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Fiscal Cliff Talks

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Friday, January 4, 2013

Barney Frank Reportedly Told Governor He Wants To Be Interim Senator

Frank reportedly wants to stay part of the fiscal cliff debate.

One day after leaving the U.S. Congress, former Democratic Congressman Barney Frank said he asked Gov. Deval Patrick to appoint him as the interim senator to fill John Kerry's seat, according to the Boston Herald. Frank made the remarks during an appearance on MSNBC on Jan. 4. If appointed, Frank would fill the seat Kerry will likely vacate if he is confirmed as the next Secretary of State. Frank said he wanted to stay in politics for now because he wanted to be part of the fiscal cliff debate, according to the Herald. Tweets from Boston Globe political reporter Glen Johnson confirmed the news.  "But [the fiscal cliff deal] now means that February, March and April are going to be among the most important months in American financial …

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

Do You Like the Fiscal Cliff Deal?

The agreement reached between the White House and Congress doesn't address spending cuts and leaves another potential debt limit showdown on the table. It also increases taxes on income over $400,000. Is this a deal that works for you?

After a marathon holiday negotiation session, after grumbling by liberal senators and after a near-revolt by conservative representatives, the fiscal cliff deal was approved by the House of Representatives late Tuesday night.  The bargain will increase taxes on income above $450,000 for families, increase capital gains taxes, permanently fix the alternative minimum tax, change the estate tax and provide some changes in deductions. It also will extend unemployment benefits, earned income tax credits and other tax breaks for the working class. The Washington Post has a cheat sheet with all of the details. Middle class taxpayers will still see a smaller paycheck in 2013; The payroll tax cut was not preserved as part of the fiscal cliff deal. …

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