My Commitment to Support our Men and Women in Uniform

I will be joining the City of Abilene, the Workforce Solutions of West Central Texas, the Abilene Independent School District, and the Abilene Chamber of Commerce later this week in signing the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) 5 Star Statement of Support. I am honored to be a part of such a wonderful program and proudly display my support of the men and women who defend this great nation and protect our liberties.

The signing ceremony will be held at 9:00am on Wednesday, March 26th at the Abilene Civic Center, with Dr. Gordon Sumner, the National Director of ESGR, presiding over the ceremony.  It is not too late for employers to sign the 5 Star Statement of Support. If you are interested in having your business participate in the upcoming ceremony, please contact my Abilene office at (325) 675-9779 or toll free at (888) 763-1611.

Commitment to this program ensures: 

• Employment will not be denied because of service in the Guard or Reserve;
• Employee job and career opportunities will not be limited or reduced because of service in the Guard or Reserve; and
• Employee will be granted leaves of absence for military service in the Guard or Reserve, consistent with existing laws, without sacrifice of vacation.

The Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve is a valuable program run by the Department of Defense. I salute any employer who has members of the Guard or Reserve on their staff for standing behind this Statement of Support, and I am also encouraged by other employers who are joining this commitment.
 
 Important Stimulus Rebate Information for those Serving Overseas
 
 Last week the IRS issued a clarification on the economic stimulus payments for military personnel serving in combat zones, ensuring that those receiving nontaxable combat pay are eligible.  Those who put their lives on the line everyday and sacrifice so much for their country deserve to be recognized for the dangerous and difficult work they do. Additionally, it is not only those in uniform that sacrifice so much, but their families as well. It is imperative that we support them in every way possible.
 
 While combat pay generally is nontaxable, service members are permitted to count this pay on their 2007 or 2008 income tax returns if it helps their eligibility for the stimulus payment. A military person who would not normally file a 2007 tax return because the 2007 income is not taxable can file a 1040A with the IRS and receive the stimulus payment. Service members should report their nontaxable combat pay on Line 40b of the Form 1040A to show at least $3,000 in qualifying income.
 
 Qualifying service members are encouraged to submit their forms early. While military service members who are serving in a combat zone are granted an extension of 180 days after leaving combat, spouses or others with a power of attorney can prepare and file a 2007 income tax return on their behalf so that the stimulus payment is received this year. The return must be filed by Oct. 15.
 
 Congressional District Work Period
 
 While I spend much of my time representing the 19th District in Washington, I always take the opportunity of a Congressional District Work Period to be at home and meet with as many constituents as possible.
 
 This work period started last week, and I held a number of constituent coffees. I have scheduled additional constituent coffees this week so I can update you on activities in Washington and answer questions from you.
 
 Below is my schedule for this coming week.  There are a number of constituent coffees, various events I will be attending, as well as a meeting I am holding with two IRS employees to discuss the upcoming economic stimulus payments. This meeting is open to the public. I hope you will be able to attend some of these upcoming events. Your feedback and comments are important to me to ensure I represent you and the collective interests of the 19th District effectively.
 
 Events in Taylor and Eastland Counties:
 
 Tuesday, March 25th  

3:30 pm – 4:30 pm: Congressman Neugebauer will host a forum with representatives from the IRS to provide information about the Economic Stimulus Payments.  If people have questions about the amount of the payment, their eligibility or how to apply for the payment, they can get answers at this forum.
 
 Starting in May, the IRS will begin sending Economic Stimulus Payments approved by Congress to more than 130 million Americans. 
 
 Event will be held at the Workforce Solutions Board Room on the 4th floor, located at 400 Oak Street, Abilene, TX 79602.

 Wednesday, March 26th 
 
8:30 am – 9:00 am: Congressman Neugebauer will attend the Abilene Chamber of Commerce’s Business Expo ribbon cutting, entitled “A Star Spangled Affair.” There will be more than 200 exhibitors showing products and services offered in the Abilene area.
 
 Event will be held at the Abilene Civic Center, located at 1100 North 6th Street, Abilene, TX 79601.
 
9:00 am – 10:00 am: Neugebauer will attend the Department of Defense Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Program to sign his commitment of support.  He applauds those in the community currently supporting our troops and other employers who plan to sign the commitment of support at the program.
 
 Event will be held at the upstairs conference room of the Abilene Civic Center, located at 1100 North 6th Street, Abilene, TX 79601.
 
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm: Congressman Neugebauer will hold a town hall meeting over coffee in Ranger to discuss legislation, his priorities and answer questions from constituents.
 
 Event will be held at the Community Clubhouse, located at 718 Pine Street, Ranger, TX 76470.
 
4:30 pm – 5:30 pm: Congressman Neugebauer will hold another town hall meeting over coffee in Eastland to discuss legislation, his priorities and answer questions from constituents.
 
 Event will be held at the Connellee Hotel, located at 209 W. Main Street, Eastland, TX 76448.
 
 Events in Lubbock and Levelland:
 
 Thursday, March 27th
 
12:00 pm – 1:00 pm: Congressman Neugebauer will give a legislative update at the Lubbock Kiwanis Club lunch and answer questions from club members
 
 Event will be held at River Smith’s Restaurant in the Delwin Jones Room, located at 406 Avenue Q in Lubbock, TX 79401.

 Friday, March 28th 
 
11:00 am – 11:30 am: Congressman Neugebauer will make remarks at the event commemorating the 50th anniversary of South Plains College.
 
 Event will be held at South Plains College in the Atrium of the Student Services Building, located at 1401 S. College Avenue, Levelland, TX 79336.
 
1:30 pm – 2:30 pm: Congressman Neugebauer will hold a town hall meeting over coffee in Levelland to discuss legislation, his priorities and answer questions from constituents.

Event will be held at the Levelland City Hall in the Council Chamber room, located at 1709 Avenue
       H, Levelland, TX 79336.

As always, when events unfold in Washington, I will be sure to update you. In the meantime, do not hesitate to visit my website at www.randy.house.gov or call my office toll free district wide at (888) 763-1611 or my Washington, DC office at 202-225-4005.

--Randy