GMaj7
170 posts
Dec 30, 2012
8:34 AM
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Ball Street Urinal Financial Report The ongoing congressional negotiations aimed to avert the pending fiscal cliff took an even nastier turn today and leaders went to the forums in a campaign to draw public support. Republicans are insistent that major entitlement programs be slashed while many Democrats appear be willing to give some concessions.
Set to expire midnight on New Year's Eve, Poor Musicians Supplement (PMS) tax credit will go away. Hardest hit will be harmonica players who benefited from the subsidy paid to bands hiring Historically Underutilized Musicians (HUM) often referred to as hummers.
Originally touted as a measure to promote the performing arts in the 80s, supporters of the PMS said it would help diversify American music giving all musicians a fair playing field. However, in a speech Sunday to lead guitar players, House Speaker John Bohner said "it is time we do away with this giveaway program which frankly just benefits those who suck".
If the PMS expires, harp players - the largest group of hummers - will stand to lose $25 a gig, the fallout of such will have an impact on the big business of used harp sales nationwide.
Senator Bo Zo, the powerful independent from Alaska opposes any bill that would eliminate the PMS and has purchased a new Blues Band he will play non-stop in a filibuster if it comes to a vote.
Rocky Rollie, President of the National Roadies Association (NRA), said his said his group supports extension of the PMS because harp players are always willing to help unload gear before they start drinking.
"This is simply not fair" said legendary pro harpist Little Blind Willie Walter Dog. I can barely keep up financially as it is and my brother-in-law is threatening to repossess my 1998 Dodge van and river front lot.
The expiration of the PMS is just another economic blow to blues harpers in the U.S. who in 2012 saw drastic increases in the price of fedoras and sunglasses.
---------- Greg Jones 16:23 Custom Harmonicas greg@1623customharmonicas.com 1623customharmonicas.com
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arzajac
926 posts
Dec 30, 2012
8:37 AM
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LOL!
$25 a gig... :)
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HarveyHarp
440 posts
Dec 30, 2012
8:56 AM
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You can't fool me this time. I just used to think you were slightly touched, now I know it. Keep it up. However, it is getting harder to sort out reality from some of your ramblings.
If we lose that $25, then It will be a pay to play for me. ----------
HarveyHarp
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Greg Heumann
1910 posts
Dec 30, 2012
8:46 AM
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:) ---------- /Greg
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Frank
1747 posts
Dec 30, 2012
8:47 AM
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We have flea market vendors round these parts were you can get a fedora made in Pakistan and sunglasses from twain – get both for under $5.00 …So there is no excuse for taken the stage lookin like your average redneck...add a 3 dollar suit jacket from the Salvation army and some folks might mistake you for John Nemeth :)
Last Edited by on Dec 30, 2012 8:54 AM
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