U . S . Senator Mel Martinez steps down from public office
U
. S . Senator Mel Martinez ( R-FL ) issued the following statement regarding his decision to step down from public office :
“ Twelve years ago I offered myself as a candidate for public office in Florida out of a deep sense of appreciation for what America and the people of Florida did for me as a young immigrant to this country . In 1997 , Kitty and I decided it was time to give back and we entered the public arena , first as Mayor of Orange County , then as a Member of the President ’ s cabinet and now as a United States Senator . Through those experiences , I have gained the greatest respect for the people of Florida and have enjoyed serving their interests . When I began my term as Senator , I promised I wouldn ’ t simply warm a seat ; I promised to take on the difficult issues and work to make a difference . Keeping that promise has meant pressing for help and assistance for families struggling to keep their homes , their jobs , and their confidence that our country is safe .”
“ And on that note , I am especially grateful to the men and women of our military and their families whom I have had the distinct honor of representing in Washington and I thank them for their service to our country . As a US Senator , I have also had a platform to speak against the oppression of the Cuban regime and my hope for a better future for the people of Cuba . I will continue that lifelong passion in the next phase of my life . I will always be grateful to the people of Florida for bestowing on me the singular honor of representing them in the United States Senate . My priorities have always been my faith , my family and my country and at this stage in my life , and after nearly twelve years of public service in Florida and Washington , it ’ s time I return to Florida and my family . So today I am announcing my decision to step down from public office , effective on a successor taking office to fill out the remainder of my term .”
“ I have enjoyed my time in the Senate and have the utmost respect for my colleagues and the institution . I especially thank Republican Leader Mitch McConnell for his guidance and insight . I look forward to continuing to be an active and constructive voice on issues vital to Florida and our nation , and being an active member of Florida ’ s Republican Party .”
El recaudor de impuestos ofrece una nueva opción de pago para los propietarios .
Debido a la difícil situación económica que continúa en el Condado de Hillsborough , los dueños de casas están teniendo problemas para pagar los impuestos de su propiedad . Una nueva ley podrá ofrecerle alguna ayuda .
En Marzo del 2009 la legislatura del estado de Florida aprobó un proyecto para darle a los dueños de casa la opción de hacer pagos parciales a los impuestos de su propiedad . A los recaudadores de impuestos de los condados no se
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he bill which diverts $ 2 billion from a U . S . Department of Energy program loan guarantee program passed 316-109 . “ I ’ m pleased about the progress made in the House today about the cash for clunkers program ,” said President Obama , in a speech immediately following the vote . The fate of the $ 1 billion trade-in program was thrown into question over concerns that it may have already burned through its funds less than a week after it was officially launched . Obama , in his Friday speech , presented the program as a success : “ I ’ m happy to report that it has already succeeded beyond our expectations . It ’ s working so well that there are legitimate concerns that the original funds might already be exhausted .”
CASH For Clunkers ; What is the Car Allowance Rebate System ? The CAR Allowance Rebate System ( CARS ) is a $ 1 billion government program that helps consumers buy or lease a more environmentally-friendly vehicle from a participating dealer when they trade in a less fuel-efficient car or truck . The program is designed to energize the economy ; boost auto sales and put safer , cleaner and more fuel-efficient vehicles on the nation ’ s roadways . Consumers will be able to take advantage of this program and receive a $ 3,500 or $ 4,500 discount from the car dealer when they trade in their old vehicle and purchase or lease a new one . Consumers you do not need to register anywhere or at anytime for this program . However , to find out eligibility requirements visit CARS . Gov
Consumer Bill of Rights
• Qualified consumers may participate in the CARS Program between July 1 , 2009 and November 1 , 2009 or when authorized
� les requiere aceptar pagos parciales , pero el Racaudador de Impuestos del Condado de Hillsborough , Doug Belden , piensa que esta es otra forma de ayudar a los contribuyentes , en especial durante este tiempo de crisis económica . Como resultado , los dueños de casas del Condado de Hillsborough podrán hacer pagos parciales contra los impuestos de la propiedad a partir de Noviembre del 2009 . Debe aclararse que hay ciertas restricciones . Primero , esta opción no está disponible para aquellos que están atrasados en el pago de sus impuestos anteriores y los pagos que se hagan no serán menores de $ 100 a la vez . También , hay un cargo de procesamiento de $ 10 por cada pago parcial que se haga y no hay descuentos . Finalmente , los impuestos deben ser pagados en su totalidad en o antes del primero de Abril del 2010 para evitar cargos y multas adicionales .
Si usted no está interesado en sacrificar su descuento , existe otra opción de pago , según explica el Sr . Belden . El plan de pagos a plazos le permite a los dueños de casas hacer pagos trimestrales con descuentos , sujeto a previa aprobación . Para más información relacionado con pagos parciales o pagos a plazos , llame a la oficina del Recaudador de Impuestos al 813.635.5200 o visite su página de Internet www . hillstax . org
House passes bill to allocate another $ 2 billion to the Cash for Clunkers program
funds are no longer available .
• Qualified consumers will receive a credit of $ 3,500 or $ 4,500 for an eligible trade-in toward the purchase of lease of an approved vehicle under CARS Program .
• Qualified consumers will receive they $ 3,500 or $ 4,500 credit at the time they purchase their new vehicle .
• Dealers must provide consumers with any other advertised rebates or discounts in addition to the credit they receive through the CARS Program .
• Consumers should expect to conduct their deals at their dealership of choice , not on the Internet .
• Consumers should expect the dealers to provide their best estimate of the scrap value for their eligible trade-in vehicle . Dealers are allowed to deduct $ 50 from this value for their administrative costs .
• Consumers should expect that all information collected through the CARS Program will be kept confidential . Social Security numbers are not required for a CARS transaction .
NEW AMMENDMENT TO THE RULE The agency amended its rule implementing the CARS program . Dealers may now choose to disable the engine of the trade-in vehicle after they receive payment from the government for the credit ( not more than seven calendar days after payment ). However , until the vehicles engine is disabled , the dealer must store the vehicle at a location under the control of the dealership . In addition , because New Hampshire and Wisconsin do not have an insurance requirement under State law , trade-in vehicles registered in these two States are exempt from the one-year insurance requirement . For more info visit : CARS . Gov