The Treasury Department reports that illegal immigrants filing tax returns using the Individual Tax Identification Number are receiving more than $1.5 billion each year from the federal government through the Child Tax Credit and the Additional Child Tax Credit.
Many illegal immigrants are regularly accessing welfare benefits in the United States in different ways. They may do so through those state and local governments that do not verify citizenship or that accept false proof of citizenship. In many cases, they access welfare benefits through their citizen children born in the United States.
Additionally, and this is the focus of this report, there are ways illegal immigrants can obtain a form of federal welfare that is available to income tax filers. Since a significant percentage of illegal immigrants have low incomes, work “off the books,” or work with false names and Social Security numbers, it is likely that many report little or no income when applying for federal, state, or local benefits.
An illegal immigrant cannot qualify for a legitimate Social Security number to use to file income tax returns or for any other purposes. Thus, a major facilitator for illegal immigrant access to income tax-based welfare benefits is the nine-digit Individual Tax Identification Number (ITIN) established by the IRS in 1996. It was initially established for people like foreign investors, who are required to file U.S. income tax forms but can not legally obtain a Social Security number.
However, the IRS has allowed illegal immigrants to apply for and use the ITIN for filing income taxes returns related to income earned in the United States. Consequently, the ITIN quickly became a vehicle for illegal immigrants to obtain refunds of part or all of income taxes withheld (if any) from their pay and for obtaining refundable tax credits above and beyond any withholding.
All but a small minority of people using ITINs today are illegal immigrants.
Since Congress did not explicitly limit the Child Tax Credit (CTC) and the Additional Child Tax Credit (ACTC) to holders of Social Security numbers, the IRS has allowed ITIN filers to obtain billions of dollars of refund checks related to these tax credits. If the CTC results in negative total tax due, it may be converted into an ACTC, which is the vehicle that the ITIN filer (or Social Security number filer) may use to collect the negative tax in the form of a check from the IRS. By IRS rules, the ACTC is a refundable credit available to individuals with no tax liability. Read more here>>
DelMarVa's Premier Source for News, Opinion, Analysis, and Human Interest Contact Publisher Joe Albero at alberobutzo@wmconnect.com or 410-430-5349
Saturday, November 13, 2010
Say Goodbye To Station 16
Council Members,
The future of Fire Station 16 is planned to be on your work session agenda on Monday November 15, 2010 and our Coastal Venture Properties submittal will be discussed.
Since our submittal on October 22, 2009 we are pleased to say that our Team members of Perdue Farms, Hospitality Entrepreneurial Institute (UMES) and Pete Roskovich of Black Diamond Catering are all still on board with the project.
We formed our team around the idea the City of Salisbury, Urban Salisbury and University of Maryland of the Eastern Shore created in 2008 which is driven from both the Regional Urban Design Assistance Team study completed in 1980 and the Hyatt Palma study completed in 2001.
This project is a step toward downtown’s vitality, having a true impact on the City of Salisbury; thru partnerships with the Palmer and Bradley Gillis, University of Maryland of the Eastern Shore, Perdue Farms, Black Diamond Catering, City of Salisbury, Urban Salisbury and other local organizations and business. Offer a hospitality experience thru education that is unparalleled.
Our team of experts in real estate development, education, business and hospitality show our commitment to the long term success of this exciting project. We firmly believe our team has the well-known financial stability to carry this project thru concept to conception. The team has a proven track record for establishing successful ventures and we look forward to working with the City of Salisbury on the unique opportunity.
We will restore and reuse this historical valuable downtown building by creating a regional self-supporting, hospitality destination located in the Heart-of-Delmarva, Salisbury Maryland Downtown, similar to the space and agreements made for the Regional Art Institute and Gallery facility located at 212 West Main Street in the Plaza Gallery Building.
These strategic partnerships will transform the firehouse into a sustainable multi-event venue for the citizens of Salisbury. University of Maryland of the Eastern Shore students and Black Diamond Catering will host local causes and groups. The building will be home to events such as shows, banquets, wine tastings, dinners-theaters, non-profit events (Life Crisis Center and the Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce have already hosted events), community group meetings, and local governmental meeting.
Synergy with local hospitality establishments will enhance the image of downtown Salisbury by adding pedestrian movement of downtown.
This city owned property will be transferred to the tax rol ls and amusement, personal property taxes will be contributed to the city’s and county’s coffers. Also the project will have 3-5 apartments on the second floor. This project truly implements the vision of the City of Salisbury, live, work, play, DOWNTOWN and is a step toward downtown’s vitality and having a true impact on the City of Salisbury.
Bradley Gillis
Found Dog UPDATE
Hey Joe,
Thanks to you, and your great website. "Dora" dog we found in our parking lot yesterday on the corner of eastern shore drive & lincoln ave will be reunited with her owners today!!!!!!
Thanks to you, and your great website. "Dora" dog we found in our parking lot yesterday on the corner of eastern shore drive & lincoln ave will be reunited with her owners today!!!!!!
Found on Eastern Shore Drive, near Lincoln Ave. No collar. 410-548-2225 until 5pm or 443-523-7935 after
Ethics Panel Sets Monday Hearing For Rangel
A House panel has set a Monday morning date to hear the ethics case against New York Democratic Rep. Charles B. Rangel, former chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee and long one of the most influential black lawmakers in Congress.
The 9 a.m. Monday session announced by the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct will come on the first day lawmakers arrive back in Washington to begin the lame-duck legislative session following the November mid-term elections. Mr. Rangel, who easily won re-election in his Harlem district to a 21st term Nov. 2, has insisted he is innocent of the charges and has rejected offers to settle the charges.
The ethics case — and one still pending against another top black Democratic lawmaker, Rep. Maxine Waters of California — proved an embarrassment to the party in an election where congressional Democrats suffered heavy losses.
Committee Chairwoman Rep. Zoe Lofgren, California Democrat, announced last month that hearings into the two cases would be held during the lame-duck session.
Here is more
The 9 a.m. Monday session announced by the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct will come on the first day lawmakers arrive back in Washington to begin the lame-duck legislative session following the November mid-term elections. Mr. Rangel, who easily won re-election in his Harlem district to a 21st term Nov. 2, has insisted he is innocent of the charges and has rejected offers to settle the charges.
The ethics case — and one still pending against another top black Democratic lawmaker, Rep. Maxine Waters of California — proved an embarrassment to the party in an election where congressional Democrats suffered heavy losses.
Committee Chairwoman Rep. Zoe Lofgren, California Democrat, announced last month that hearings into the two cases would be held during the lame-duck session.
Here is more
Baucus: Repeal 1099 Filing Rule From Obamacare
A top Democrat in the U.S. Senate on Friday pledged to repeal a provision of the new healthcare law that requires businesses to file tax forms on transactions of more than $600.
Sen. Max Baucus, chairman of that chamber's tax-writing committee, said he would introduce legislation to repeal that part of the law, which requires filing so-called 1099 forms, after small business groups complained it would become a paperwork nightmare.
Obama last week said that he would fight any attempt to repeal the legislation, but would be willing to consider some Republican ideas. He suggested the two sides work together to change the new business transaction reporting requirement.
More
Sen. Max Baucus, chairman of that chamber's tax-writing committee, said he would introduce legislation to repeal that part of the law, which requires filing so-called 1099 forms, after small business groups complained it would become a paperwork nightmare.
Obama last week said that he would fight any attempt to repeal the legislation, but would be willing to consider some Republican ideas. He suggested the two sides work together to change the new business transaction reporting requirement.
More
P.G. County Executive Jack Johnson, Wife Arrested In FBI Sting
Caught in an FBI sting taking a $15,000 payment from an unnamed developer Friday, Mr. Johnson later told his wife by telephone not to answer the door when two FBI agents came to their home, authorities said.
The county executive, a Democrat who was previously the county's top prosecutor, then told his wife, Leslie Johnson, to tear up a $100,000 check from the developer and stash tens of thousands of dollars in cash in her bra, authorities said in charging documents.
"Tear it up! That is the only thing you have to do," Mr. Johnson told his wife, referring to the check, according to prosecutors.
Asked by his wife about "cash down in the basement," the documents say Mr. Johnson replied, "Put it in your bra and walk out or something, I don't know what to do."
Later, Mr. Johnson told his wife to flush the check down the toilet, according to documents.
"Yes, flush that," he said.
FBI agents, in a search of Mrs. Johnson, recovered $79,600 in cash from her underwear, officials said.
Read more here
Woodland Ferry Shut Down For Routine Maintenance And Inspection
Seaford -- The Department of Transportation (DelDOT) announces that the Woodland Ferry will be shut down for routine maintenance and its annual U.S. Coast Guard inspection beginning November 15, 2010.
Routine maintenance will include, but is not limited to, checking and replacing fluids, examining the thruster, as well as checking all valves and pumps. Crews will also examine the engine to ensure maximum operating efficiency.
The U.S. Coast Guard inspection ensures compliance with U.S. Coast Guard regulations and safe operation of the vessel.
The ferry will return to service following the maintenance work and a successful inspection. The return to service date is dependent on what issue may arise from the inspection, but is expected to occur within four weeks.
DelDOT appreciates the patience of motorists and area residents during the ferry's downtime.
Routine maintenance will include, but is not limited to, checking and replacing fluids, examining the thruster, as well as checking all valves and pumps. Crews will also examine the engine to ensure maximum operating efficiency.
The U.S. Coast Guard inspection ensures compliance with U.S. Coast Guard regulations and safe operation of the vessel.
The ferry will return to service following the maintenance work and a successful inspection. The return to service date is dependent on what issue may arise from the inspection, but is expected to occur within four weeks.
DelDOT appreciates the patience of motorists and area residents during the ferry's downtime.
Leadership Struggle Averted By House Democrats
House Democrats averted a messy leadership struggle, clearing the way for Maryland Rep. Steny Hoyer to become second in command of their new minority without a challenge from South Carolina Rep. James Clyburn.
Under an arrangement worked out in private, officials said late Friday that Clyburn would instead receive a new position, title unknown and duties undescribed, explicitly labeled the third-ranking post in leadership.
The maneuvering was described by Democratic officials after Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., issued a vaguely worded statement saying she intends to nominate Clyburn to a new No. 3 post. The statement made no mention of Hoyer, and officials who filled in the details did so on condition of anonymity, saying they were not permitted to speak publicly about the matter.
Pelosi is assured of remaining Democratic party leader when the new Congress convenes in January under a Republican majority. She has drawn no opposition for the post even though several members of the rank and file have said they would prefer she step aside after historic election losses. The GOP gained at least 60 seats in midterm elections, more than enough to return to power after a four-year absence.
A race between Hoyer, D-Md., and Clyburn, D-S.C., for the post of party whip took shape in the days following the election and quickly took on racial overtones. Clyburn is the most powerful African-American in Congress, and he drew a formal endorsement from the Congressional Black Caucus.
[But not powerful enough... Pelosi threw him a bone and told him to sit down and hush. More of the same old, same old.-- Editor]
More here
Under an arrangement worked out in private, officials said late Friday that Clyburn would instead receive a new position, title unknown and duties undescribed, explicitly labeled the third-ranking post in leadership.
The maneuvering was described by Democratic officials after Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., issued a vaguely worded statement saying she intends to nominate Clyburn to a new No. 3 post. The statement made no mention of Hoyer, and officials who filled in the details did so on condition of anonymity, saying they were not permitted to speak publicly about the matter.
Pelosi is assured of remaining Democratic party leader when the new Congress convenes in January under a Republican majority. She has drawn no opposition for the post even though several members of the rank and file have said they would prefer she step aside after historic election losses. The GOP gained at least 60 seats in midterm elections, more than enough to return to power after a four-year absence.
A race between Hoyer, D-Md., and Clyburn, D-S.C., for the post of party whip took shape in the days following the election and quickly took on racial overtones. Clyburn is the most powerful African-American in Congress, and he drew a formal endorsement from the Congressional Black Caucus.
[But not powerful enough... Pelosi threw him a bone and told him to sit down and hush. More of the same old, same old.-- Editor]
More here
Today's Dog Show
On Saturday, the Salisbury MD Kennel Club has contracted with three veterinarians who are experts in their fields (Eyes, Ears & Heart ) to hold a health clinic during the show for the benefit of participants. THE CLINIC IS OPEN TO ANYONE who wants to avail themselves of the service. A fee is charged, but much less than an office visit would be. You may see one veterinarian or all three. Info: http://www.easternshoreclassic.com/
Obama, GOP Set For Lame-Duck Showdown Over Tax Cuts
A wrangle over extending tax cuts for millions of Americans will be the first major test of whether President Barack Obama and resurgent Republicans can work together to fix the U.S. economy.
In the wake of the Nov. 2 election in which Republicans won control in the House, Obama and the Republicans must thrash out a deal or tax rates for everyone will rise in January.
The debate over taxes is likely to dominate the "lame-duck" session in Congress starting Monday, so called because the shift in power brought by last week's elections is not reflected until the new members take up their seats in January.
Obama's Democrats, who will continue to control both the House and Senate during the weeks-long session, might also end the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," policy on gays in the military and ratify a new arms reductions treaty with Russia.
Some senators are pushing for a vote to castigate China during this time for keeping its yuan currency artificially low, but the bill looks set to languish because trade has lower priority than domestic economic matters.
Debate over taxes is the most pressing issue.
Republicans want a full extension of all tax cuts enacted during the administration of then-President George W. Bush which were timed to expire at the end of 2010. They say that failure to renew them would hurt the already ailing economy.
Obama and most of his Democrats favor extending tax cuts only for the first $200,000 of income of individuals, $250,000 for families.
More
In the wake of the Nov. 2 election in which Republicans won control in the House, Obama and the Republicans must thrash out a deal or tax rates for everyone will rise in January.
The debate over taxes is likely to dominate the "lame-duck" session in Congress starting Monday, so called because the shift in power brought by last week's elections is not reflected until the new members take up their seats in January.
Obama's Democrats, who will continue to control both the House and Senate during the weeks-long session, might also end the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," policy on gays in the military and ratify a new arms reductions treaty with Russia.
Some senators are pushing for a vote to castigate China during this time for keeping its yuan currency artificially low, but the bill looks set to languish because trade has lower priority than domestic economic matters.
Debate over taxes is the most pressing issue.
Republicans want a full extension of all tax cuts enacted during the administration of then-President George W. Bush which were timed to expire at the end of 2010. They say that failure to renew them would hurt the already ailing economy.
Obama and most of his Democrats favor extending tax cuts only for the first $200,000 of income of individuals, $250,000 for families.
More
Obama Calls For Earmark Reform, GOP Calls For Ban
Confronting the nation's mounting deficit, President Barack Obama is urging Congress to limit spending on pet home-state projects, while Republicans are challenging him to support an outright ban.
In his weekly radio and online address Saturday, Obama said that with the economy still struggling to recover from the recession, the U.S. cannot afford unnecessary spending on so-called earmarks, items lawmakers slip into spending bills without a full examination or debate.
"When it comes to signaling our commitment to fiscal responsibility, addressing them would have an important impact," Obama said from Asia, where he was wrapping up a 10-day trip.
However, Obama stopped short of calling for a full ban on earmarks, saying some of them "support worthy projects in our local communities." While he said steps must be taken to limit wasteful spending, he offered no specific proposals for how to do so.
The top Republicans in the House, Reps. John Boehner of Ohio and Eric Cantor of Virginia, issued a joint statement welcoming Obama's remarks on earmark reform. But they also raised the stakes, challenging Obama to immediately agree to veto any spending bills that include earmarks.
"Washington has failed to prioritize the way that taxpayer dollars are spent, and shutting down the earmark process is a good first step to begin righting the ship," Boehner and Cantor said in the statement.
Boehner and Cantor said House Republicans, including all newly elected lawmakers, will vote next week on a measure that would ban earmarks when the new session of Congress starts in January.
More
In his weekly radio and online address Saturday, Obama said that with the economy still struggling to recover from the recession, the U.S. cannot afford unnecessary spending on so-called earmarks, items lawmakers slip into spending bills without a full examination or debate.
"When it comes to signaling our commitment to fiscal responsibility, addressing them would have an important impact," Obama said from Asia, where he was wrapping up a 10-day trip.
However, Obama stopped short of calling for a full ban on earmarks, saying some of them "support worthy projects in our local communities." While he said steps must be taken to limit wasteful spending, he offered no specific proposals for how to do so.
The top Republicans in the House, Reps. John Boehner of Ohio and Eric Cantor of Virginia, issued a joint statement welcoming Obama's remarks on earmark reform. But they also raised the stakes, challenging Obama to immediately agree to veto any spending bills that include earmarks.
"Washington has failed to prioritize the way that taxpayer dollars are spent, and shutting down the earmark process is a good first step to begin righting the ship," Boehner and Cantor said in the statement.
Boehner and Cantor said House Republicans, including all newly elected lawmakers, will vote next week on a measure that would ban earmarks when the new session of Congress starts in January.
More
Wicomico County Sheriff's Office Press Release
Incident: Burglary
Date of Incident: 10 November 2010
Location: 6000 block of Cherry Walk Rd, Quantico, MD
Suspect: Gary Betters, 47, Quantico, MD
Narrative: On 10 November 2010 at 8:41 PM a deputy from Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office responded to investigate a burglary in progress at a residence in the 6000 block of Cherry Walk Rd in Quantico. Upon arrival, the deputy met with the suspect Mr. Betters who advised he came to that residence to see his son. Betters’ estranged wife had moved to this residence with their son. After being denied entrance and having the door shut, Mr. Bitters decided to enter anyway. Once inside he was confronted by another member of his wife’s family who he shoved out of the way in an attempt to locate his wife. At the conclusion of the investigation, the deputy placed Betters under arrest for burglary.
The deputy transported Gary Betters to the Central Booking Unit where he was processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner. After an initial appearance, the Commissioner detained Betters in the Detention Center in lieu of $50.000.00 bond.
Charges: Burglary 1st Degree
Burglary 4th Degree
Assault 2nd degree
Date of Incident: 10 November 2010
Location: 6000 block of Cherry Walk Rd, Quantico, MD
Suspect: Gary Betters, 47, Quantico, MD
Narrative: On 10 November 2010 at 8:41 PM a deputy from Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office responded to investigate a burglary in progress at a residence in the 6000 block of Cherry Walk Rd in Quantico. Upon arrival, the deputy met with the suspect Mr. Betters who advised he came to that residence to see his son. Betters’ estranged wife had moved to this residence with their son. After being denied entrance and having the door shut, Mr. Bitters decided to enter anyway. Once inside he was confronted by another member of his wife’s family who he shoved out of the way in an attempt to locate his wife. At the conclusion of the investigation, the deputy placed Betters under arrest for burglary.
The deputy transported Gary Betters to the Central Booking Unit where he was processed and taken in front of the District Court Commissioner. After an initial appearance, the Commissioner detained Betters in the Detention Center in lieu of $50.000.00 bond.
Charges: Burglary 1st Degree
Burglary 4th Degree
Assault 2nd degree
State Police Probe Unlawful Sexual Contact Incidents At Christiana Hospital
Location:
Christiana Hospital 4755 Ogletown-Stanton Road Newark, DE 19718
Date of Occurrences:
October 29, 2010 to November 11, 2010
Victims:
3 Female patients
Suspect:
Dark skinned male, 5’07’-5’10”, 150-170lbs, average build, black hair, brown eyes, wearing t-shirt, blue jeans, and white lab coat.
Resume:
Newark- The Delaware State Police are investigating the reports of three separate incidents of Unlawful Sexual Contact that occurred at the Christiana Hospital, 4755 Ogletown-Stanton Road, Newark, between the dates of October 29, 2010 thru November 11, 2010.
All of the victims were female patients that were admitted to Christiana Hospital. The incidents occurred when a male suspect, described as a dark skinned male, 5’07”-5’10”, 150-170lbs, average build, black hair, brown eyes, wearing t-shirt and blue jeans, and a White Lab Coat, entered the victims’ rooms, posing as a doctor. The suspect then performed a physical exam on the patients, where he improperly touched and fondled the victims and then exited the room. The incidents were reported to Christiana Hospital Staff and the Delaware State Police were notified on Friday, November 12, 2010 and are investigating.
Christiana Care Health System is fully and actively cooperating with, and assisting the Delaware State Police with the investigation. Christiana Health Care system is also conducting its own thorough internal investigation, has heightened security and surveillance, and is reviewing recent ID card-reader activity and surveillance videos. All staff has also been reminded to follow all safety-first guidelines including the proper display of employee identification badges at all times.
Detectives are asking anyone with any information in reference to this incident or believe that they may have been victimized in similar incidents to contact Troop 2 at 302-834-2630 ext. 205. They may also submit tips through Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333 or online at www.tipsubmit.com.
Pittsville Fire Department
Come join us today at Pittsville Fire Dept for our 1st Annual Craft Fair. We have over 50 vendors. Addmission is FREE. Open from 9-12PM. Lunch will be available. Outside we will be cooking BBQ Chicken, Hamburgers, Hot Dogs, Clam Strips, and more.
HISTORICAL COMMENTS BY GEORGE CHEVALLIER
Styles
Throughout the years many styles have been dictated by the fashion mavens who changed fashions just to sell clothes. Colors have also figured in the changing of the look for different years.
The bowler hat of the 1890’s gave way to the straw hat followed by the fedora. Hats fell out of favor when the hair styles didn’t allow a hat to be worn comfortably. Recently the baseball cap has been prevalent for day-to-day wear for most men not in business attire.
A neat suit has always been in style, but they changed from single-breasted to double-breasted occasionally just for the sake of selling a new fashion. Single- breasted might have two or three buttons. For the man who wanted to stay in style, he practically had to get a new wardrobe every year.
There were far-out styles, such as zoot suits in the 1940’s, which the young people embraced to the dismay of the older generation. It was meant to irritate the older folks and advertise that you were different. It worked.
In my generation there were styles that evoked the same response that zoot suits did a generation before. These were usually done with conventional clothing. The long, slicked back hair with the duck tail in the back and a pompadour in the front was introduced by Elvis Presley and was the bain of every parent. This was usually accompanied by tight-legged pants and engineer boots. It really brought about a division in the teen-agers of the day. Most boys had crew cuts and frowned on the antics of the “drapes”, which was the name bestowed on the boys that didn’t follow the mainstream way of thinking and dressing. Another thing was the turned-up collar. This was a sure sign of an anti-establishment attitude. The only thing that spilled over from the fringe to the mainstream was the pink shirt worn with black pants. My mother always thought that pink clashed with my red hair and would never get me one. She also refused to buy me a pair of Levi’s, or dungarees as she called them.
In the 1950’s, it was almost a uniform to wear button-down shirts, khaki pants, white athletic socks and penny loafers. We were lucky in Salisbury to have a Gant shirt factory with an outlet store. We all had Gant shirts and loved the fact that they were about half of what they cost in regular stores. The Gant store was where Season’s Best antique mall is now.
The styles have been fairly standard for the last thirty years, and, if it fits, you can wear it and feel in style. The problem is that most of my clothes seem to get smaller with age.