Potpourri: Provision In Legislation Would Sideline Device Tax For Five Years
Potpourri: Provision In Legislation Would Sideline Device Tax For Five Years
Posted
Dan Spalding-dspalding@timesuniononline.com
Potpourri: Provision In Legislation Would Sideline Device Tax For Five YearsRepublicans have been unable – or unwilling – to get rid of Obamacare, but one Indiana Congressman is trying to further diminish the device tax, which was intended as part of the funding sources for the health reform program.
Third District Rep. Jim Banks recently praised the inclusion of a five-year suspension of the medical device tax in a tax reform package expected to be considered by the House sometime this month.
The legislation would extend the current suspension of the medical device tax through 2024.
“The potential return of the medical device tax could jeopardize thousands of Hoosier jobs, which is why this tax must never go back into effect,” said Banks in a news release.
He called for passage of legislation before the end of the year.
The device tax first took effect in 2013. Congress suspended the tax for 2016 and 2017, then extended the suspension for 2018 and 2019.
Earlier this year, Banks voted for legislation to permanently repeal the medical device tax.
The legislation passed the House but has not been considered by the Senate.
All of this begs the question: Is this further evidence that Obamacare isn’t going away any time soon?
Revved Up – Supporters of the Kosciusko Fairgrounds racetrack are revving up its interest in Friday’s mediation session aimed at resolving a lawsuit initiated from neighbors of the track in Warsaw.
A post on the Facebook page “We Want Another Warsaw Speedway” urges supporters to repost comments underscoring the importance of re-establishing racing at the track, which officially ceased 25 years ago until recent years.
The post looks like one long rant that includes plenty of all-cap phrases, and suggests this “may be the last chance” to save racing at the fairgrounds.
The post also claims the future of the fair could hinge on the ability to host races.
Exactly how sharing the comments will affect the mediation was unclear. Representatives for the plaintiffs and the fair board will meet Friday for its first attempt to resolve the dispute.
In two days, the post was shared by 20 followers.
Here’s a prediction: Both sides will quickly agree to allow several races a year with a stipulation that racing ends no later than 11 p.m. (which Warsaw Mayor Joe Thallemer pitched earlier this year).
Bike Program Update – The first year of the Warsaw + Winona Lake Bike Share program has concluded. The 20 bikes used in the Zagster.com-based community bicycle program were scheduled to be picked up and stored this weekend.
In its first year, the program attracted 695 users, according to information provided by the city. Zimmer Biomet is sponsoring the bike program, which has four stations.
dunkin update – Representatives of Dunkin’ – formerly Dunkin Donuts – replied to a request seeking details about Warsaw’s future store on Center Street.
Despite the advanced level of construction progress, the company says the store won’t open until the third quarter (sometime after June).
The store will have a new, modern design and will feature in-store technologies aimed at making visits to Dunkin’ faster and more convenient, including a dedicated mobile ordering pickup line.
The only other similar-styled Dunkin’ in Indiana is on Lima Road in Fort Wayne, which opened last week, the company said.
