benefits as derived under the Social Security system; and (e) the right of hospital visitation.

Section 3: Implementation

This Act shall take effect upon its passage. In addition, any partnerships, not having the force of legal sanction that have occurred between the founding of the Republic of Atlasia and the passage of this Act, shall have the immediate right of recognition by the Most Serene Republic of the Midwest, provided that said partnerships meet the legal requirements outlined in Section 2 of this Act.

Midwest Speed Limits Act of 2015

Section 1: Extant Legislation

The Midwest Speed Limits Act is hereby repealed.

Section 2: Speed Limits

The following shall serve as limits on the speed a motor vehicle may be operated traveling in the Most Serene Republic of the Midwest:


Section 3: Enforcement

1. All speed cameras, radars, and other devices used by law enforcement to track or record the speed of vehicles shall be discontinued from use no later than January 1, 2016. All such devices shall be sold to government agencies interested in purchasing them (at the Regional or Federal level) or, if a buyer cannot be found, shall be stripped for parts and sold.

2. There shall be no fines levied for speeding, nor any citations written for drivers engaged in speeding. All pending speeding tickets issued in the Most Serene Republic of the Midwest are hereby voided, and all law enforcement officials ordered to immediately stop citing and fining motorists for speeding upon the passage of this Act.

3. All persons having a speeding ticket on their driving records shall have said records expunged of said offense by the Most Serene Republic of Atlasia no later than January 1, 2016.

4. All persons, having paid a speeding ticket since January 1, 2015, shall have the amount paid refunded in full, with a check mailed with the amount refunded to his or her residence no later than January 1, 2016.

5. All persons, having had their driver's license revoked for speeding, shall have their driver's license restored by no later than January 1, 2016, provided that there are not additional reasons for the revocation of the license in question.

Section 4: Implementation

Unless otherwise stated herein, this Act shall take effect immediately. All posted speed limits signs in the Most Serene Republic of the Midwest shall no longer be in effect upon the passage of this Act, and shall be removed by no later than January 1, 2016.