Fleischmann hosts arts reception
U.S. Rep. Chuck Fleischmann will host an awards reception and ceremony today for the 2015 Congressional Art Competition.
A release from the Tennessee Republican’s office said Mayfield Dairy executive Scotty Mayfield will serve as honorary chairman of the event at Tennessee Wesleyan College in Athens, Tenn.
The winning piece of art will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol for the upcoming year, according to the release.
The event is set for 4-5 p.m. today at the college, 204 E. College St.
Graves votes to repeal estate tax
U.S. Rep. Tom Graves, R-Ga., said in a news release he voted last week for a bill that would repeal the federal estate tax, which some call the death tax. The tax is a 40 percent levy on an individual’s assets above an exempted amount — currently $5.4 million — that are transferred to the next generation after death.
Graves said in a statement: “Liberals in Washington want to tax every event in life, including death. They view the death of certain people as a pay day for their big government programs.
“But make no mistake: the death tax is unfair, insensitive to grieving families and punishes hard work. It’s also particularly brutal for families that own farms, as the land and equipment necessary for farming can quickly exceed the exempted amount, causing this devastating tax to be levied on the next generation.”
Electric car tax break ends in Georgia
Car dealers in Georgia say they expect electric vehicle sales will drop now that Georgia is eliminating a tax credit to subsidize them.
Gov. Nathan Deal, a Republican, is expected to sign legislation that will eliminate the $5,000 tax credit June 30. The following day, Georgia tration fee on those vehicles.
When the credit first passed in 1998, metro Atlanta had violated federal air quality standards for ozone for two decades. Vehicle emissions were the single largest source of air pollution. With the support of then-Gov. Zell Miller, the General Assembly approved a tax credit of up to $1,500 for individuals and businesses that leased or bought an alternative-fuel motor vehicle. Two years later, the credit was increased to $2,500 for all low-emissions vehicles. The following year, it was doubled to $5,000 for zero-emission vehicles.
Rep. Chuck Martin, R-Alpharetta, first proposed eliminating the tax credit last year. He said the credit served its purpose by stimulating the electric vehicle market in Georgia. But given its rising popularity, it was costing the state about $50 million annually.
“It was too generous, too targeted and too open-ended,” Martin said.
Martin said he may consider proposing a smaller credit next year.
CALENDAR
Monday
* Sterling Jetton will be the guest speaker at the Hamilton County Pachyderm Club. Jetton’s topic will be the impact of the 2016 presidential election. The meeting starts promptly at noon.
Parking is in the Finley Stadium lot across from GOP headquarters, 1428 Chestnut St.
* Dr. Daryl Black will speak to the League of Women Voters on the role Abby Crawford Milton played in the Tennessee Legislature’s ratification of the 19th Amendment in August 1920. Milton was the first president of the Tennessee League of Women Voters.
The meeting is at 5:30 p.m. in the Chattanooga Public Library auditorium.
For more information, contact Joan Hamner at joanhamner@yahoo.com.
Tuesday
* The Hamilton County Republican Women will hear Tina Benkiser, the Tennessee Republican Party committeewoman from Senate District 11, speak on law, politics and volunteerism as well as differences between Republicans and Democrats.
The meeting is at 11:30 a.m. at Morning Pointe of Hixson, 5501 Old Hixson Pike.
For information, contact Faye Robinson at 423-910-0612 or at F.Robinson001@comcast.net.
* The Bradley County Tea Party will discuss local, state and federal elected representatives at its meeting at 6:30 p.m. at the Bradley County Courthouse, 155 Broad St., Cleveland, Tenn.