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September 2008

Senate Extends Property Tax Relief

The Senate voted to extend Senator Bayh's property tax relief legislation for 30 million homeowners nationally and up to 942,000 in Indiana. Earlier this year, the Senate passed a new standard deduction of up to $1,000 for families who do not itemize the deductions on their income tax return. That relief was set to expire at the end of 2008 but will now be extended for an additional year through 2009. The vote is seen as an indicator that the Bayh property tax cuts may become permanent relief for non-itemizers. Those who stand to benefit most include many elderly and fixed-income homeowners who do not itemize, have paid down or paid off their mortgages, and have few other deductions to itemize. Providing this supplemental standard deduction will afford much-needed property tax relief to these homeowners.

[ read more ]

Army to Investigate Toxic Exposure of Indiana National Guard Members

At the request of Senator Bayh, the Army has agreed to conduct an investigation into Indiana National Guard members' exposure to hazardous chemicals while serving in Iraq in 2003. A 60-day senior-level Army Review Panel will evaluate the steps taken to identify, inform and treat members of the 1st Battalion, 152nd Infantry who were exposed to sodium dichromate while guarding the Qarmat Ali Water Treatment Plant in Iraq in 2003.

"This investigation is an essential first step to ensure that members of the Indiana National Guard receive the best care possible after they were unwittingly exposed to potentially carcinogenic toxins in the line of duty," Senator Bayh said.

Earlier this month, Bayh proposed legislation to create an Agent Orange-style registry to track and assist U.S. military personnel exposed to hazardous chemicals during their deployments.

[ read more ] [ read the letter from Sec. Geren ]

Bayh Ends U.S. Blank Check Policy to Iraq

Senator Bayh's legislation to stem the flow of taxpayer funds to Iraq will go to President Bush for his signature. Bayh authored a provision in the 2009 National Defense Authorization bill that will force the Iraqi government to use its ballooning budget surplus to fund the reconstruction of its own country, easing the burden on American taxpayers. The final legislation includes a ban on the use of U.S. taxpayer funds for major reconstruction projects in Iraq costing more than $2 million. The language was drafted by Senators Bayh, Ben Nelson of Nebraska, and Susan Collins of Maine.

"It's not fair to ask the American people to borrow billions from China to hand over to a country that is not spending its own money to help itself," Senator Bayh said. "This legislation puts the onus on the Iraqis to spend their surplus to rebuild their country and train their military."

[ read more ]

2008 Job Fair, Job Training and Small Business Summits To Be Held Across Indiana Oct. 14 to 17

Every year, Senator Bayh works to keep Hoosiers in good-paying jobs and help small businesses grow by hosting a series of Job Fair, Job Training and Small Business Summits across the state. Last year, more than 5,000 job opportunities were available at the job fairs, and more than 250 Hoosier businesses participated. This year, Senator Bayh will host job fairs from Oct. 14 to 17 in Evansville, Fort Wayne, Indianapolis, Hammond, Marion, South Bend and Terre Haute.

"It's absolutely essential that Hoosiers are fully informed about the job opportunities and federal resources that are available to them," Senator Bayh said. "These fairs will have a wealth of resources to help Hoosiers find and retain good-paying jobs."

[ For information on your local job fair or to register your business, click here ]

Senate Passes Bayh Plan to Protect U.S. Innovators

The Senate has passed legislation with key provisions authored by Senator Bayh to give greater protection to American innovators. The legislation, a sweeping overhaul of intellectual property (IP) rights enforcement, includes specific measures proposed by Bayh to significantly increase resources for Department of Justice programs to combat IP theft. It also provides better coordination and strategic planning of federal efforts against counterfeiting and piracy. The measure now moves to President Bush for his signature.

"American businesses lose $250 billion every year because of intellectual property theft," Bayh said. "Enactment of this legislation will signify a quantum leap forward in safeguarding American innovation."

[ read more ]

Bayh Spina Bifida Aid Bill Advances

Children of veterans who were exposed to Agent Orange, a chemical used by the U.S. military in the Vietnam and Korean Wars, are at a higher risk of being born with spina bifida, a condition in which the vertebrae do not form properly around the spinal cord. Legislation sponsored by Indiana Senators Bayh and Dick Lugar and Congressman Brad Ellsworth to facilitate better health care for the children of veterans exposed to Agent Orange moves to President Bush for his signature.

Currently, families with children afflicted with spina bifida are required to jump through bureaucratic hurdles each time they seek medical treatment, regardless of whether they have already been determined eligible for Veterans Administration care. Bayh's legislation would eliminate this cumbersome process and make it easier for veterans' children to get the care they need.

[ read more ]

Bayh Encourages Hoosiers to File Tax Return
by Oct. 15 to Receive a Stimulus Payment

As the deadline to receive an economic stimulus payment approaches, Senator Bayh is encouraging all seniors, disabled veterans, people with disabilities, and others who do not regularly file a tax return to do so by October 15. Hoosiers who receive Social Security benefits, veterans' disability compensation, pension or survivors' benefits from the Department of Defense and have at least $3,000 of qualifying income may be eligible for a stimulus payment, even if they do not owe taxes.

"Hoosiers should get their fair share of the economic stimulus package," Senator Bayh said. "By filing a 2007 tax return statement by Oct. 15, Hoosiers who are eligible will get the tax relief promised in this economic stimulus package."

[ read more ]

Bayh To Host Service Leader Summit in Indianapolis Oct. 25

Each year on National Make a Difference Day, Sen. Bayh pays tribute to the outstanding generosity and dedication of Indiana's student volunteers by hosting a Service Leader Summit for Hoosier high school students. This year's summit will take place in Indianapolis on October 25.

Many students donate their time and energy to improve the lives of others in their communities. The Service Leader Summit brings these youth from around the state together to thank them for their work and encourage volunteerism in Indiana. Student volunteers have until Oct. 10 to apply to attend the summit with Sen. Bayh.

[ To learn more about the summit or apply to attend, click here ]

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