Welcome to the fourth issue of the Taxpayer's Tab -- the weekly newsletter for up-to-the-minute research from the National Taxpayers Union Foundation's BillTally Project.
For more information on the National Taxpayers Union Foundation or the BillTally Project, check out our website and methodology.  Upcoming EventThe National Taxpayers Union Foundation in partnership with the Foundation for Educational Choice invites you to join us in celebrating Milton Friedman's 98th birthday with a film about four families in New York City desperately trying to get their children into a charter school and out of poverty. The Lottery is a documentary highlighting the conflict over educational choice that pits parents and their children against teacher unions in a battle for our country's future. RSVP here When: Friday, July 30th, Doors open at 5PM
Movie begins at 5:15 PM Sharp
Where: Murphy's Grand Irish Pub - Second Floor
713 King Street - Alexandria, Virginia
Contact: Dan Barrett at (703) 683-5700 ext. 676 Most Expensive Bill of the Week The Bill: S. 3442/H.R. 5442, Electric Vehicle Deployment Act
Annualized Cost: $624 million ($3.12 billion over five years) The Electric Vehicle Deployment Act's sponsor The Bill: H.R. 5138, International Megan's Law Number of cosponsors: 22 Congressmen In an effort to fight sex tourism, H.R. 5138 requires sex offenders to report their expected international trips at least 30 days before traveling abroad. Such information will be transmitted to American embassies and consular missions in foreign countries so that officials will be able to share information with foreign governments. The act also establishes the International Sex Offender Travel Center as a new entity under the Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency within the Department of Homeland Security. The Center would track offenders, principally those traveling to Mexico or Canada, provide training to state and local law enforcement, and share information with other agencies, such as the Department of Justice. Congressman Christopher Smith (NJ-4) reports "[t]ogether with our anti-human trafficking laws, the International Megan's Law will work to ensure that we do more to protect children from the life long consequences of exploitation and prevent these heinous crimes - before they take place." As scored by CBO, International Megan's Law would have an annualized cost of $50 million ($252 million over five years). Cosponsors include Congressmen from both parties representing different geographical areas. | | The WildcardThe Bill: H.R. 5125, Restitution for Local Government Act Before the credit and housing bubbles burst, many local governments bought financial products from Lehman Brothers. After its collapse in 2008, the municipalities' investments significantly decreased in value, resulting in losses by not only cities but other public entities such as school districts and colleges. Congresswoman Anna Eshoo (CA-14) has sponsored legislation that diverts repaid TARP funds to bail out local governments for their investment losses. Originally, repaid TARP funds were to be reclaimed by the U.S. Treasury but under H.R. 5125, up to $1.7 billion of repaid TARP monies would be transferred to municipalities who held Lehman assets on September 12, 2008. In a press release, Eshoo says "[w]hen Lehman collapsed, San Mateo County and other public agencies across the country were crippled, and we owe them some relief." |
About NTUF The National Taxpayers Union Foundation is a research and educational organization dedicated solely to helping citizens of all generations understand how tax policies, spending programs, and regulations at all levels affect them now and in the future. Through NTUF's timely information, analysis, and commentary, we're empowering citizens to actively engage in the fiscal policy debate and hold public officials accountable every day. NTUF is a 501(c)(3) research and education organization. Donations are deductible for personal income tax purposes. Please make a donation today to help further NTUF's mission of research and education! The Taxpayer's Tab is for educational purposes only and is not intended to aid or hinder the passage of any legislation or as a comment on any Member's fitness to serve. Cost estimates are preliminary and are subject to change. 
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