Enewsletter from Congressman Todd Russell Platts, Representing the People of the 19th District of Pennsylvania

Haiti Donations Tax Deductible for 2009

On January 22, 2010, President Barack Obama signed into law a bill (H.R. 4462) allowing taxpayers to claim a deduction for donations related to the earthquake in Haiti on their 2009 tax returns, so long as the donation is made before March 1 of this year.  The deduction for Haiti donations otherwise could not have been claimed until next year, when taxpayers file their 2010 tax returns.  H.R. 4462 passed both the House and Senate unanimously.

Statement of Congressman Todd Platts on the State of the Union Speech

Congressman Platts issued the following statement after the State of the Union speech given by President Barack Obama on Wednesday, January 27:

“I welcome President Obama’s statements regarding the need to rein in excessive spending in Washington and to more greatly focus his Administration’s efforts on fostering job creation and improving economic conditions for families and small businesses.  But the President’s actions must match his words.  At a time when families are sitting around kitchen tables struggling to figure out where to cut spending to make ends meet, Congressional leaders have refused to do the same.  Less than two months ago, Congressional leaders passed and President Obama signed into law an omnibus appropriations bill that increased non-defense, non-veterans discretionary spending by almost 14%—the same spending the President has now proposed to freeze.  The clear message coming from the American people is that Congress and the Administration need to check their political agendas at the door and work together to strengthen the economy, put Americans back to work, and reduce the federal budget deficit.”

Web Page Highlights (www.house.gov/platts)

Fighting for Common Sense and Fiscal Responsibility in Washington

An end-of-the year op-ed written by Congressman Platts is posted on the web page.  The op-ed discusses fiscal policy, terrorist detentions, and health care.
(http://www.house.gov/apps/list/hearing/pa19_platts/2009_yearend.shtml)

U.S. House Adopts Platts Resolution to Promote the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday as a National Day of Service

The resolution was adopted by a vote of 379-0 on January 13, 2010.
(http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/pa19_platts/MLK2010.shtml)

 


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