LEGOLAND^® Florida will be the biggest LEGOLAND^® Park ever opened and will offer a unique mix of more than 50 rides, shows and attractions, including spectacular LEGO^® models and other interactive elements for the whole family to enjoy together.

LEGOLAND^®

But here’s something in the expanded program that hasn’t gotten much attention: The new $6,500 federal tax credit for so-called “move up” buyers took effect immediately upon enactment.

That means that potentially hundreds of thousands of Americans who fit the key ownership and income criteria for the new credit are eligible for it … right now.

The U.S. Department of Labor announced earlier today that the national employment rate reached 10.2% in October, the highest level in over 26 years.  Florida has certainly been affected by the downturn of the economy.  Our State’s economy is stabilized largely by tourism, agriculture, and construction, and large spikes in unemployment – as well as a downturn in our nation’s housing market – have sent ripples that have virtually affected all segments of our economy, in every corner of our State.  While Florida’s October unemployment rates will not be released until later this month, our current rate is already well above the national rate at 11%, and some counties are much higher.  These rates, which have gradually increased, are of great concern and I am focused on supporting policies that will help to reduce unemployment and stimulate the economy.

I am pleased to share that yesterday the House of Representatives passed H.R. 3548, the Unemployment Compensation Extension Act of 2009, as amended by the Senate, with my support. The President is expected to sign the legislation as early as today.

This important legislation extends the $8,000 first-time homebuyers tax credit for an additional five months, from November 30, 2009, to April 30, 2010.  In addition, the bill provides a $6,500 tax credit for homebuyers that are not first time buyers, but have owned a primary residence at least five consecutive years in the last eight years. 

The legislation caps the credit eligibility on homes that cost $800,000 or more and raises the current income limit from $75,000 to $125,000 for individuals, and $150,000 to $225,000 in the case of a joint return.  In addition, H.R. 3548 waives provisions to recapture the credit for military, intelligence, and Foreign Service personnel who are on qualified official duty and extends the tax credit for an additional year for those on qualified extended duty overseas for 90 days or more since 2008.

Other important provisions of the legislation include:

UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS:  extending unemployment benefits for 14 weeks in all 50 states, with an additional six weeks in 27 states with unemployment higher than 8.5% (this would include Florida).

NET OPERATING LOSSES:  extending the temporary five-year carryback of NOLs (net operating losses) created under the stimulus to provide an additional benefit for all struggling businesses, regardless of size.  Ordinarily these companies can carry back these losses for only two years to qualify for a tax refund.  The provision makes this process extend the carry-back to five years for either 2008 or 2009. The tax break will now apply to losses in either 2008 or 2009, and the income cap will come off.

As always, if you are experiencing difficulties with a federal agency, are interested in legislation that is pending before Congress or merely wish to express your opinions, please visit my website at www.adamputnam.house.gov.  If you would like additional updates on this and other issues please signup for my e-newsletter at http://adamputnam.house.gov/signup.shtml.   

Sincerely,

Adam Putnam
Member of Congress 

Official versions
1892
“I pledge allegiance to my flag and the republic for which it stands: one nation indivisible with liberty and justice for all.”
1892 to 1923
“I pledge allegiance to my flag and to the republic for which it stands: one nation indivisible with liberty and justice for all.”

1923 to 1924
“I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States and to the republic for which it stands: one nation indivisible with liberty and justice for all.”
1924 to 1954
“I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands: one nation indivisible with liberty and justice for all.”
1954 to Present
“I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands: one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.”

Adopted June 14, 1777 (original 13-star version)
July 4, 1960 (current 50-star version)
Design Thirteen horizontal stripes alternating red and white; in the canton, 50 white stars on a blue field

Thanksgiving brings fragrant aromas and favorite dishes, warm family times and deep, heartfelt wishes for a beautiful bountiful day…. Happy thanks giving to all of our Family, Customers and friends… Michael and Dee

Napkin Folding

Good Job everyone… Michael and Dee

The proceeds raised will be donated to our local

Winter Haven Chapter of Meals on Wheels.

620 6th Street, NW Winter Haven Fl 33881-4011

Sent: Thursday, May 29, 2008 10:06 AM
Subject: Re: FW: CANCER FREE!!!! PRAISE GOD!!!!!!

To Michael and Dee
Hey,
 
I had wonderful news yesterday around 4:00.  I was scanned from head to toe (cat/pet scan and bone scan) last week.  Yesterday, I received my results and I am cancer free!  I could have shouted the roof off of Moffitt.  I will still have to go through scans for the next 5 years and I am supposed to take Tamoxifen for the next 5 years but I am also looking into a more natural alternative to that medication.  Thank you to all who have been praying, cards, food, flowers, love and support.  I cannot thank you enough.  You can put me on your PRAISE REPORT list now.  I claim that I am cancer free for the rest of my life.  Now, I have to get my boobs!  That will most likely be around the middle of August.  I love all of you and thank you again.   Nancy Young

You can share my news with anyone.  God is still in the miracle business.

You’re amazing and I’m so happy that you’re cancer free!  Enjoy the elation!  You deserve it.  Love you! Shirley.

Nancy,

You made us cry… The best news we could have heard. You are an Inspiration to us all….

Love you, Michael and Dee…