Northeast Assembly Thread

[cinyc]

Congratulations to Reps. Dr. Cynic, Conor/Rocky/Montag/whatever he's calling himself today and fezzyfestoon.

Let's get to work.  I nominate Smid for Assembly Speaker.

[Dr. Cynic]

Actually, being chosen to join you all was rather a shock to me. I wrote my own name in because I could not think of another person at that time. Having others write me in was surprising when I learned it. So much so, I didn't believe our President when he informed me.

In any case, I'm glad to be here and am anxious to get to business.

I'd like to second the nomination.

[Alexander Hamilton]

I will third the re-nomination of Speaker Smid.

[Purple State]

After electing a Speaker, I would advise this body: a) pass some sort of tax cuts and then b) focus solely on amendments to fix the mess that is the Northeast Constitution.

Small, region-oriented legislation can wait. It is most important to create some sort of stability and legal structure that the region can abide by to avoid confusion.

[Antonio the Sixth]

Fellow Representatives,
For the new session beginning, I've decided to run for he office of Speaker of the Assembly. I have absolutely nothing against Smid, for which I have a lot of respect, and who certainly did a good job last session. However, as I promised during my campaign, I find necessary to make the delays the shortest possible for vote openings and closures. We have an enourmous amout of bills that need to be discussed and put on vote before the end of the session, and I would like to help making this assembly work faster and better. As soon as elected, I will start with opening the vote on Tax Credit Act.

Actually, being chosen to join you all was rather a shock to me. I wrote my own name in because I could not think of another person at that time. Having others write me in was surprising when I learned it. So much so, I didn't believe our President when he informed me.

Yeah, you seemed to be a pretty good choice. Congratulations and good luck for your new office.

[Barnes]

Well, I know Smid hasn't sworn himself in yet, but I think it's safe to start business.

I hereby open up a vote for Speaker. (Only vote for one)

[ ] Rep. AntonioV
[ ] Rep. Smid


Voting lasts twenty-four hours

[cinyc]

• Rep. Smid

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

• Rep. AntonioV

[ ] Rep. Smid

[Dr. Cynic]

[X] Rep. AntonioV
[ ] Rep. Smid

[fezzyfestoon]

Smid

[Antonio the Sixth]

[X] Rep. AntonioV
[ ] Rep. Smid

[Smid]

Smid.

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

I just want to say, that despite changing party affilation neither my views or legislative priorities changed

[Barnes]

The Final Vote for the Speaker election are as follows:

Smid: Three Votes (cinyc, fezzyfestoon, Smid)
AntonioV: Three Votes (Kalwejt, Doctor Cynic, AntonioV)
No Votes: Two (Hamilton, Montag)

Yea! A Tie! I believe my Constitutional power applies to breaking ties for elections to positions. I'll be announcing my choice very soon (maximum of an hour).

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

The Final Vote for the Speaker election are as follows:

Smid: Three Votes (cinyc, fezzyfestoon, Smid)
AntonioV: Three Votes (Kalwejt, Doctor Cynic, AntonioV)
No Votes: Two (Hamilton, Montag)

Yea! A Tie! I believe my Constitutional power applies to breaking ties for elections to positions. I'll be announcing my choice very soon (maximum of an hour).

First tie-breaking vote to be cast

You're making history

[Alexander Hamilton]

This was a really difficult decision. I planned on not voting at all. That would have been cowardly of me. My vote is for Smid. That is not to say I do not think Antonio qualified, and I'd likely support him next time he runs, but Smid has not even served a full term yet and he has some good ideas that I think we should try before switching our mode of operation so early into the Assembly. I hope no one is angry and Smid, you have my full confidence.

Thanks, Hamilton

Yeah, I'm not too keen on supporting that party, but Smid has made it clear that he is better than the group as a whole. I can't take anything out on a good guy like Smid. Sorry Antonio. You'll get a chance, though, I promise.

[MASHED POTATOES. VOTE!]

I'll 100% for Antonio

He's really put a lot in creation of the Assembly and deserved this honor

This is a time for new generation

[Barnes]

This was a really difficult decision. I planned on not voting at all. That would have been cowardly of me. My vote is for Smid. That is not to say I do not think Antonio qualified, and I'd likely support him next time he runs, but Smid has not even served a full term yet and he has some good ideas that I think we should try before switching our mode of operation so early into the Assembly. I hope no one is angry and Smid, you have my full confidence.

Thanks, Hamilton

Yeah, I'm not too keen on supporting that party, but Smid has made it clear that he is better than the group as a whole. I can't take anything out on a good guy like Smid. Sorry Antonio. You'll get a chance, though, I promise.

I'm sorry, but your vote doesn't count since, it was cast after voting closed.

[Alexander Hamilton]

This was a really difficult decision. I planned on not voting at all. That would have been cowardly of me. My vote is for Smid. That is not to say I do not think Antonio qualified, and I'd likely support him next time he runs, but Smid has not even served a full term yet and he has some good ideas that I think we should try before switching our mode of operation so early into the Assembly. I hope no one is angry and Smid, you have my full confidence.

Thanks, Hamilton

Yeah, I'm not too keen on supporting that party, but Smid has made it clear that he is better than the group as a whole. I can't take anything out on a good guy like Smid. Sorry Antonio. You'll get a chance, though, I promise.

I'm sorry, but your vote doesn't count since, it was cast after voting closed.

Well, now you know how to break the tie.

[Barnes]

I break the tie in favor of Smid. This was a difficult decision, and, no, Hamilton, it's not because of your campaign for Smid.

Antonio, this has nothing against you, I promise. I just believe that we still need an abundance of experience in dealing with parliamentary procedure. (I'll make it up to you, I promise, maybe a Committee Chairmanship!)

So, anyway, Smid is hereby elected Speaker of this Assembly.

[Smid]

I mentioned to someone a couple of days back that I won't be running for Speaker in the next assembly, in order to give someone else the chance to perform the role.

[Barnes]

Economic Recovery Tax Act of 2009
Three sections shall be added to the Northeast Tax Code as follows:

1. Investment Tax Credit
(a) All individual and corporate taxpayers shall be entitled to a tax credit equal to the full amount of any capital expenditure made during the 2009 tax year that would otherwise have been required to be depreciated over time under the Northeast Tax Code.
(b) This tax credit shall be subject to recapture if a taxpayer sells or otherwise disposes of the capital asset subject to this credit before the end of the period during which such capital asset would have been required to be depreciated under the Northeast Tax Code but for the provisions of Section 1(a).
(c) The Northeast Tax Commissioner shall have the power to issue regulations preventing the abuse of Section 1(a).

2. Making Work Pay Tax Credit
(a) All individual taxpayers shall be entitled to a $400 tax credit against earned income in the 2009 tax year.
(b) The availability of this credit shall not be subject to any income limitations otherwise provided in the Northeast Tax Code.
(c) This credit shall not be refundable.

3. Taxation of Unemployment Benefits
The first $25,000 of unemployment benefits received during each of the 2009 and 2010 tax years shall not be subject to tax under the Northeast Tax Code.

Effective Date
This Act shall be effective for income received during the 2009 and, where specified, 2010 tax years, regardless of whether earned before the date hereof.

Sponsor: Rep. cinyc

The motion is that the Bill be considered.

All of that opinion say "Aye," to the contrary, "No." The Ayes have it.

The sponsor, Representative cinyc, has the floor.

[cinyc]

Thank you, Mr. Lieutenant Governor.

This bill was being debated when the last Assembly adjourned sine die.  Former Rep. Mr. Moderate's proposed amendment to lower the amount of the Making Work Pay Tax Credit to $400 is included in the version I've brought to the floor in this new Assembly.

For our new Representatives, my statement explaining this bill is way back on Page 14 here.

Given that we've started debate on the bill twice before, I move that we dispense with the normal 48-hour debate period and proceed to a vote on the bill.

If any new Representatives have concerns about or proposed amendments to the bill in the interim, please let me know during the 24-hour voting period for the motion to proceed to a vote.

Thank you.

[Smid]

I second the motion that the Bill be now put.

[Barnes]

I move that we dispense with the normal 48-hour debate period and proceed to a vote on the bill.

I bring this to a vote. Please vote Aye, Nay or Abstain.

Voting lasts twenty-four hours.