Senate Legislation Introduction Thread (New)

[Senator-elect Spark]

Compensation for Retired Educators Act of 2021

A bill to support our retired educators in the Republic.

Section 1. Establishment

Upon retirement from service, a retirement allowance shall consist of:

a) An annuity shall be the equivalent of his or her accumulated contributions at the time of his or her retirement

b) A pension which shall be equal to the annuity allowable at the age of retirement, but not to exceed an annuity allowable at age 65 computed on the basis of contributions made prior to the attainment.

Section 2.

With the provision the election of an option shall be effective on the effective date of retirement, any member may elect prior to retirement to receive, in lieu of his or her retirement allowance payable throughout life. The actuarial equivalent at that time of his or her retirement allowance also provides a provision to grant, in a reduced retirement, allowance payable to a beneficiary in the event of his or her death:

a) If the pensioner dies before he or she has received in annuity payments the present value of his or her annuity as it was at the time of his or her retirement, the balance shall be paid to his or her legal representatives or to the person as he or she shall nominate by written designation.

b) Upon his or her death, his or her reduced retirement allowance shall be continued throughout the life of and paid to the person as he or she shall nominate by written designation.

c) Upon his or her death, half of the reduced retirement allowance will be continued throughout the life of and paid to the person as he or she shall nominate by written designation.

Proud to sponsor this bill to support our educators!
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[Senator-elect Spark]

Be it enacted in the Congress of the Republic of Atlasia:

To upgrade our transportation system

Atlasian Transportation Modernization Act

Section 1. Purpose

(a) That this bill shall establish federal infrastructure sub-accounts for each region of Atlasia.

(1) In accordance with the federal government, regions shall establish operate a regional state infrastructure account for mixed-use transit-oriented development projects. This infrastructure account will be part of the federal transportation registry.

(b). Each regional state infrastructure sub-account shall consist of the following sources of revenue:

(1) Monies received by the corporation from counties for the repayment of the loan principal and the payment of simple interest from various assessments or fees from special improvement districts, improvement districts, tax increment financing districts, community facilities districts, and other areas where property value increases are captured over periods of time for the purposes of infrastructure financing;

(2) Appropriations from the legislature;

(3) Federal grants and subsidies to the State or counties;

(4) Private investments; and

(5) Voluntary contributions.

(c) The corporation shall expend revenues in the sub-accounts to make grants and loans to state agencies, and loans to counties or private developers, for the costs, in whole or in part, of infrastructure improvements that would increase the capacity of the infrastructure facilities, including regional sewer systems, water systems, drainage systems, roads, and telecommunications and broadband.

(d) Whenever the corporation undertakes, or causes to be undertaken, a regional infrastructure improvement project, the cost of providing regional infrastructure improvements may be assessed against transit-oriented development projects specially benefiting from the improvements, and the corporation shall take into consideration previous contributions by project owners to infrastructure improvements; provided that:

(A) According to the area of real property for transit-oriented development projects;

(B) According to the area of real property within an assessment area;

(C) Any other assessment method that assesses the real property according to the special benefit conferred;

(E) Grants and loans shall be made only for capital improvement projects approved by the respective county council and mayor, or state agency, as applicable, with a view towards planned growth rather than upkeep and maintenance. The sub-accounts shall house funds related to transit-oriented development projects.

[Senator-elect Spark]

Be it enacted in the Congress of the Republic of Atlasia

A bill

Addiction Transitory Support Act of 2021

To support and provide for our most vulnerable citizens


Section 1. Purpose

1. Mental health and addiction forensic treatment services means evidence based treatment and recovery support services that may be provided to individuals in the criminal justice system who are charged with a felony offense, or have a prior felony conviction, and have been placed or are eligible to be placed in a pretrial services program, community corrections program, prosecuting attorney's diversion program, or jail as an alternative to commitment to the department of correction.

The term includes the following:

a) Mental health and substance abuse treatment, including addiction counseling, inpatient detoxification, case management, daily living skills, medication assisted treatment, including a nonaddictive medication for the treatment of opioid or alcohol dependence.

b) Vocational services.

c) Housing assistance.

d) Community support services.

e) Transportation assistance.

f) Mental health and substance abuse assessments.

Section 2. Eligibility

An individual is eligible for mental health and addiction forensic treatment services if the individual:

a. is a member of a household with an annual income that does not exceed two hundred percent (200%) of the federal income poverty level;

b. is a resident of their region;

c. has entered the criminal justice system as a felon or with a prior felony conviction or is ordered to be committed for competency restoration services as described in IC 35-36-3-1(b); and

d. An individual who is provided mental health and addiction forensic treatment services under this statute is entitled to receive reimbursement of 50% of their expenses.

[Senator-elect Spark]

Veteran Suicide Prevention Resolution

A resolution to decrease the incidence of suicides among active services members and veterans and to provide for their mental welfare.

Section 1.

a. Whereas, a task force shall be established and align its efforts to collaborate with the members of the Domestic Policy Council to prevent suicide among Service Members, Veterans, and their Families to formulate recommendations relating to the development and implementation of suicide prevention best practices, using a public health approach, including the development of recommendations related to all of the following:

b. Identifying areas of need and screening veterans.

c. Promoting connections and improving care transitions among target veterans.

d. Educating providers and others regarding lethal means safety and safety planning

[Senator-elect Spark]

Section 1. Title and Definition

1. This act shall be known as the Decarbonization Act of 2021.

a. A building decarbonization project funded by programs identified and implemented pursuant to this section shall be undertaken in a manner that includes an enforceable commitment that the entity implementing the project, and its subcontractors at every tier, will pay prevailing wage.

b. For purposes of this section, "building decarbonization" means efforts to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases from building-related applications.

2. To the extent clean energy or energy efficiency funds are made available from the federal government to address economic recovery and development due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and to the extent authorized by federal law, those funds may be expended by the commission, upon appropriation by Congress, for projects for existing and new building decarbonization.

a. For purposes of this section, "building decarbonization" means efforts to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases from building-related applications.

b. In administering moneys in the fund for research, development, and demonstration programs under this chapter, the commission shall develop and implement the Electric Program Investment Charge (EPIC) program to do all of the following:

i. Award funds for projects that will benefit electricity ratepayers and lead to technological advancement and breakthroughs to overcome the barriers that prevent the achievement of the state's statutory energy goals and that result in a portfolio of projects that is strategically focused and sufficiently narrow to make advancement on the most significant technological challenges that shall include, but not be limited to, energy storage, renewable energy and its integration into the electrical grid, energy efficiency, integration of electric vehicles into the electrical grid, and accurately forecasting the availability of renewable energy for integration into the grid.

ii. Award funds for projects that will benefit electricity ratepayers and lead to grid, and the development and deployment of commercial and residential building decarbonization technologies and investments that reduce or eliminate greenhouse gas generation in those buildings. A

iii. A building decarbonization project awarded funds pursuant to this section shall be undertaken in a manner that includes an enforceable commitment that the entity implementing the project, and its subcontractors at every tier, will pay prevailing wage. For purposes of this section , "building decarbonization" means efforts to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases from building-related applications.

[Senator-elect Spark]

Climate Preparedness Act of 2021
To mitigate the effects of climate change while enhancing national preparedness for exigencies

Section 1. Purpose and Background

a) Unsustainable global greenhouse gas emissions levels continue to challenge the nation's residents, wildlife, and natural resources.

b) Rising average temperatures, shrinking mountain snowpack, warmer storms, higher sea levels, and more extreme and prevalent natural disasters, including, but not limited to, floods, landslides, and wildfires increasingly threaten the safety, health, financial well-being, and housing stability of the people of Atlasia.

c) Continued investments to protect and enhance the nation's natural and built resources and infrastructure is necessary to mitigate the impacts of climate change.

d) Meeting the community and climate needs requires a commitment to integrating climate strategies in the national economy, infrastructure, public services, and workforce sectors.

e) The nation's existing employment needs have been intensified because of the declared state of emergency and the recession due to the novel coronavirus, known as COVID-19.

f) Achieving the nation's climate goals requires the development of an expanded and skilled workforce and clear and meaningful opportunities for the people of Atlasia to receive the education, training, and certifications necessary to enter into growing natural resources and climate careers.

g) Parallel and intentional investments in climate projects and workforce development are effective and efficient strategies to protect the state from the impacts of climate change and offer sustainable economic relief within the job market to the people of Atlasia.

Section 2. Establishment

1) Each entity shall establish an independent a grant program according to the entity's respective governing statutes and strategic plans or work plans adopted by the entity. The grant programs shall fund climate mitigation, adaptation, or resilience, natural disaster, and other climate emergency projects that accomplish both of the following:

a) Reduce the risks of, or mitigate, climate change impacts on vulnerable communities, fish and wildlife, or natural, cultural, historical, or tribal resources; or mitigate, prepare for, respond to, or support recovery from natural disasters or other climate emergencies.

b) Provide comprehensive workforce development opportunities, including education, training, certifications, or placement services for jobs and careers in the natural, cultural, historical, or tribal resources fields.

c) Before awarding a grant pursuant to this section, an entity shall develop and adopt guidelines for its independent grant program according to all of the following:

2) At a minimum, the entity's adopted guidelines shall include, as criteria to qualify for a grant, all of the following:

a) Require climate mitigation, adaptation, or resilience projects that reduce the risks of or mitigate climate change impacts on vulnerable communities, fish and wildlife, or natural, cultural, historical, or tribal resources; or that mitigate, prepare for, respond to, or support recovery from natural disasters or other climate emergencies.

b) Require projects that provide comprehensive workforce development opportunities that support education, training, certifications, or career pathways that prepare individuals to enter into the natural, cultural, historical, or tribal resources fields.

c) Define eligible applicants to include, but not be limited to, all of the following:

i. Nonprofit organizations and community-based organizations.

ii. Certification programs or workforce training organizations, including, but not limited to, certification programs and workforce training organizations associated with trade schools or institutions.

iii. Vocational rehabilitation programs.

[Senator-elect Spark]

Emergency De-Escalation Resolution

To provide safeguards for the country by defending its national security, geographic integrity, and peace in response to the ongoing crises in the Republic of Atlasia.

To the President Pro Tempore: I request that this bill be put through in the national emergencies category.

Whereas, the Congress of the Republic has been assembled to condemn the ongoing crises in Atlasia and do hereby establish:

Section 1. Title and Purpose

1. a panel of the duly elected federal lawmakers in Lincoln to investigate the origins of secession in Lincoln; one of which shall include a civilian

2. to encourage the expulsion of and arrest of those responsible for instigation of this crisis in Lincoln and perpetuation of secessionist ideals

Section 2. Establishment

3. To convene a panel of 4 Congressional lawmakers from each region in working with the regional executives and legislature of Fremont, Lincoln, and the South. This panel may hereby have 3 additional advisors or more via modification by statute. Meetings shall occur at least once weekly and shall be disbanded when the crisis dissipates.

4. Encourage the President of Atlasia to stand down the National Guard

5. To condemn the remarks of Attorney General Truman and Southern Governor LouisvilleThunder

[Senator-elect Spark]

Hubert H. Humphrey Helping Hand to the Homeless Act

An act in the CONGRESS of the REPUBLIC of ATLASIA

Section 1. Purpose and Background

a. WHEREAS, Runaway and homeless youth flee conflict, abuse, neglect, or, increasingly, poverty in their homes. They have become disconnected from educational systems and the workforce and do not have the skills and financial resources to live on their own. The factors impacting youth homelessness are complex and differ from those impacting other homeless populations;

b. WHEREAS, Runaway and homeless youth who live on the street are victims of physical abuse, sexual exploitation, human trafficking, and crime in untold numbers. An estimated 300,000 youth are either victims or at risk of becoming victims of commercial and sexual exploitation each year, of which 60 percent of these victimized children are homeless; and

c. WHEREAS, Homeless youth tend to have started using drugs at a younger age, often before 15 years of age. Early drug use and abuse are predictive of serious adult addiction problems and long-term homelessness;

d. WHEREAS, Youth who "age out" of the foster care system are at an increased risk of homelessness, and represent an estimated 20 percent of the 20,000 youth who leave foster care and are currently homeless; and

e. WHEREAS, These youth are on the street because they feel there are no other options open to them; and

f. WHEREAS, Providing safe, stable, and permanent housing for runaway and homeless youth is a family, community, state, and national priority, and homeless youth are considered one of the unique populations in the homeless community.

e. WHEREAS, The future well-being of our state depends on the value we place on our youth and, in particular, on our actions to provide the most vulnerable young people in the state with opportunities to acquire the knowledge, skills, and abilities they need to find and maintain stable housing and to develop into healthy and productive adults;

f. WHEREAS, The COVID-19 pandemic is being felt by youth through high unemployment rates and increased demand for youth-centered care and mental health services, technology, and access to hygiene, food, shelter, and safety;

g. WHEREAS, The number of effective programs providing services and support to runaway and homeless youth must be increased

Section 2. Program establishment

a. The Congress of the Republic of Atlasia hereby establishes grants to provide nonprofit centers across the three regions in assisting homeless citizens
b. The grant amount shall be no less than $10,000,000 to community centers dedicated to fighting poverty striken communities

[Senator-elect Spark]

In the Congress of the Republic of Atlasia ASSEMBLED

An Act

To increase the prevalence of educational opportunities across Atlasia.

Extended Educational Learning Opportunities Act

Section 1. Purpose and Background
1. To provide for the enrollment of students in extended learning opportunities; to provide a means for allowing students to request and receive credit for participation in extended learning opportunities; to provide a process for awarding certificates of completion.

(a) Students attending schools in each of the regions would benefit from experiencing extended learning opportunities outside of the traditional classroom.

(b) Students are capable of learning both inside and outside of the traditional classroom.

(c) Students should earn credit for approved extended learning opportunities that facilitate their mastery of required skills or fulfilling state standards.
Section 2. Definitions

For the purposes of this section, the following terms shall have the following meanings:

1. EXTENDED LEARNING OPPORTUNITY. An out-of-classroom learning experience, approved by the State Board of Education, a local board of education, or a public charter school, that provides a student with any of the following:

a. Enrichment opportunities.

b. Career readiness or employ-ability skills opportunities, including internships, pre-apprenticeships, and apprenticeships.

c. Any other approved educational opportunity.

(2) A student shall include those attending elementary and secondary school in K-12 non-charter public schools and public charter schools.

Commencing with the 2022-2023 school year, the local board of education and public charter school shall routinely inform students and their parents of the ability to earn credit for participating in extended learning opportunities. Employees of the local boards of education, and public charter schools may assist students, and their parents, in completing any enrollment processes required for participating in approved extended learning opportunities. Permission is not required from the local board of education or public charter school in which the student is enrolled and attending, for a parent to enroll his or her student in any approved extended learning opportunity.
Section 3. Process

1. An extended learning opportunity shall count as elective credit toward graduation requirements and the achievement of applicable state standards for students, upon approval of the extended learning opportunity by the State Board of Education, a local board of education or public charter school. To receive credit, a student shall submit a written request for credit and proof of successful completion of the approved extended learning opportunity, to the designated administrator of the school he or she is attending. The State Board of Education shall adopt, and each local board of education and public charter school distribute and implement, an extended learning opportunities policy that provides all of the following:

a. An application process for accepting and approving extended learning opportunities offered for credit by outside entities.

b. A list of entities that are eligible to submit applications for offering extended learning opportunities. Eligible entities shall include, but not be limited to, all of the following:

i. Nonprofit organizations.

ii. Businesses with established locations in the state.

iii. Trade associations.

iv. Any of the Armed Forces of the United States, subject to applicable age requirements.
Section 4. Criteria for credit

1. A process for students to follow for requesting credit.

a. Criteria the local board of education or public charter school shall use to determine whether a proposed extended learning opportunity shall be approved to count toward credit.

b. Criteria the local board of education or public charter school shall use to award a student a certificate of completion and credit for completing an approved extended learning opportunity. The criteria shall include, but not be limited to, allowing a student to demonstrate competencies through performance-based assessments and other methods independent of instructional time and credit hours.

c. An entity approved by local school districts to offer an extended learning opportunity shall be automatically qualified to offer that extended learning opportunity for all local boards of education and public charter schools in the state.

d. A student who successfully completes an approved extended learning opportunity, and satisfies criteria established for the award of a certificate of completion and credit shall be considered to have completed all of the required coursework for the particular course. If an approved extended learning opportunity satisfies all required coursework for a high school course, the student shall also be considered to have satisfied the equivalent number of credits toward his or her graduation requirements.
Section 5. Funding

a. A grant shall be defined as "any sum of money used to fund an educational activity such as an after school activity."

b. Grants shall only be distributed to regional nonprofits, recreational, and community centers in all regions. These nonprofits, recreational, and community centers must be entities that sponsor school sponsored activities. Grants cannot be made for any other purpose.

c. The total amount of grants for these programs shall not exceed $30,000,000.

[Senator-elect Spark]

Energy Costs Reduction Act

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF ATLASIA

To reduce energy costs for the average Atlasian:


WHEREAS, because many areas of Atlasia precluded from benefiting from earlier efforts made by the federal government to invest in rural electrification throughout regions.

WHEREAS the state's electrical grids are not interconnected to those in other states or territories, and many communities in the state have isolated microgrids.

WHEREAS the isolation of many electric systems throughout the state means that consumers in communities served by those systems cannot benefit from a reduction in energy bills by utilizing lower-cost power from other areas of the state;

WHEREAS the average retail price of electricity in rural communities is the highest. The average cost of electricity per capita is $3,891.

WHEREAS more than 300 of the rural communities are not connected to the railbelt electrical grid or state road system;

WHEREAS, of the countty's residents, 20 percent live in rural communities.

WHEREAS rural communities have virtually no access to natural gas as an energy source for heating and electricity, relying instead primarily on diesel fuel, wood, and renewable energy; and

WHEREAS diesel fuel and gasoline used for heating, electricity, and transportation typically costs from 50 to 100 percent more in communities off the road system compared to those on the road system; and

WHEREAS high energy costs for heating, electricity, and transportation have a multiplying effect, increasing the cost of all goods and services in rural communities; and

WHEREAS the compounded effect of high energy costs and limited economic opportunity result in low-income rural residents paying as much as 40 percent of their annual incomes on home energy needs; and

WHEREAS high energy costs have a negative effect on small and large businesses and industrial and other development; and

WHEREAS improving electric infrastructure, such as transmission, will encourage development of the state's abundant renewable energy sources and enhance system reliability among interconnected communities; and

WHEREAS residents in communities with the highest power costs are unable to shoulder the financial burden of developing large-scale power infrastructure without significant government investment; and

WHEREAS carbon emissions can be lowered through the development of economically feasible renewable energy projects and investment in an electric vehicle charging network; and

WHEREAS the future of the nation's economy will depend, in large part, on affordable electric energy in all parts;

BE IT RESOLVED that the Congress of the Republic requests a creation of a regional Energy Authority, in coordination with utilities throughout the regions and with statewide power and electrical organizations, develop a comprehensive 10-year infrastructure plan to reduce power costs by 25% in areas of the regions that endure extremely high electric and heating costs; and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED that Congress requests that the regional Energy Authority deliver a plan for the reduction of power costs in the region to the Senate by May 31, 2022, and notify the legislature that the plan is available.

[Senator-elect Spark]

Energy Cost Reduction Act of 2021

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF ATLASIA

To reduce energy costs for the average Atlasian:

Section 1. Purpose

1. This bill is to provide for a less costly energy grid because many areas of Atlasia precluded from benefiting from earlier efforts made by the federal government to invest in rural electrification throughout regions.

a) This bill will provide for interconnection of regional electrical grids are not interconnected to those in other states or territories, and many communities in the state have isolated microgrids.

b) This bill will fix the isolation of many electric systems throughout the regions. This means that consumers in communities served by those systems cannot benefit from a reduction in energy bills by utilizing lower-cost power from other areas of the state;

c) This bill is intended to lower the average retail price of electricity where in rural communities this is the highest. The average cost of electricity per capita is $3,891.

d) The bill, through the energy authority, will reduce high energy costs for heating, electricity, and transportation that have a multiplying effect, which increases the cost of all goods and services in rural communities.

e) Many residents in communities with the highest power costs are unable to shoulder the financial burden of developing large-scale power infrastructure without significant government investment;

d) The bill will establish for lower carbon emissions through the development of economically feasible renewable energy projects and investment in an electric vehicle charging network.

Section 2. Implementation

a. BE IT RESOLVED that the Congress of the Republic requests a creation of a regional Energy Authority, in coordination with utilities throughout the regions and with statewide power and electrical organizations.

b. This energy authority will develop a comprehensive 10-year infrastructure plan to reduce power costs by 25% in areas of the regions that endure extremely high electric and heating costs.

c. Be it FURTHER RESOLVED that Congress requests that the regional Energy Authority deliver a plan for the reduction of power costs in the region to the Senate by May 31, 2022, and notify the legislature that the plan is available.

d. The Congress hereby establishes a energy sustainability fund, this fund will be appropriated by  taxation on electric vehicles and tolls from federal highways to the amount of $50,000,000.

Section 3. Grant criteria

a. A "grant" shall be defined as a sum of money awarded for an energy related project in any of Atlasia's regions.

b. These grants shall be categorical in nature by funding upgrades to Atlasia's regional energy grids, for projects to reduce carbon emissions, increase electrical grid inter-connectivity.

b. Grants can only be made available for energy-related projects that will have substantial impact or effect upon the electrical grid in each region.

c. Eligible entities: Grants can be allotted for subsidies or incentives to regional energy companies, nonprofits, or independent contractors

Section 4. Funding

a. The Congress of the Republic of Atlasia will appropriate $25,000,000 in grants to each region for the establishment of a regional energy authority; these grants shall be up for renewal every 5 years.

b. Hereafter, the Congress shall appropriate monies to the amount of an additional $20,000,000 to establish electrical vehicle charging stations across Atlasia's regions.

[Senator-elect Spark]

Educational Foundation Program Act (EFPA)

AN ACT to provide for the next generation of Atlasians


Section 1. Establishment

1. In addition to all other appropriations and apportionments of public school money now provided by law and made available for public schools there shall be apportioned and paid to local boards of education from the Foundation Program Fund, the amounts to be determined as hereinafter provided and in accordance with regulations.

This Foundation Program Fund shall be used principally:

(1) To aid in providing at least a 180 full instructional day minimum school term, or the hourly equivalent thereof, except as otherwise provided in paragraph c. of subdivision (1) of subsection (b); and,

(2) To assist in the promotion of educational opportunity for all children in the public schools.

(b) The following requirements and procedures, supplemented when necessary by regulations of the regional Board of Education, shall govern the apportionment of the fund:

Section 2. REQUIREMENTS FOR PARTICIPATING IN FUND

a. In order for a local board of education to share in the apportionment of the Foundation Program Fund and to receive the maximum benefits therefrom, the board shall meet the following conditions:

i. The appropriate local governing body must insure that the local board of education within its jurisdiction is receiving an amount of local tax receipts equivalent to ten mills of school tax as computed from the most current assessed valuation of property which comprises the school tax district or districts of the local board of education. The Superintendent of Education shall determine compliance with this provision of the law in accordance with rules or procedures adopted by the regional Board of Education. In determining compliance for a county board of education, tax revenues provided to the county board of education from the county, from whatever tax source derived, shall be considered. In determining compliance for a city board of education, tax revenues provided to the city board of education by the county and the city, from whatever tax source derived, shall be considered.

ii. In the expenditure of all funds available for the Foundation Program as herein defined, the local board of education shall as nearly as practicable provide the same length of term in all schools.

iii. The local board of education shall provide a school term of at least 180 full instructional days, or the hourly equivalent of no less than 1080 instructional hours. The local academic school calendar shall be annually established by the local board of education, within the parameters of subparagraph
iv. In case the local board of education fails to operate any schools the minimum 180 full instructional day term, or the hourly equivalent thereof, or the minimum term as defined by the Board of Education, the Foundation Program allowances of the local board of education shall be computed only for the actual period the schools are in session that school year.

v. In extreme circumstances involving natural occurrences, health-related occurrences, or other extenuating circumstances that result in the cancellation of an instructional day, a local board of education may submit a plan for the approval of the Superintendent of Education to replace cancelled instructional days by adjusting the school calendar to extend the hours of actual teaching time on specified instructional days.

At any time that a Governor declares a state of emergency for any part of the region, any affected school system that is closed as a result and loses student days or employee days, or both, may appeal to the State Superintendent of Education for relief in fulfilling the local school calendar with respect to student days or employee days, or both, with no loss of income to employees.

vi. The local board of education, in providing the minimum required number of instructional days or hours, shall have greater flexibility in establishing the school calendar by adjusting the days or extending the hours of actual teaching or instructional time provided on specified instructional days for the schools under the jurisdiction of the local board. The academic school calendar, established by the local board of education, shall include the minimum required number of instructional days or hours.

vii. The local board of education shall expend funds for teachers' salaries in accordance with a salary schedule adopted by the local board of education and approved by the State Superintendent of Education. The salary schedule shall be at least 100 percent of those salary amounts specified in the State Minimum Salary Schedule by cell.

The local board of education shall allocate state and local Foundation Program funds to each school in an equitable manner, based on the needs of the students and the schools, as reflected in the current year's actual student populations, including at-risk students, students receiving special education services, and students enrolled in vocational/technical educational programs. The local board of education shall report annually to the Board of Education on how all state and local funds for public education, including Foundation Program funds and capital outlay funds, have been allocated to each of its schools or area vocational centers.

e. The local board of education shall submit to the State Superintendent of Education, under the regulations of the State Board of Education, the following:

1. A proposed building program which sets out in detail the location of all present and proposed buildings; which indicates proposed educational centers and grades to be taught at these centers and which provides schools for all children of the local board of education.

2. Except for those city boards of education not maintaining a transportation system, a proposed transportation program showing the proposed routing of buses and the condition of all roads to be used for transportation.

3. A proposed professional development program which sets out in detail the professional development needs of employees of the local board of education.

4. A proposed technology program which sets out in detail the proposed expenditures of technology funds.

5. A proposed program for the provision of services to students with disabilities and gifted students in compliance with applicable state and federal laws.

6. A proposed program for the provision of vocational educational services in compliance with applicable state and federal laws.

7. A proposed program for the provision of educational services to at-risk students in compliance with applicable state and federal laws. The proposed program for at-risk students shall include the provision that all funds allocated shall be spent for at-risk students.

8. The local board of education shall meet such other standards as may be set up by the State Board of Education to promote improved educational opportunity and provide better schools.

Section 3. Costs & Funding

1. DETERMINING COST OF FOUNDATION PROGRAM.

a. In determining the cost of the Foundation Program, the Legislature, based on the recommendation of the State Board of Education, shall proceed to find the following allowable costs for each local board of education: Teachers' salaries, fringe benefits, classroom instructional support, student growth, and other current expense. The rate per employee set by the Legislature for teachers' retirement and employees' health insurance shall be in effect for the entire fiscal year and shall not be increased by the Teachers' Retirement System or the Public Education Employees' Health Insurance Board, except by further action of the Legislature.

b. The Foundation Program allowance for salaries of teachers shall be determined as follows: In recommending to the Governor and the Legislature the State Minimum Salary Schedule the Board of Education shall give due consideration to degree level, certification, and public education experience. Any teacher, including, but not limited to, a vocational education teacher, currently under contract in excess of 187 days shall not have the term or salary of his or her contract reduced as a result of this article.

b. The Foundation Program allowance for fringe benefits shall be determined by multiplying a uniform percentage times the amount of teachers' salaries allowed in paragraph a. above or by multiplying a fixed rate depending on the type of fringe benefit. The fringe benefits allowances shall include amounts for the employer's contribution for teachers' retirement, health insurance, Social Security, Medicare, unemployment compensation, personal leave, and sick leave. The fringe benefits allowance may include allowances for other fringe benefits as may be approved by the State Legislature. The State Legislature shall seek the input and advice of appropriate agencies and individuals in setting allowances. The Teachers' Retirement System and the Public Education Employees' Health Insurance Board shall recommend to the Legislature, on or before the first legislative day of each regular session of the Legislature, the rate for the following fiscal year. The Legislature shall set the rate in the annual appropriation bill.

c. The Foundation Program allowance for classroom instructional support shall be determined by multiplying a uniform amount times the number of teacher units allowed in Section 16-13-232. The uniform amount shall include allowances for library enhancement, classroom materials and supplies, professional development, and technology. The library enhancement appropriation shall be for K-12 Public School Library/Media Centers and is an absolute appropriation. Other expenditures may include book binding, repair, CD Roms, computer software, computer equipment, cataloging, audio-visual materials, newspapers, magazines, recordings, and video tapes. The uniform amount may include allowances for other classroom instructional support as may be approved by the State Board of Education. The Foundation Program allowance for classroom instructional support shall also include an allowance for textbooks which shall be determined on a per pupil basis. The number of pupils shall be determined by the number of pupils in average daily membership during the first 20 scholastic days after Labor Day of the preceding school year. The Board of Education shall recommend to the Governor the amount for each cost factor included in classroom instructional support on or before December 1 of the current fiscal year for the ensuing fiscal year.

d. The Foundation Program allowance for other current expense shall be determined by multiplying a uniform amount by the number of earned units. The uniform amount shall be recommended by the  Board of Education to the Governor on or before December 1 of the current fiscal year for the ensuing fiscal year.

e. The Foundation Program allowance for student growth shall be determined by multiplying the combined allowances in paragraphs a. through d. of subdivision (2) on a per student basis by the net year over year growth of average daily membership for non-virtual students for the two preceding school years. This allowance, for fiscal year 2022, shall be funded net of the amount received by the school system under the preexisting Current Units allotment and 100% thereafter. The net student growth attributable to full-time virtual students shall be funded at a rate determined by the State Department of Education based on the average cost to districts of educating a full-time virtual student beginning in fiscal year 2022.

f. The State Board of Education may cause, from time to time, a study of allowances for teachers' salaries, fringe benefits, classroom instructional support, student growth, and other current expense of local boards of education to be conducted and, based on the results of the study, may propose any necessary changes to the Governor and Legislature.

g. The total cost of the Foundation Program for any local board of education shall be the total allowed for teachers' salaries, for fringe benefits, for classroom instructional support, for student growth, and for other current expense. The allowances herein to the local boards of education shall be expended subject to all applicable laws, rules, and regulations; however, the total funds calculated in the total cost of the Foundation Program for teachers' salaries shall be expended for salaries within the instructional program.

[Senator-elect Spark]

Citizen bill introduction wahoo

A BILL FOR AN ACT
establishing a legal threshold for federal party status

BE IT ENACTED BY THE SENATE RESOLVED.

Section 1, TITLE.
i. The title of this Act shall be, the “Proportional Party Majorness Agreeable Gateway Act.”
ii. This Act shall not be referred to using the title's acronym.

Section 2, THRESHOLD.
i. A federal political party shall be considered a "major party" when the party in question either obtains a membership that consists of at least 10% of the federal electorate or has a member of their party place at least third place or higher in the most recent race for president.

Section 8, ENACTMENT.
i. This bill shall take effect starting with the first census held after either signature by the President or a veto override.

I can sponsor this.

[Senator-elect Spark]

The FAST Act

BE IT ENACTED BY THE CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF ATLASIA:

Section 1. Background and Purpose

To provide a focus on Alternative Skills Training Program in employment and to prepare the next young leaders for the 21st century.

(a) This section establishes the Focus on Alternative Skills Training Program ( "FAST" ) within the Division of Employment and Training. FAST provides tuition for an eligible individual for an approved non-degree credit certificate program that provides industry-accepted skill training and certification.

(b) An individual must provide proof of all of the following to be eligible for FAST:

(1) That the individual is a resident of the Republic of Atlasia.

(2) That the individual has attained one of the following:

a. A diploma from a public, charter, or nonpublic high school, or homeschool.

(3) That the individual enrolled in an approved non-degree credit certificate program no later than 24 months after graduating from high school.

(4) If employed, a statement from the individual's employer providing the amount of financial assistance the employer paid toward tuition for the non-degree credit certificate program.

(c)(1) The Workforce Development Board, or its successor, shall maintain a list of non-degree credit certificate programs approved for FAST. The list of non-degree credit certificate programs approved for FAST must be updated annually.

(2) The Workforce Development Board must include the following criteria in the decision to approve a non-degree credit certificate program for FAST:

a. The skill requirements of employers in the State, including the skill needs of an in-demand industry sector or occupation in the State.

b. The job placement rate for graduates.

(d) A FAST payment under this section must be made as follows:

(1) The total amount of FAST payments for each eligible individual may not exceed $10,000.

(2) A FAST payment may not pay an individual's tuition for longer than 12 months, but multiple tuition payments may be made on behalf of an individual.

(3) The FAST payment is equal to the difference between the full amount of tuition charged by the non-degree credit certificate program and any financial assistance the individual received.

(4) FAST payments must be paid on a first-come, first-served basis.

(5) The FAST program is subject to the availability of funds appropriated for this specific purpose. This subsection does not create a right or entitlement in an individual to receive a monetary payment under the compensation program.

Section 2. The money appropriated will be at least $1 million and shall be derived from property taxes.

[Senator-elect Spark]

AN ACT
To reduce energy costs for the average Atlasian

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF ATLASIA

Energy Cost Reduction Act

Section 1. Purpose

1. This bill is to provide for a less costly energy grid because many areas of Atlasia precluded from benefiting from earlier efforts made by the federal government to invest in rural electrification throughout regions.

a) This bill will provide for interconnection of regional electrical grids are not interconnected to those in other states or territories, and many communities in the state have isolated microgrids.

b) This bill will fix the isolation of many electric systems throughout the regions. This means that consumers in communities served by those systems cannot benefit from a reduction in energy bills by utilizing lower-cost power from other areas of the state;

c) This bill is intended to lower the average retail price of electricity where in rural communities this is the highest. The average cost of electricity per capita is $3,891.

d) The bill, through the energy authority, will reduce high energy costs for heating, electricity, and transportation that have a multiplying effect, which increases the cost of all goods and services in rural communities.

e) Many residents in communities with the highest power costs are unable to shoulder the financial burden of developing large-scale power infrastructure without significant government investment;

d) The bill will establish for lower carbon emissions through the development of economically feasible renewable energy projects and investment in an electric vehicle charging network.

Section 2. Implementation, Costs & Appropriations

a. BE IT RESOLVED that the Congress of the Republic requests a creation of a regional Energy Authority, in coordination with utilities throughout the regions and with statewide power and electrical organizations.

b. This energy authority will develop a comprehensive 10-year infrastructure plan to reduce power costs by 25% in areas of the regions that endure extremely high electric and heating costs.

c. Be it FURTHER RESOLVED that Congress requests that the regional Energy Authority deliver a plan for the reduction of power costs in the region to the Senate by May 31, 2022, and notify the legislature that the plan is available.

d. The Congress hereby establishes a energy sustainability fund, this fund will be appropriated by  taxation on electric vehicles and tolls from federal highways to the amount of $50,000,000. Congress shall utilize existing property taxes to raise revenue for this initiative.

To incentivize production, with the average cost of production for electric vehicles being $19,000, the federal government shall subsidize electric vehicles at a rate of 1.7%, or $323 per unit, for the total cost of production. The total cost of the subsidies shall be $4,845,000,000.

Section 3. Grant criteria

a. A "grant" shall be defined as a sum of money awarded for an energy related project in any of Atlasia's regions.

b. These grants shall be categorical in nature by funding upgrades to Atlasia's regional energy grids, for projects to reduce carbon emissions, increase electrical grid inter-connectivity.

b. Grants can only be made available for energy-related projects that will have substantial impact or effect upon the electrical grid in each region.

c. Eligible entities: Grants can be allotted for subsidies or incentives to regional energy companies, nonprofits, or independent contractors

Section 4. Funding

a. The Congress of the Republic of Atlasia will appropriate $25,000,000 in grants to each region for the establishment of a regional energy authority; these grants shall be up for renewal every 5 years.

b. Hereafter, the Congress shall appropriate monies to the amount of an additional $20,000,000 to establish electrical vehicle charging stations across Atlasia's regions.

Reintroducing this.

[Senator-elect Spark]

Opioid Restriction Act

Be it enacted in the CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC OF ATLASIA
Regarding Schedule II controlled substances; dosage limit; exceptions; morphine; opioid antagonist

A. A health professional who is authorized under this title to prescribe controlled substances may not issue a new prescription to be filled or dispensed for a patient outside of a health care institution for a schedule II controlled substance that is an opioid that exceeds ninety morphine milligram equivalents per day.

B. The limit prescribed by subsection A of this section does not apply to:

1. A continuation of a prior prescription that was issued within the previous sixty days.

2. An opioid with a maximum approved total daily dose in the labeling as approved by the United States food and drug administration.

3. A prescription that is issued following a surgical procedure and that is limited to not more than a fourteen-day supply.

4. A patient who:

(a) Has an active oncology diagnosis.

(b) Has a traumatic injury, not including a surgical procedure.

(c) Is receiving skilled nursing facility care.

(d) Is receiving medication-assisted treatment for a substance use disorder.

(e) Is hospitalized.

C. If a health professional believes that a patient requires more than ninety morphine milligram equivalents per day and the patient is not exempt from the limit pursuant to subsection B of this section, the health professional shall first consult with a physician who is licensed pursuant to chapter 13 or 17 of this title and who is board-certified in pain, or an opioid assistance and referral call service, if available, that is designated by the department of health services. The consultation may be done by telephone or through telemedicine.

i. If the opioid ASSISTANCE AND REFERRAL call service agrees with the higher dose, the health professional may issue a prescription for more than ninety morphine milligram equivalents per day. If the consulting physician agrees with the higher dose, the health professional may issue a prescription for more than ninety morphine milligram equivalents per day. If the consulting physician is not available to consult within forty-eight hours after the request, the health professional may prescribe the amount that the health professional believes the patient requires and subsequently have the consultation. If the health professional is a physician who is licensed pursuant to chapter 13 or 17 of this title and is board-certified in pain, the health professional may issue a prescription for more than ninety morphine milligram equivalents per day without a consultation under this subsection.

D. If a patient is prescribed more than ninety morphine milligram equivalents per day pursuant to subsection B or C of this section, the prescribing health professional shall also prescribe for the patient naloxone hydrochloride or any other opioid antagonist that is approved for the treatment of to treat opioid-related overdoses.

E. A prescription order for a schedule II controlled substance that is an opioid that is written for more than ninety morphine milligram equivalents per day is deemed to meet the requirements of an exemption under this section when the prescription order is presented to the dispenser. A pharmacist is not required to verify with the prescriber whether the prescription order complies with this section.

[Senator-elect Spark]

Healthy School Climate Act

Be it enacted in the Congress of the Republic of Atlasia

An ACT

Section 1. Purpose

a. To acknowledge and take into account the principles of early childhood and youth brain development and, whenever possible, consider the concepts of early adversity, toxic stress, childhood trauma, and the promotion of resilience through protective relationships, supports, self-regulation, and services.

b. A school climate and school connectedness improvement committee shall be established.
i. The School Climate and School Connectedness Improvement Committee is established to advise regional boards of education regarding best practices for reduction of traumas related to adverse childhood experiences (ACES).

c. The committee consists of the following members appointed by the governor:

1. two current school superintendents;

2. two retired school superintendents;

3. three current K-12 teachers;

4. three retired K-12 teachers;

5. four parents of K-12 students;

6. two school social workers;

7. two school counselors.

d. When appointing committee members, the governor shall consider

1. geographic representation and appoint not fewer than six members who reside in communities that are rural.

2. representation across grade levels, appointing at least one current or retired teacher of students in each of the following:

(A) kindergarten through grade two;

(B) grades three through five;

(C) grades six through eight; and

(D) grades nine through twelve.

(d) Committee members serve without compensation and are not entitled to per diem.

(e) The committee shall meet at least once a year. Meetings may be held by audio or video teleconference.

(f) The committee shall organize regional and subject-matter subcommittees to address the specific needs of English language learners, vocational and technical education, special education, student athletes, and other subject matter the committee considers necessary.

Section 2. Establishment

a. Each school district in the regions shall develop a school climate and school connectedness plan to improve student, staff, and family relationships and establish connections and partnerships between district schools and local communities. The School Climate and School Connectedness Improvement Committee shall support districts in plan development and implementation.

b. A district shall designate district representatives to coordinate with the committee and draft the district's plan. The plan must identify actions the district will take to improve school climate and school connectedness.

c. A plan may incorporate use of

(1) social and emotional learning;

(2) trauma-informed and healing-centered practices;

(3) instruction in cultural competence and alignment with indigenous values;

(4) multi-tiered support for behavioral intervention, including restorative practices that are nonshaming, nonpunitive, and effective in addressing conflict and repairing relationships;

(5) methods for reducing racial disparities, disproportionate behavior responses, and suspensions or expulsions.

[Senator-elect Spark]

Safe Atlasian Schools Initiative Act

An act to improve security in the schools of the Republic of Atlasia

Concerning the recreation of the school security disbursement program to provide funding for regional and local education providers to implement school security improvements to prevent incidents of school violence.

Be it enacted by the Congress of the Republic of Atlasia:

Section 1. Definitions

1. Congress shall establish a school safety disbursement program to serve as official federal guidance to the regions and localities of atlasia:

A) a "Disbursement program" means the school security disbursement program.

B) "Eligible entity" means a local education provider or an eligible nonprofit organization.

C) "Eligible nonprofit organization" means a nonprofit organization that is exempt from taxation under section 501 (c)(3) of the federal "Internal revenue code of 1986", as amended, that applies to work with specific local education providers or first responders, and that:

D) Has experience providing training for school safety incident response;

E) Has experience working with law enforcement agencies and other first responders;

F) Has experience working with school districts, school personnel, and students on issues related to school safety incident response; and

G) Identifies in its application local education providers or first responders that will participate in school safety incident response training or programs.

F) There is created in the department the school security disbursement program to provide disbursements to eligible entities to use for the purposes described in subsection (3) of this section to improve security within public schools.

Section 2. Disbursements and criteria

1. Subject to available appropriations, the department shall disburse money to applicants as provided of this section from money credited to the school security disbursement cash fund.

A) An eligible entity that receives a disbursement from the disbursement program may use the disbursed money only for the following purposes:

B) Capital construction that improves the security of a public school facility or public school vehicle, including but not limited to any structure or installed hardware, device, or equipment that protects a public school facility or public school vehicle and the students, educators, and other individuals who attend, work in, or visit a public school facility or are transported in a public school vehicle from threats of physical harm including but not limited to any structure or installed hardware, device, or equipment that:

C) Prevents the entry of unauthorized individuals into a public school facility or a protected space within a public school facility or onto a public school vehicle; or

D) Can be used to expedite communication when a threat is present;

E) Training in student threat assessment for all school building staff who have contact with students, which must include best practices for conducting threat assessments, such as instruction on how to prevent bias when conducting a threat assessment;

F) In collaboration with local law enforcement agencies, providing the training for peace officers on interactions with students at school;

G) School emergency response training for all school building staff;

E) Programs to help students become more resilient in meeting the daily challenges they face without resorting to violence against themselves or others, including addressing the fundamental causes of violence and aggression and helping students become responsible members of their schools, neighborhoods, communities, and families;

(f) Developing and providing training programs, curricula, and seminars related to school safety incident response; and

(g) Developing best practices and protocols related to school safety incident response.

Section 3. Eligibility

A) An eligible entity, including any combination of eligible entities that wish to apply together as a single, regional applicant, may apply for a disbursement from the disbursement program by submitting an application to the department that includes the following information:

B) The amount of disbursed money requested based on an itemized estimate of the expected cost of the purpose or purposes for which the applicant is requesting the disbursement and taking into account any matching money, if applicable, pursuant to subsection (5) of this section;

C) Evidence of the availability of and commitment of the applicant to use financial resources to match the amount of the disbursement;

D) If the eligible entity is a charter school that is authorized located within a school district facility, and participating in the school district's safety and security services, information demonstrating that the charter school has collaborated with the school district in preparing and submitting the application

E) The department shall review each application received subject to available appropriations. Monies shall disburse to the applicant if the department determines that the application meets the requirements of this section, and the purpose or purposes for which the applicant intends to use the disbursed money are likely to improve security in public school facilities or vehicles and are not likely to exacerbate identified student disciplinary disparities.

[Senator-elect Spark]

Marijuana Regulatory Act

Section 1. Title
1. This legislation shall be named the Marijuana Regulatory Act.

Section 2. High for Hours Act repeal
1. The High for Hours Act is hereby repealed in its entirety.
2. A region, locality, or municipality, may regulate the amount of marijuana as it deems necessary to ensure the public welfare. An amount of 1 ounce or less shall be deemed insufficient for regulation.

Section 3. Enactment
1. This legislation shall go into effect exactly (10) days after passage.

[Senator-elect Spark]

Space not Haste Resolution

Let it be known, by act of Congress of the Republic of Atlasia that -

Section 1. Guidance and principles

a. Space is a zone protected by all of humanity
b. That humanity has no right to claim celestial bodies
c. Humanity, especially citizens of the Republic of Atlasia, shall not weaponize any celestial bodies or spacecraft against another
d. That research and development for galactic defense and weaponry be kept to a minimum
e. Terraforming is an acceptable practice for humanity wishing to continue its survival

Section 2. Agreements and establishments

a. Atlasia may enter into applicable agreements that promote non-proliferation of weapons in space
b. The Congress of the Republic hereby establishes a Space Planning Council to investigate these issues.
c. The council shall be composed of a 5 person council; 2 members appointed by the President of Atlasia, 2 members appointed by Congress, and one member of the general public as provided by law.

X Spark, President pro tempore

[Senator-elect Spark]

Affordable Energy Act

Section 1. Purpose

1. This bill is to provide for a less costly energy grid because many areas of Atlasia precluded from benefiting from earlier efforts made by the federal government to invest in rural electrification throughout regions.

a) This bill will provide for interconnection of regional electrical grids are not interconnected to those in other states or territories, and many communities in the state have isolated microgrids.

b) This bill will fix the isolation of many electric systems throughout the regions. This means that consumers in communities served by those systems cannot benefit from a reduction in energy bills by utilizing lower-cost power from other areas of the state;

c) This bill is intended to lower the average retail price of electricity where in rural communities this is the highest. The average cost of electricity per capita is $3,891.

d) The bill, through the energy authority, will reduce high energy costs for heating, electricity, and transportation that have a multiplying effect, which increases the cost of all goods and services in rural communities.

e) Many residents in communities with the highest power costs are unable to shoulder the financial burden of developing large-scale power infrastructure without significant government investment;

d) The bill will establish for lower carbon emissions through the development of economically feasible renewable energy projects and investment in an electric vehicle charging network.

Section 2. Implementation

a. BE IT RESOLVED that the Congress of the Republic mandates a creation of a national Energy Authority, in coordination with utility providers throughout the regions and with statewide power and electrical organizations.

b. This energy authority will develop a comprehensive 10-year infrastructure plan to reduce power costs by 25% in areas of the regions that endure extremely high electric and heating costs.

c. Be it FURTHER RESOLVED that Congress requests that the Energy Authority deliver a plan for the reduction of power costs in the region to the Senate by May 31, 2023, and notify the legislature that the plan is available.

d. The Congress hereby establishes a energy sustainability fund, this fund will be appropriated by  taxation on electric vehicles and tolls from federal highways to the amount of $50,000,000.

Section 3. Grant criteria

a. A "grant" shall be defined as a sum of money awarded for an energy related project in any of Atlasia's regions.

b. These grants shall be categorical in nature by funding upgrades to Atlasia's regional energy grids, for projects to reduce carbon emissions, increase electrical grid inter-connectivity.

b. Grants can only be made available for energy-related projects that will have substantial impact or effect upon the electrical grid in each region.

c. Eligible entities: Grants can be allotted for subsidies or incentives to regional energy companies, nonprofits, or independent contractors

Section 4. Funding

a. The Congress of the Republic of Atlasia will appropriate $25,000,000 in grants to each region for the establishment of a regional energy authority; these grants shall be up for renewal every 5 years.

b. Hereafter, the Congress shall appropriate monies to the amount of an additional $20,000,000 to establish electrical vehicle charging stations across Atlasia's regions.

[Senator-elect Spark]

Atlasian Tax Reduction and Economic Incentivization Act

Section 1. Title, purpose, restructuring of tax code

1. An act to amend the tax code of the Republic of Atlasia to ensure a fairer and easier standard of living for all of our citizens, to incentivize business to be conducted in our nation, and to uplift the downtrodden.

a. The federal tax code shall be amended as follows:

By tax bracket:
 0-13K      5% (cut by 5%)
 13K-50k    10% (cut by 5%)          
 50K-130K   20% (cut by 5%)              
 130K-210K  36% : $452,282,000,000.00 ($452.29 Billon)   (raise by 5%)
 210K-413K  43%: $317,099,000,000.00 ($317.10 Billon)    (raise by 5%)
 413K+  50%: $244,141,000,000.00 ($244.14 Billon)  (raise by 5%)          

Part 2. Updates to federal budget

$123.58 Billion... Military personnel            
$184.51 Billion... Operation and maintenance            
$106.01 Billion... Procurement            
$61.52 Billion ... Research, development, test and evaluation            
$8.47 Billion..... Military Construction, Family Housing and Other            
$12.148 Billion.... Atomic Energy Defense Activities
$8.11 Billion..... Defense Related activities    
$0.00 Billion..... Fiscal Responsibility in our Military Act
$-15.25 Billion… F-35 Procurement Halt

$18.88 Billion ... International development and humanitarian assistance            
$5 Billion..... International military aid     (cut by $3.5 billion)        
$9 Billion.... Conduct of foreign affairs  (cut by $2.9 billion)          
$1.30 Billion..... Foreign information and exchange activities
$-8.79 Billion.... International Financial Programs

Part 3. Purpose for Relocation benefits/credits

1. Whereas, a company of 50-100 employees or a small business that decides to relocate to the Republic of Atlasia shall receive a relocation tax incentive of $500,000.

2. Whereas, to hereby establish an employee relocation fund of $1,050,000, provided by taxation on individuals in the $413k+ bracket, for each new worker hired by a company who decides to relocate in the Republic of Atlasia, the company shall receive a tax credit of $5,000.

a. Small businesses are the engine of the Atlasia economy, comprising 99 percent of all business ventures in Atlasia and accounting for half of Atlasia’s economy.
 
b. These small businesses need incentives to relocate to do business.
 
c. Due to the fiscal strain of pandemic-related losses on these small businesses, they cannot and should not bear the financial burden of operations such as supply chain disruptions and paying worker wages.
 
d. Providing relief through a tax credit will directly support small businesses returning to and exceeding pre-COVID-19 pandemic production levels.

[Senator-elect Spark]

Right to Life Referendum
 
Let it be known that, by act of Congress of the Republic of Atlasia that -

A. Whereas, abortion is recognized as a heinous and dangerous procedure.
B. Whereas, abortion degrades the rightful reputation of Atlasia defending its people’s right to life.
C. Whereas, abortion needlessly undermines the health of mothers everywhere across the country.
D. Whereas, exceptions to abortion law shall remain.
E. Whereas, to aid ailing mothers in this time of need.
F. Whereas, to great regional autonomy regarding the practice of abortion.

2. It is the position of this Congress that abortion is a regional issue. The regions shall hold a referendum upon the status of abortion in its respective region within 30 calendar days.

[Senator-elect Spark]

New Great Society Amendment

The New Great Society Act is amended as follows regarding:

Section 5, Subsection
(B). Payroll Tax Increase:

1.) Subchapter A, Section 3101 of the Federal Insurance Contributions Act is amended by striking “6.2 percent” and inserting “7.2 percent”. This provision is hereby repealed and replaced with 3.5 percent.

2.) Subchapter B, Section 3111, subparagraph (a) of the Federal Insurance Contributions Act is amended by striking “6.2 percent” and inserting “7.2 percent”. This provision is hereby repealed and replaced with 3.5 percent.

3.) The aforementioned payroll increase is capped at 3.5 percent for the following ten fiscal years.

[Senator-elect Spark]

Ethanol Subsidization Act of 2022

To subsidize ethanol production across the Republic.

Be it enacted by the Congress of the Republic of Atlasia as follows:

Section 1. Purpose and definitions

A. For the purposes of this section, the following terms shall mean:

(1) "Department", the Congress

(2) "Higher ethanol blend", a fuel capable of being dispensed directly into motor vehicle fuel tanks for consumption that is comprised of at least fifteen percent but not more than eighty-five percent ethanol;

(3) "Retail dealer", a person that owns or operates a retail service station in this state;

(4) "Retail service station", a location from which higher ethanol blends are sold to the general public and are dispensed directly into motor vehicle fuel tanks for consumption.

Section 2. Amounts

2. For all tax years beginning on or after January 1, 2023, a retail dealer that sells higher ethanol blends at such a retail dealer's retail service station shall be allowed a total tax credit of $5,000 to be taken against the retail dealer's state income tax liability.
The amount of the credit shall equal five cents per gallon of higher ethanol blend sold by the retail dealer and dispensed through metered pumps at the retail dealer's retail service station during the tax year in which the tax credit is claimed.
Tax credits authorized pursuant to this section shall not be transferred, sold, or assigned.
 If the amount of the tax credit exceeds the taxpayer's state tax liability, the difference shall not be refundable but may be carried forward to any of the five subsequent tax years. The total amount of tax credits authorized pursuant to this section for any given fiscal year shall not exceed five million dollars.
Farmers that produce the higher ethanol blend shall receive part of the proceeds not to exceed $2,000.


Section 3. Implementation

3. In the event the total amount of tax credits claimed under this section exceeds the amount of available tax credits, the tax credits shall be apportioned among all eligible retail dealers claiming a tax credit by April fifteenth, or as directed by section 143.851, of the fiscal year in which the tax credit is claimed.

4. The tax credit allowed by this section shall be claimed by such taxpayer at the time such taxpayer files a return and shall be applied against the income tax liability imposed excluding the withholding tax imposed after reduction for all other credits allowed thereon. The department may require any documentation it deems necessary to implement the provisions of this section.