Should We Bury The PA Death Tax?

In the July issue of Northern Connection magazine, I “Started the Conversation” regarding the injustice of the Pennsylvania Inheritance tax, also known as, the “death tax” that taxes certain beneficiaries of a will of the deceased. The injustice is due to the fact that the deceased already paid taxes while alive and in many cases, the estate includes property, such as a home, which must be sold to pay for the taxes.

With the help of our reader, Myer Spector, who supplied the following documentation for me, you can see that, once money is made from the sale of property it must be declared as income and taxed accordingly IN ADDITION TO the death tax.

Furthermore, Mr. Spector received the amounts collected from the inheritance tax from the PA House Appropriations Committee that for 2013-2014, PA estimates it received $894.3 MILLION – yes, almost a BILLION in proceeds from the death tax. When this figured is coupled with the fact that according to a new study, Pennsylvania is ranked 5^th among the MOST corrupt states in the nation http://thetimes-tribune.com/news/study-pennsylvania-fifth-in-corruption-1.1703090, it begs the question: How much of these ill-gotten gains are paying for this corruption?

Also, Mr. Spector received two letters from Tom Corbett the current Governor of Pennsylvania. In one letter, prior to becoming governor, Tom Corbett made the campaign promise to repeal the death tax once he became the Governor of Pennsylvania. The second letter is a status report that explains what he has been doing OTHER than repealing the death tax.

The following letters and documentation inserted here for your consideration:

 

 

 

 

If you would like to contact the Governor regarding this matter, you can message him on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/Gov.TomCorbett

Let’s Continue the Conversation - What do you think? Please leave your comments below:

 

Manly, Yes, But I Like it Too!

Breaking stereotypes, doing what you want and not caring about what others might say or think, this was the topic for this month’s “Starting the Conversation” in Northern Connection magazine. I remember when breaking stereotypes was more the norm with catchy slogans like “Manly Yes, but I like it too” for Irish Spring soap.

Being a Pittsburgher, I am also a huge fan of professional sports (very few women outside the Steeler nation are) so even though he wasn’t a Steeler, I was tickled-pink when football legend Emmitt Smith appeared on – and won – Dancing with the Stars! #DWTS

Here he is dancing his Freestyle, if you missed the season: #EmmittSmith

Then, our very own Hines Ward was also on the show: #HinesWard

I think I was so enthused because my husband Tom and I had taken ballroom lessons for years so it was so thrilling to see our favorite sport stars and actors also embracing the past time. Here’s a picture of us having a spin around the floor:

 

So let’s continue the conversation, have you ever broken a stereotype or have wanted to? Why do you think people tease or bully to stop people from doing what they want? I’d love to hear from you, please feel free to leave a comment below.



Why is it a "Boy" Thing?

In this month’s issue of Northern Connection magazine, I started the conversation regarding my concern over the lack of young women and girls that are interested in the sciences and wondered why it has suddenly started being labeled a “boy” thing. I also referred to two of my favorite female scientists that are terrific role models on television and show girls having fun and great jobs in science. They are: Kari Byron in Mythbusters and Mayim Bialik who portrays Amy on The Big Bang Theory who, in addition to being an actress, earned her PhD in Neuroscience from UCLA. In case you haven’t seen them, here are some interviews and clips of these incredible women:

 

Why do you think science is being labeled a "boy" thing? How do you think we can encourage girls to embrace the sciences?

Please leave your thoughts and comments below we'd love to hear from you.

Do You Believe in True Love?

In the March issue of Northern Connection magazine’s “Starting the Conversation”, I mentioned that I love stories of true love especially stories of a love that has withstood the test of time.

Specifically, I shared the story of former talk show host Mike Douglas and his wife Genevieve and her advice to me not to be too clingy when my hubby is busy with work or with the public (which was excellent advice since my husband is a public speaker). I also told the story of Roy Rogers and Dale Evens, television and film stars that believe in the 70-30 rule: where you each promise to give 70% and only expect 30% and that way, the marriage will feel more even and balanced.

What do you think of these stories? Do you have a story of true love you’d like to share?

I’d love to hear from you, post your comments, thoughts and stories in the comment area below:

Obamacare: Is it Good, Bad or Ugly?

In the February issue of Northern Connection magazine, I “Started the Conversation” on Obamacare; and wonder whether it is good, bad or ugly? On the one hand, it seems much more affordable and covers pre-existing conditions, which would definitely be a good thing. On the other hand, there’s the intense concern about whether we will be guaranteed the same level of care. Will the insurance companies dictate to doctors what they can prescribe or tests they can run? This would definitely be a bad thing. And if I’m permitted a third hand, the ridiculously expensive snafus with the web site – that was downright repulsive. Then, there was the whole issue whether people can remain with their same insurance provider or not - one minute it’s yes, the next minute it’s no – and with little to no explanation.

What do you think? Have you had any personal experiences with Obamacare? Do you have concerns? Are you all in favor?

You can enter your thoughts below in the comment section and let’s “Continue the Conversation.”

Should Taxes Follow?

I “Started the Conversation” In the January issue of Northern Connection magazine, regarding the question on taxes for alternative schooling. Charter Schools which are independent public schools are funded by the taxes allotted for a child go with the child from their current school district.

Which begs the question: shouldn’t the taxes allotted for a child follow the child if he or she attends any alternative schooling?

I know in my own case, when I was being emotionally and physically bullied, the school district could no longer guarantee my safety, so my parents sent me to a private high school where I received a wonderful education in a safe and wholesome environment. Unfortunately, my family had difficulty affording the private school so any kind of tax break would have helped.

Also, just a few months ago in November of 2013, the Pennsylvania Senate Appropriations Committee approved an amended version of a charter school reform bill that will allow most charters to receive payments directly from the state rather than routing them through the local school districts and will enable other entities other than the state and school districts, such as universities, to authorize charter schools. (here's the amended version of the bill ).

Which begs another question: if they wanted, should a private or parochial school be able apply for “charter” status and receive state funded money?

What do you think? Let your voice be heard in the comment section below: