April 23, 2021
Arguably, there is nothing generating more interest and more intensity in Congress right now than President Biden’s $2.3 trillion infrastructure proposal and the equally massive corporate tax increase which Democrats want to use to pay for their plan. We asked Patrick Robertson to summarize some of the corporate tax changes Democrats are talking about as part of this infrastructure proposal – and then to tease us with some of the changes to the individual tax code that are being discussed for their next legislative agenda.
Al Jackson brings us up to date on defense issues, and Ramona Lessen highlights two Senate hearings: one before the Senate Finance Committee to consider the nominations of Andrea Joan Palm to be Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Services and Chiquita Brooks-LaSure to be Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid, and a second of the Senate Appropriations Committee focused on the American Jobs Plan, infrastructure, climate change, and America’s future.
Congressman Kevin Brady, former Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee and now the committee’s Ranking Member, recently announced his retirement from Congress at the end of 2022. Congressman Erik Paulsen served with Congressman Brady and they were housemates in Washington. Erik wrote a wonderful short article about his friend, colleague, and mentor Congressman Brady – which we think you will appreciate.
Jesse Weathington provides an update on the latest in Georgia with his Gold Dome Report. As always, be sure to check out the Infographs for an in-depth look at current hot topics.
Total Spectrum Spotlight focuses on Senator Shelley Moore Capito, Republican of West Virginia. Senator Capito serves on four Committees – Appropriations; Commerce, Science, and Transportation; Environment and Public Works where she is the Ranking Member; and Rules and Administration. She is point person on assembling the Republican response to the administration’s infrastructure proposal and is recognized for her legislative reach and effectiveness. Congressman Erik Paulsen served with Shelley Moore Capito in the House of Representatives and they have a wonderful discussion as former colleagues and friends.
And, finally, we want to let you know about a new addition to the Total Spectrum team. We are excited to announce that Blake Fulenwider has joined Total Spectrum as Partner and Total Spectrum Georgia’s Chief Health Policy Advisor. Blake has spent more than a decade advising, creating, and administrating health care policy for a Georgia Congressman and two Georgia Governors. He was also successful as a healthcare advocate and consultant during his first stint with Total Spectrum. Jesse and I have worked with Blake both in and outside of federal and state government. He is top notch, and we are not only proud to call him our friend, but we can now call him one of our Partners here at Total Spectrum. For those who don’t know Blake, Total Spectrum’s Managing Partner, Steve Gordon, gives an introduction which highlights Blake’s background and achievements.