News from Representative Smucker

   

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Hello Friend--

If you were forwarded this email, be sure to subscribe to my e-newsletter here!

This week I want to share with you reflections on the year, visits across the community, information from the IRS for preparing for next year’s taxes, and holiday wishes.

I enjoy hearing from you and responding to questions from your emails, phone calls, and letters. If you would like to share your concerns or opinions with me, or if you have questions about legislation or specific votes, you can send me an email here.

 

Continuing to Oppose Biden and Pelosi’s Reckless Spending

It is welcome news that President Biden and Speaker Pelosi’s Build Back Bankrupt legislation appears to be stalled in the Senate, at least temporarily. While this multi-trillion march towards socialism is on hold, last week minutes after midnight, congressional Democrats passed a $2.5 trillion hike in the nation’s debt limit.

Make no mistake the midnight vote on that legislation, which I opposed, is about President Biden’s continued reckless spending. Biden and Pelosi have proposed or advanced through the House nearly $8 trillion in spending so far this year. The way they talk about spending a trillion dollars almost trivializes its true value.

For perspective, only the United States and China’s gross domestic product (total economic output) is higher than $8 trillion. That level of spending is reckless. And Biden and Pelosi show no signs of stopping. Who knows how many trillions Biden and Pelosi will want to spend next year and add to our nation’s debt!

We know from looking at history, what happens when nations continue to recklessly spend and spend, and it is disastrous. I will continue to oppose Biden and Pelosi’s march towards socialism.

While Biden and Pelosi remain focused on building a bigger government which makes Americans more dependent on the government to provide for their needs, we do not have to look far into the past to find a policy that provided American families economic prosperity and opportunity. The data is irrefutable.

The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act was an incredible success. It increased the median household income by $5,000 between 2017 and 2019. It led to the lowest unemployment rate in 50 years. It led to the lowest recorded poverty rate. And it’s a model for the pro-growth policies that Congress should be pursuing to get our nation’s economy moving again.


Happy 230th Birthday to the Bill of Rights! 

Happy 230th Birthday to the Bill of Rights! On December 15, 1791, the first 10 amendments to the United States Constitution were officially ratified. These amendments guarantee the rights and liberties which we are fortunate to enjoy, and which make us the envy of the world. Read more here from the National Archives.

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Get Ready for Next Year’s Tax Season Today

The IRS is encouraging individuals to start preparing today for next year’s tax season. Visit the IRS website to learn what steps you can take today to be ready. If you did not receive an Economic Impact Payment this year, which you believe you are eligible for, click here to learn more about claiming the Recovery Rebate Credit on next year’s taxes.

If you received advanced payments of the Advanced Child Care Tax Credit, click here to learn how to reconcile your advanced child care tax credit payments on next year’s tax filing.

Familiarize yourself with the IRS’s online tools to help you find important information and read the IRS’s FAQs on expected processing times and refunds.  

 

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! 

From my family to yours, Merry Christmas! And best wishes for a happy, healthy, and prosperous 2022!

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In the Community 

I appreciated the opportunity to visit Empire Beauty School in Lancaster, to learn about their organization and speak with students in their cosmetology program. Thanks for a great visit!

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I had great time touring the facility at Water Street Mission. I appreciated learning more about the services they offer and the great work they are doing to support our community. 

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It was an honor to join the Red Rose Chapter of the Blue Star Mothers of America and community members for a Wreaths Across America event in Lancaster. May we always give thanks for those who selflessly served our nation. 

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Proud to the receive the Champion of the Merit Shop Award from ABC Keystone in recognition of my legislative efforts to support and promote our free enterprise system. 

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I’m a proud member of the Bipartisan Congressional Task Force on Alzheimer's Disease. It was great to meet with local advocates earlier this month to hear their stories and discuss legislation before Congress. 

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 I enjoyed speaking with and taking questions from students at Garden Spot High School earlier this month. It was great to discuss issues facing our community and nation with engaged students. 

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I enjoyed visiting Good Samaritan Services in Ephrata. I learned more about how they are assisting people experiencing homelessness by addressing the individual’s needs.

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Here to Help

The new application deadline to register with FEMA for individuals impacted by the recent storms from the remnants of Hurricane Ida is January 10, 2022. Please visit the FEMA website to learn more about available programs.

To any veteran, there is always support available at the Veterans Crisis Line. Call 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1 or text 838255. Visit the Veterans Crisis Line website for more information.

Looking for information on federal grants? Learn more about the grant awarding process and search the federal database of grant programs at www.grants.gov.

If you have any questions or issues with a federal agency, please know that my office is here to assist you. You can call my district or Washington, DC offices for assistance or visit my website for any issue with a federal agency or department.


Stay Connected

To stay up-to-date on my work in the district and Washington, be sure to follow me on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. You can also check out my YouTube page, where there are 100+ videos, many of which are direct responses to your questions.

Sincerely,
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Lloyd Smucker

 

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