Dear Friend,

One of the most frustrating aspects of my job is realizing how much Washington can drag its heels. We’ve seen it on multiple occasions with important issues such as Social Security, children’s health care and illegal immigration. But every so often, Washington shows it still has a pulse by pulling itself off of the floor and bringing about positive change. Such was the case last week as President Bush signed the HEART Act into public law.

The Heroes Earnings Assistance and Relief Act is a bill that provides tax relief to our military and their families. I put forth language earlier last year in the Tax Relief for Armed Combat Families Act of 2007 which was later incorporated into the HEART Act. The language permanently ends the restriction on the eligibility of military families to receive the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) or what has been dubbed the “Soldier Tax.”

Soldiers’ wages are often supplemented by combat pay or other allowances or incentives, and many of these wages were counted as income for determining eligibility for programs like the EITC. According to a 2005 Bell Policy Center study, only 150,000 military families nationwide – approximately 11 percent of all active-duty members – earned base incomes that qualified for the EITC. Because of the restricting eligibility, many military families saw their EITC tax credit reduced or eliminated – resulting in a soldier tax.

What an injustice! Since the beginning, Congress should have realized this was a no-brainer, but they dragged their heels yet again. In 2001, Congress expanded EITC eligibility by allowing military taxpayers to choose whether or not to include combat and other special pays in their earned income. However, this legislation came with an expiration date, and after December 31, 2007, military families were back where they started.

My language makes this tax relief permanent as a small way of saying “thank you” to our fighting men and women for their sacrifice. The dedication and courage put forth by our military is beyond words or value. They risk their lives for our freedom and our way of life. The last thing military families should have to worry about is whether they’ll have to pay higher taxes. While this turned out to be a drawn out process, I am proud that we were able to pull out a win for these extraordinary families.

And so, last week the HEART Act became Public Law 110-245. Finally! Even though it seemed like an eternity getting there, it was a relief to see the end of the soldier tax. I hope Congress will continue to work in this bipartisan way on future issues. We cannot let partisan games get in the way of our greater purpose. I never forget that I am working for you – the people of the Second District of Kansas. It is my honor and privilege to continue to represent you in the House of Representatives.

With warm regards, 

Nancy Boyda
Member of Congress 


Casework Corner - 2007 Summary
Since taking office in 2007, my office assisted with 2,887 constituent services cases. We fought hard to cut through red tape and ensure that Kansans received fair treatment from the federal government.

Of the 2,887 cases, 799 involved constituents dealing with passport problems, mainly impacted by last summer's severe backlog of passport applications. Because the passport crisis arose outside of the usual constituent services operations of my office, I have not included those cases in the percentage breakdowns.

Additionally, my office sent 82,527 letters in response to constituent concerns. Each letter provided detailed, practical information on issues of importance to the Kansas Second District. Please (Continue Reading) to learn more about the concerns handled by my office in 2007. 


Letter of the Week - Nancy on High Gas Prices and Drilling
Dear Nancy,

The rising price of gasoline is hurting nearly every family in America. We are tired of Congress doing nothing but bowing down to the environmentalists.

It is time for Congress to develop a program which allows the exploration of America's energy sources without materially affecting our environment. Congress should put our families first, ahead of the environmentalists.

Mark from Thayer, KS.

Dear Mark,

Thank you for contacting me to share your views on ending our energy crisis through offshore drilling and drilling in the Artic National Wilderness Refuge (ANWR). I appreciate hearing your thoughts on this matter.

I hear from many Kansans that support drilling to end our dependence on foreign oil. Let me assure you that I believe additional drilling is part of the plan. From day one, I’ve talked about an energy plan that requires balance like a three-legged stool in which all the elements are necessary. (Continue Reading) 


This Week in Congress - June 16 to June 20

Monday morning I visted WIBW TV station in Topeka and talked with General Manager Jim Ogle about my first year in Congress, the recent storms, and the ailing economy. Afterwards, I hosted a press conference at the home of Judy Scherff where we discussed Home Safety. Topeka Fire Department Inspector Amy Bermudez, Jan Stegelman from Safe Kids Kansas, and Sgt. Jay Simecka from the Shawnee County Sheriff’s Department joined me there to provide home safety tips. These tips are on my website. (Continue Reading)

Tuesday, I traveled to Fort Drum in New York as part of a Congressional delegation of members from the House Armed Services Committee.

On Wednesday, I met with John Federico, the Executive Director of the Kansas Cable Telecommunication Association, and Coleen Jennison of Cox Communications to discuss issues concerning the cable television industry. I also met with representatives of the Association of Community Mental Health Centers of Kansas. In addition, I met with a group from the Kansas Soybean Commission including Harold Kraus, National Bodies Board Member, Bob Henry, Kenlon Johannes, and Dennis Hupe. I also met with Kansas Blue Cross Blue Shield CEO Andy Corbin.

On Thursday, I attended a House Armed Services Committee briefing on Afghan National Security Forces. I also met with Dean Ginsberg from the University Of Kansas School Of Education to discuss issues of higher education.

I returned home to Kansas on Friday. Friday night I attended the Topeka Bar Show, “Extreme Makeover – Capitol Edition” at Topeka High School put on by the Kansas Bar Association.