NSG Senate Coffee Shop: We don't serve decaf

[Argentarino]

Though tiny nitpick; instead of writing "HEREBY ratifies the Rome Statute of 1998 and joins the ICC." I would write "HEREBY ratifies the Rome Statute of 1998 with its subsequent amendments, becoming a state party to the statute." which I think is a bit more ICC'ish a way of putting it.[/size]

I'll edit that in as well.

[Of the Quendi]

Though tiny nitpick; instead of writing "HEREBY ratifies the Rome Statute of 1998 and joins the ICC." I would write "HEREBY ratifies the Rome Statute of 1998 with its subsequent amendments, becoming a state party to the statute." which I think is a bit more ICC'ish a way of putting it.[/size]

I'll edit that in as well.

Its not a big deal really. Since we ratify the treaty in 2015 after both the two amendments of the Rome Statute that has been passed since the ICC was founded has entered into force presumably we just automatically ratify the amendments. But if later someone suddenly decides they don't like something in either amendment I thought it best to make it specific in the bill that we are behind the whole thing.

[Argentarino]

I'll edit that in as well.

Its not a big deal really. Since we ratify the treaty in 2015 after both the two amendments of the Rome Statute that has been passed since the ICC was founded has entered into force presumably we just automatically ratify the amendments. But if later someone suddenly decides they don't like something in either amendment I thought it best to make it specific in the bill that we are behind the whole thing.

Still, good catch though!

[Battlion]

International Trade Organizations (Mandate) Act

---

Author: Senator Euàn Welder (DL)
Sponsors:

---

An act of the Senate to mandate the Government of Calaverde to seek membership of various organisations promoting international trade in the interests of Calaverde

---

Section I - Mandate

(1) Upon the passage of this act, the Government of Calaverde shall be mandated to seek membership of the World Trade Organization if it so wishes.
(2) Upon the passage of this act, the Government of Calaverde shall be mandated to seek membership of the Latin American Integration Association if it so wishes.
(3) Upon the passage of this act, the Government of Calaverde shall be mandated to seek membership of Mercosur if it so wishes.

---

Section II - Execution

(1) Upon the passage of this act, the Government of Calaverde may seek to fulfil any granted mandate within one year of the mandate being granted.
(2) Any agreement/treaties or other documents requiring ratification to fulfil a mandate shall be required to be placed before Parliament as soon as possible.

---

A proposal from the Ministry of Commerce & Industry to advance our trade interests in line with the government's legislative programme.

[Heraklea-]

The WTO is a criminal organization that undermines governments and pimps poor laborers for large corporations in their relentless pursuit of profits without regard to human lives. If there was justice in the world every member of its leadership would rot in jail for the rest of their lives and the building would be demolished. Expect no support my corner.

[Battlion]

The WTO is a criminal organization that undermines governments and pimps poor laborers for large corporations in their relentless pursuit of profits without regard to human lives. If their were justice in the world every member of its leadership would rot in jail for the rest of their lives and the building would be demolished. Expect no support my corner.

The proposal as it stands gives the government the mandate to seek membership, it does not give it membership nor ratifies any agreement.

WTO accession process requires negotiation, I hope that the government of Calaverde would be tough in it's negotiating stance.

[The Nihilistic view]

It seems to me to favour North America and Europe. I'm not a fan in regards to that.

[Heraklea-]

The WTO is a criminal organization that undermines governments and pimps poor laborers for large corporations in their relentless pursuit of profits without regard to human lives. If their were justice in the world every member of its leadership would rot in jail for the rest of their lives and the building would be demolished. Expect no support my corner.

The proposal as it stands gives the government the mandate to seek membership, it does not give it membership nor ratifies any agreement.

WTO accession process requires negotiation, I hope that the government of Calaverde would be tough in it's negotiating stance.

The WTO has a long history of undermining environmental, worker and workplace safety protections in member nations, without regard to what deal was worked out for membership. Its sole function is to serve as an enforcer for corporations that can't strong arm governments on their own or do not want the bad publicity of having been seen to do so.

[Battlion]

We need to make Calaverde open to investment and opportunities by unlocking foreign markets, membership of the WTO would allow for this however I have confidence that if the government did seek membership it's negotiations would put ensure sufficient protections for workers and the environment.

We are a new market with various opportunities for other nations, we must seek to attract these people to secure our future.

I must restate that this bill does not accede us to the WTO, it mandates the government to seek membership "if it so wishes" leaving the option open.

[The Nihilistic view]

We need to make Calaverde open to investment and opportunities by unlocking foreign markets, membership of the WTO would allow for this however I have confidence that if the government did seek membership it's negotiations would put ensure sufficient protections for workers and the environment.

We are a new market with various opportunities for other nations, we must seek to attract these people to secure our future.

I must restate that this bill does not accede us to the WTO, it mandates the government to seek membership "if it so wishes" leaving the option open.

We can do that bilaterally without the WTO.

[Alyekra]

nvm

[Battlion]

We need to make Calaverde open to investment and opportunities by unlocking foreign markets, membership of the WTO would allow for this however I have confidence that if the government did seek membership it's negotiations would put ensure sufficient protections for workers and the environment.

We are a new market with various opportunities for other nations, we must seek to attract these people to secure our future.

I must restate that this bill does not accede us to the WTO, it mandates the government to seek membership "if it so wishes" leaving the option open.

We can do that bilaterally without the WTO.

Yes, and the government/the future government/any government within the mandate timeframe can decide if they wish to do so.

However, with the WTO we have direct contacts with 160 other countries and that to me is appealing.

Again, no accession in this bill it instead gives the government the mandate to seek the best terms for Calaverde and then allows the Parliament to decide if it wants to join.

[Heraklea-]

Hey, Boris. You're a drinker. Would you rather have 160 watered down beers or a handful of bottles of well aged whiskeys?

[Ainin]

Hey, Boris. You're a drinker. Would you rather have 160 watered down beers or a handful of bottles of well aged whiskeys?

I wouldn't exactly call South Sudan, Belarus, Kazakhstan and Syria well-aged whiskeys.

[The Nihilistic view]

Hey, Boris. You're a drinker. Would you rather have 160 watered down beers or a handful of bottles of well aged whiskeys?

"160 well aged barrels of whiskey."

[Gallifrey Secundaria]

Hey, Boris. You're a drinker. Would you rather have 160 watered down beers or a handful of bottles of well aged whiskeys?

"160 well aged barrels of whiskey."

"Bah, give me some vodka and I'll be happy." Senator Upchurch grumbled from a secluded corner.

[Geilinor]

Retirement Savings Act

---

Authors: Geneviève Duflot [LDP], Sebastian Luc Morales [DL]
Sponsors: Michael Giuliani [DL], Cristobal Araullo [LDP], Sebastian Canonge [LDP], David Vera Cruz [WA]

---

Preamble:
To establish a universal personal pension savings scheme, as a supplement to the universal state pension to improve retirement security among the elderly, and to ensure more young families can purchase their first home.

Article I: Definitions

1.) "Employer" shall be defined as "A person or entity who is contractually bound to a worker - the employee - to give that worker money as a salary or wages, in exchange for ongoing work and for which the employer directs the work and exercises fundamental control over the work".

Article II: Retirement Savings Plans

1.) A publicly managed National Personal Pension Plan shall be established, which shall be managed and invested by a board of directors, appointed by the President on the advice of the Minister of Finance.
2.) Private savings plans may be established and information regarding fees charged, expected annual returns, composition of investments, and risk must be released to the public.
3.) Employees may choose the plan of their choice and shall have the option to transfer funds once annually.
4.) The self-employed who would otherwise not qualify shall have the option to join a plan.

Article III: Employer Contributions

1.) Employers shall contribute 5% of their employees' wages to their retirement savings plan in the first year.
b.) The contribution rate shall increase by 1% per year until it reaches 10%.
2.) The first $3,500 of employer contributions shall be tax-free.

Article IV: Government Contributions

1.) The government of Calaverde will contribute $1 for every $2 of contributions, up to the first $1,000 of contributions. This will mean a maximum annual subsidy of $500.
2.) The government of Calaverde will make an annual contribution of $100 to anyone with gross earnings of less than $8,000 per annum, called the "Low Income Contribution".
3.) For anyone who wishes to withdraw funds for a deposit on their first home, they may be entitled to a 'Home Deposit Subsidy' of $1000. Combined household income must be less than $40,000.

Article V: Personal Contributions

1.) Members of savings plans shall be free to contribute to their retirement fund at any time.
2.) The first $3,000 of personal, voluntary contributions shall be tax-free, deducted from taxable income.

Article VI: Withdrawal of Funds

1.) Members of savings plans may withdraw up to $30,000 from their fund for a down payment on their first home or for medical costs.
2.) Plan holders shall be able to fully access their funds after the age of 60.

[Alyekra]

Retirement Savings Act

---

Authors: Geneviève Duflot [LDP], Sebastian Luc Morales [DL]
Sponsors: Michael Giuliani [DL], Cristobal Araullo [LDP], Sebastian Canonge [LDP], David Vera Cruz [WA]

---

Preamble:
To establish a universal personal pension savings scheme, as a supplement to the universal state pension to improve retirement security among the elderly, and to ensure more young families can purchase their first home.

Article I: Definitions

1.) "Employer" shall be defined as "A person or entity who is contractually bound to a worker - the employee - to give that worker money as a salary or wages, in exchange for ongoing work and for which the employer directs the work and exercises fundamental control over the work".

Article II: Retirement Savings Plans

1.) A publicly managed National Personal Pension Plan shall be established, which shall be managed and invested by a board of directors, appointed by the President on the advice of the Minister of Finance.
2.) Private savings plans may be established and information regarding fees charged, expected annual returns, composition of investments, and risk must be released to the public.
3.) Employees may choose the plan of their choice and shall have the option to transfer funds once annually.
4.) The self-employed who would otherwise not qualify shall have the option to join a plan.

Article III: Employer Contributions

1.) Employers shall contribute 5% of their employees' wages to their retirement savings plan in the first year.
b.) The contribution rate shall increase by 1% per year until it reaches 10%.
2.) The first $3,500 of employer contributions shall be tax-free.

Article IV: Government Contributions

1.) The government of Calaverde will contribute $1 for every $2 of contributions, up to the first $1,000 of contributions. This will mean a maximum annual subsidy of $500.
2.) The government of Calaverde will make an annual contribution of $100 to anyone with gross earnings of less than $8,000 per annum, called the "Low Income Contribution".
3.) For anyone who wishes to withdraw funds for a deposit on their first home, they may be entitled to a 'Home Deposit Subsidy' of $1000. Combined household income must be less than $40,000.

Article V: Personal Contributions

1.) Members of savings plans shall be free to contribute to their retirement fund at any time.
2.) The first $3,000 of personal, voluntary contributions shall be tax-free, deducted from taxable income.

Article VI: Withdrawal of Funds

1.) Members of savings plans may withdraw up to $30,000 from their fund for a down payment on their first home or for medical costs.
2.) Plan holders shall be able to fully access their funds after the age of 60.

"This is a travesty. If employees wanted to save 5% of their income for retirement they can do it without a national mandate."

[Battlion]

Retirement Savings Act

---

Authors: Geneviève Duflot [LDP], Sebastian Luc Morales [DL]
Sponsors: Michael Giuliani [DL], Cristobal Araullo [LDP], Sebastian Canonge [LDP], David Vera Cruz [WA]

---

Preamble:
To establish a universal personal pension savings scheme, as a supplement to the universal state pension to improve retirement security among the elderly, and to ensure more young families can purchase their first home.

Article I: Definitions

1.) "Employer" shall be defined as "A person or entity who is contractually bound to a worker - the employee - to give that worker money as a salary or wages, in exchange for ongoing work and for which the employer directs the work and exercises fundamental control over the work".

Article II: Retirement Savings Plans

1.) A publicly managed National Personal Pension Plan shall be established, which shall be managed and invested by a board of directors, appointed by the President on the advice of the Minister of Finance.
2.) Private savings plans may be established and information regarding fees charged, expected annual returns, composition of investments, and risk must be released to the public.
3.) Employees may choose the plan of their choice and shall have the option to transfer funds once annually.
4.) The self-employed who would otherwise not qualify shall have the option to join a plan.

Article III: Employer Contributions

1.) Employers shall contribute 5% of their employees' wages to their retirement savings plan in the first year.
b.) The contribution rate shall increase by 1% per year until it reaches 10%.
2.) The first $3,500 of employer contributions shall be tax-free.

Article IV: Government Contributions

1.) The government of Calaverde will contribute $1 for every $2 of contributions, up to the first $1,000 of contributions. This will mean a maximum annual subsidy of $500.
2.) The government of Calaverde will make an annual contribution of $100 to anyone with gross earnings of less than $8,000 per annum, called the "Low Income Contribution".
3.) For anyone who wishes to withdraw funds for a deposit on their first home, they may be entitled to a 'Home Deposit Subsidy' of $1000. Combined household income must be less than $40,000.

Article V: Personal Contributions

1.) Members of savings plans shall be free to contribute to their retirement fund at any time.
2.) The first $3,000 of personal, voluntary contributions shall be tax-free, deducted from taxable income.

Article VI: Withdrawal of Funds

1.) Members of savings plans may withdraw up to $30,000 from their fund for a down payment on their first home or for medical costs.
2.) Plan holders shall be able to fully access their funds after the age of 60.

This is a travesty. If employees wanted to save 5% of their income for retirement they can do it without a national mandate.

If someone doesn't save, the state will end up having to pick up the tab later down the line which will cost us more the longer we delay.

I agree, I don't "like" the idea of forcing people to save but the alternative is a crippling cost for the taxpayer in the long run.

[Alyekra]

This is a travesty. If employees wanted to save 5% of their income for retirement they can do it without a national mandate.

If someone doesn't save, the state will end up having to pick up the tab later down the line which will cost us more the longer we delay.

I agree, I don't "like" the idea of forcing people to save but the alternative is a crippling cost for the taxpayer in the long run.

"I think the simpler and more humane approach would be to stop subsidizing poor decisions."

[Battlion]

The Deputy-PM will sponsor Geilnor

[MERIZoC]

International Trade Organizations (Mandate) Act

---

Author: Senator Euàn Welder (DL)
Sponsors:

---

An act of the Senate to mandate the Government of Calaverde to seek membership of various organisations promoting international trade in the interests of Calaverde

---

Section I - Mandate

(1) Upon the passage of this act, the Government of Calaverde shall be mandated to seek membership of the World Trade Organization if it so wishes.
(2) Upon the passage of this act, the Government of Calaverde shall be mandated to seek membership of the Latin American Integration Association if it so wishes.
(3) Upon the passage of this act, the Government of Calaverde shall be mandated to seek membership of Mercosur if it so wishes.

---

Section II - Execution

(1) Upon the passage of this act, the Government of Calaverde may seek to fulfil any granted mandate within one year of the mandate being granted.
(2) Any agreement/treaties or other documents requiring ratification to fulfil a mandate shall be required to be placed before Parliament as soon as possible.

---

A proposal from the Ministry of Commerce & Industry to advance our trade interests in line with the government's legislative programme.

Because we all know how well the WTO works out for small poor countries. Why not try to join NAFTA while you're at it?

[Battlion]

International Trade Organizations (Mandate) Act

---

Author: Senator Euàn Welder (DL)
Sponsors:

---

An act of the Senate to mandate the Government of Calaverde to seek membership of various organisations promoting international trade in the interests of Calaverde

---

Section I - Mandate

(1) Upon the passage of this act, the Government of Calaverde shall be mandated to seek membership of the World Trade Organization if it so wishes.
(2) Upon the passage of this act, the Government of Calaverde shall be mandated to seek membership of the Latin American Integration Association if it so wishes.
(3) Upon the passage of this act, the Government of Calaverde shall be mandated to seek membership of Mercosur if it so wishes.

---

Section II - Execution

(1) Upon the passage of this act, the Government of Calaverde may seek to fulfil any granted mandate within one year of the mandate being granted.
(2) Any agreement/treaties or other documents requiring ratification to fulfil a mandate shall be required to be placed before Parliament as soon as possible.

---

A proposal from the Ministry of Commerce & Industry to advance our trade interests in line with the government's legislative programme.

Because we all know how well the WTO works out for small poor countries. Why not try to join NAFTA while you're at it?

Again, the bill doesn't make us join we have to negotiate ourselves.

If the Government wouldn't be able to negotiate a suitable agreement then I would back a No vote, so I just want to clear it up that I'm not saying we should join.

This just gives the government the chance to do something if it wishes to...

[Atlanticatia]

International Trade Organizations (Mandate) Act

---

Author: Senator Euàn Welder (DL)
Sponsors:

---

An act of the Senate to mandate the Government of Calaverde to seek membership of various organisations promoting international trade in the interests of Calaverde

---

Section I - Mandate

(1) Upon the passage of this act, the Government of Calaverde shall be mandated to seek membership of the World Trade Organization if it so wishes.
(2) Upon the passage of this act, the Government of Calaverde shall be mandated to seek membership of the Latin American Integration Association if it so wishes.
(3) Upon the passage of this act, the Government of Calaverde shall be mandated to seek membership of Mercosur if it so wishes.

---

Section II - Execution

(1) Upon the passage of this act, the Government of Calaverde may seek to fulfil any granted mandate within one year of the mandate being granted.
(2) Any agreement/treaties or other documents requiring ratification to fulfil a mandate shall be required to be placed before Parliament as soon as possible.

---

A proposal from the Ministry of Commerce & Industry to advance our trade interests in line with the government's legislative programme.

I wonder if it'd be best to leave the WTO out of this bill as it's quite controversial. Maybe have a separate WTO bill that can be debated and voted on separately.

[Gallifrey Secundaria]

Retirement Savings Act

---

Authors: Geneviève Duflot [LDP], Sebastian Luc Morales [DL]
Sponsors: Michael Giuliani [DL], Cristobal Araullo [LDP], Sebastian Canonge [LDP], David Vera Cruz [WA]

---

Preamble:
To establish a universal personal pension savings scheme, as a supplement to the universal state pension to improve retirement security among the elderly, and to ensure more young families can purchase their first home.

Article I: Definitions

1.) "Employer" shall be defined as "A person or entity who is contractually bound to a worker - the employee - to give that worker money as a salary or wages, in exchange for ongoing work and for which the employer directs the work and exercises fundamental control over the work".

Article II: Retirement Savings Plans

1.) A publicly managed National Personal Pension Plan shall be established, which shall be managed and invested by a board of directors, appointed by the President on the advice of the Minister of Finance.
2.) Private savings plans may be established and information regarding fees charged, expected annual returns, composition of investments, and risk must be released to the public.
3.) Employees may choose the plan of their choice and shall have the option to transfer funds once annually.
4.) The self-employed who would otherwise not qualify shall have the option to join a plan.

Article III: Employer Contributions

1.) Employers shall contribute 5% of their employees' wages to their retirement savings plan in the first year.
b.) The contribution rate shall increase by 1% per year until it reaches 10%.
2.) The first $3,500 of employer contributions shall be tax-free.

Article IV: Government Contributions

1.) The government of Calaverde will contribute $1 for every $2 of contributions, up to the first $1,000 of contributions. This will mean a maximum annual subsidy of $500.
2.) The government of Calaverde will make an annual contribution of $100 to anyone with gross earnings of less than $8,000 per annum, called the "Low Income Contribution".
3.) For anyone who wishes to withdraw funds for a deposit on their first home, they may be entitled to a 'Home Deposit Subsidy' of $1000. Combined household income must be less than $40,000.

Article V: Personal Contributions

1.) Members of savings plans shall be free to contribute to their retirement fund at any time.
2.) The first $3,000 of personal, voluntary contributions shall be tax-free, deducted from taxable income.

Article VI: Withdrawal of Funds

1.) Members of savings plans may withdraw up to $30,000 from their fund for a down payment on their first home or for medical costs.
2.) Plan holders shall be able to fully access their funds after the age of 60.

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