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PostPosted: Sun Mar 15, 2015 7:33 am
by Great Nepal
I have written a directive to regulate standards for teachers in public schools, it will come into force from this Tuesday/ Wednesday. Any comments/ suggestions?

PostPosted: Sun Mar 15, 2015 7:55 am
by Valluto
How exactly should I handle a recently filed Supreme Court case? Am I to hand it over to the Admins?

EDIT: Also, should I begin work on a alcohol, narcotic, and tobacco control act to establish a drug schedule, drinking, and smoking age?

PostPosted: Sun Mar 15, 2015 11:31 am
by Atlanticatia
I'd like to do something about payday lenders.

Should we go for an outright ban on payday loans or limit the maximum APR and put in regulations?

PostPosted: Sun Mar 15, 2015 11:33 am
by Great Nepal
Atlanticatia wrote:I'd like to do something about payday lenders.

Should we go for an outright ban on payday loans or limit the maximum APR and put in regulations?

As long as they make their interest rates clear and take appropriate steps to make sure the borrowers are able to afford repayments, I dont see the need.

PostPosted: Sun Mar 15, 2015 11:35 am
by Valluto
Great Nepal wrote:
Atlanticatia wrote:I'd like to do something about payday lenders.

Should we go for an outright ban on payday loans or limit the maximum APR and put in regulations?

As long as they make their interest rates clear and take appropriate steps to make sure the borrowers are able to afford repayments, I dont see the need.


I would agree.

PostPosted: Sun Mar 15, 2015 11:53 am
by Atlanticatia
Great Nepal wrote:
Atlanticatia wrote:I'd like to do something about payday lenders.

Should we go for an outright ban on payday loans or limit the maximum APR and put in regulations?

As long as they make their interest rates clear and take appropriate steps to make sure the borrowers are able to afford repayments, I dont see the need.


I don't think we should be allowing outrageous interest rates, as they are exploitative of the poor who may not have any other options to turn to.

PostPosted: Sun Mar 15, 2015 12:04 pm
by Great Nepal
Atlanticatia wrote:
Great Nepal wrote:As long as they make their interest rates clear and take appropriate steps to make sure the borrowers are able to afford repayments, I dont see the need.


I don't think we should be allowing outrageous interest rates, as they are exploitative of the poor who may not have any other options to turn to.

We ought to make sure they have other options to turn to rather than restricting voluntary contracts between adults where both understand all the terms prior to entering the contract and lender takes appropriate steps to make sure borrower can afford repayment.

PostPosted: Sun Mar 15, 2015 1:43 pm
by The New World Oceania
Atlanticatia wrote:
Great Nepal wrote:As long as they make their interest rates clear and take appropriate steps to make sure the borrowers are able to afford repayments, I dont see the need.


I don't think we should be allowing outrageous interest rates, as they are exploitative of the poor who may not have any other options to turn to.


"Interest rates" in any amount are sinful.

PostPosted: Sun Mar 15, 2015 1:47 pm
by Malgrave
I'm thinking about organising a trip to visit our neighbours in Central America. If anyone is interested in tagging along I should have something more official lined up in the Presidential thread.

PostPosted: Sun Mar 15, 2015 2:17 pm
by Argentarino
Malgrave wrote:I'm thinking about organising a trip to visit our neighbours in Central America. If anyone is interested in tagging along I should have something more official lined up in the Presidential thread.

As Minister of Foreign Affairs, I'd like to join.

PostPosted: Sun Mar 15, 2015 2:21 pm
by Lykens
We seem to have won.

And is this trip open to backbenchers?

PostPosted: Sun Mar 15, 2015 2:22 pm
by Malgrave
Lykens wrote:We seem to have won.

And is this trip open to backbenchers?


It is open to all interested parties.

PostPosted: Sun Mar 15, 2015 2:27 pm
by Atlanticatia
Are we going to have a minimum wage?

PostPosted: Sun Mar 15, 2015 2:59 pm
by New Werpland
Atlanticatia wrote:Are we going to have a minimum wage?

if you really do hate jobs yes.

PostPosted: Sun Mar 15, 2015 3:01 pm
by Atlanticatia
New Werpland wrote:
Atlanticatia wrote:Are we going to have a minimum wage?

if you really do hate jobs yes.


Because having jobs that pay $1 an hour is worthwhile. Most evidence shows a modest minimum wage will have a negligible effect on employment anyway.

PostPosted: Sun Mar 15, 2015 3:03 pm
by Dejanic
Atlanticatia wrote:
New Werpland wrote:if you really do hate jobs yes.


Because having jobs that pay $1 an hour is worthwhile. Most evidence shows a modest minimum wage will have a negligible effect on employment anyway.

Aye, as long as the minimum wage keeps up with inflation at a steady rising level, and no absurd raises are made (oh we've had a year of decent growth, let's triple the minimum wage) then generally employment won't go down.

Sorry IC mode.

"The minimum wage is evil".

PostPosted: Sun Mar 15, 2015 3:34 pm
by Battlion
Valluto wrote:How exactly should I handle a recently filed Supreme Court case? Am I to hand it over to the Admins?

EDIT: Also, should I begin work on a alcohol, narcotic, and tobacco control act to establish a drug schedule, drinking, and smoking age?


I think so you need to send it to us, but I'd ask Ainin on that one.

PostPosted: Sun Mar 15, 2015 5:26 pm
by Valluto
Atlanticatia wrote:
New Werpland wrote:if you really do hate jobs yes.


Because having jobs that pay $1 an hour is worthwhile. Most evidence shows a modest minimum wage will have a negligible effect on employment anyway.


Actually I think over the long term it provides a positive economic effect because the poor and lower income middle class have more money in their pockets. This typically translates to more consumer spending, thus more profits for the types of companies that hire minimum wage workers, like say restaurants or Walmart.

PostPosted: Sun Mar 15, 2015 8:49 pm
by Sebastianbourg
Malgrave wrote:I'm thinking about organising a trip to visit our neighbours in Central America. If anyone is interested in tagging along I should have something more official lined up in the Presidential thread.

I'd like to travel too; you have to attract that foreign investment from wealthy foreigners into the agrarian sector!

PostPosted: Sun Mar 15, 2015 8:58 pm
by Sebastianbourg

National Agricultural Co-operative Bank Establishment Act
Author: Sebastian van Oldenbarnevelt
Sponsors: Sebastièn Canonge (Valluto; LibDems) | Kenneth Díaz (Lykens; LibDems) | David Vera Cruz (Heraklea-; Workers' Alliance) | Senator Euàn Welder (Battlion; DemLeft) | Michael Giuliani (Collatis; DemLeft)
An act to establish a national agricultural co-operative bank in order to finance the development of the Republic's agrarian sector.



§1: Definitions
A co-operative is an autonomous association of people who voluntarily cooperate for their mutual social, economic, and cultural benefit.
Co-operative banking is retail and commercial banking organised on a co-operative basis.

§2: Creation
The Parliament of the Republic of Calaverde hereby creates and charters a body corporate to be known as the National Agricultural Co-operative Bank (hereinafter referred to as the ''Bank''). The Bank shall have perpetual existence unless and until its charter is revoked or modified by an act of of this Parliament. The right to revise, amend, or modify the charter of the Bank is exclusively limited to the Parliament of Calaverde; no other entity has the authority to alter the terms of the charter in any way, manner or form. The Bank shall be headquartered in the national capital, San Cristóbal, but it shall serve the entirety of the Republic of Calaverde's territory. The bank shall encourage the development of the Calaverdean agricultural industry by providing loans and other types of assistance to Calaverdean farmers.

§3: Bank Powers
The Bank shall have the power to—

  1. Have the power to make and service loans at appropriate interest rates and afford other types of technical assistance;
  2. Be governed and managed by a competent Board of Directors;
  3. Utilise a corporate seal granted to it by the appropriate authority;
  4. Establish a clear hierarchy within the Board of Directors of the Bank;
  5. Enter into contracts as prescribed by law;
  6. Establish as many branch offices and subdivisions of branch offices and deemed suitable provided this does not fall into wastefulness;
  7. Receive funding from the Calaverdean Government through the Parliament-approved national budget;
  8. Sue and defend itself in the event of being sued by another party.

§4: Board of Directors
The Board of Directors of the Bank shall the highest authority when referring to the daily matters and deliberations of the Bank; the Parliament of the Republic of Calaverde shall be the supreme authority of the Bank although it is only required to take part in the Bank's governance under exceptional circumstances.

The Board of Directors shall be composed of fifteen members appointed by the Parliament of the Republic of Calaverde. Those chosen to form part of the Board of Directors shall elect from amongst their own a chairman, deputy chairman, secretary and treasurer. Furthermore, they shall provide for the appointment and hiring of other personnel. In the event of the resignation or dismissal of a member of the Board of Directors the Parliament of the Republic shall appoint a substitute. If a lower-level employee of the Bank resigns or is dismissed the Board of Directors or another senior employee shall be trusted with overseeing the appointment of a replacement.

§5: Bi-annual Report to Parliament
The Bank is legally bound to report its finances to the Parliament of the Republic of Calaverde twice per annum. These reports should take place at the parliamentary headquarters in the national capital, San Cristóbal. Furthermore, the Bank shall make recommendations on legislation that would improve its financial condition to the appropriate parliamentary committees and government ministries. The aforementioned parliamentary committees and government ministries are under no obligation to take into account the recommendations of the Bank.

§6: Accountability and Audit
The Ministry of Finance and Social Development is hereby entitled to examine and audit the Bank's finances. The Bank shall reimburse the Ministry of Finance and Social Development for the costs of any investigation or audit into the Bank's finances. Finally, the Ministry of Finance and Social Development is legally-bound to report any irregularities to the Parliament of the Republic of Calaverde if they are found.

Does the Prime Minister of the Republic approve of this bill?

PostPosted: Sun Mar 15, 2015 11:04 pm
by Beta Test
Sebastianbourg wrote:

National Agricultural Co-operative Bank Establishment Act
Author: Sebastian van Oldenbarnevelt
Sponsors: Sebastièn Canonge (Valluto; LibDems) | Kenneth Díaz (Lykens; LibDems) | David Vera Cruz (Heraklea-; Workers' Alliance) | Senator Euàn Welder (Battlion; DemLeft) | Michael Giuliani (Collatis; DemLeft)
An act to establish a national agricultural co-operative bank in order to finance the development of the Republic's agrarian sector.



§1: Definitions
A co-operative is an autonomous association of people who voluntarily cooperate for their mutual social, economic, and cultural benefit.
Co-operative banking is retail and commercial banking organised on a co-operative basis.

§2: Creation
The Parliament of the Republic of Calaverde hereby creates and charters a body corporate to be known as the National Agricultural Co-operative Bank (hereinafter referred to as the ''Bank''). The Bank shall have perpetual existence unless and until its charter is revoked or modified by an act of of this Parliament. The right to revise, amend, or modify the charter of the Bank is exclusively limited to the Parliament of Calaverde; no other entity has the authority to alter the terms of the charter in any way, manner or form. The Bank shall be headquartered in the national capital, San Cristóbal, but it shall serve the entirety of the Republic of Calaverde's territory. The bank shall encourage the development of the Calaverdean agricultural industry by providing loans and other types of assistance to Calaverdean farmers.

§3: Bank Powers
The Bank shall have the power to—

  1. Have the power to make and service loans at appropriate interest rates and afford other types of technical assistance;
  2. Be governed and managed by a competent Board of Directors;
  3. Utilise a corporate seal granted to it by the appropriate authority;
  4. Establish a clear hierarchy within the Board of Directors of the Bank;
  5. Enter into contracts as prescribed by law;
  6. Establish as many branch offices and subdivisions of branch offices and deemed suitable provided this does not fall into wastefulness;
  7. Receive funding from the Calaverdean Government through the Parliament-approved national budget;
  8. Sue and defend itself in the event of being sued by another party.

§4: Board of Directors
The Board of Directors of the Bank shall the highest authority when referring to the daily matters and deliberations of the Bank; the Parliament of the Republic of Calaverde shall be the supreme authority of the Bank although it is only required to take part in the Bank's governance under exceptional circumstances.

The Board of Directors shall be composed of fifteen members appointed by the Parliament of the Republic of Calaverde. Those chosen to form part of the Board of Directors shall elect from amongst their own a chairman, deputy chairman, secretary and treasurer. Furthermore, they shall provide for the appointment and hiring of other personnel. In the event of the resignation or dismissal of a member of the Board of Directors the Parliament of the Republic shall appoint a substitute. If a lower-level employee of the Bank resigns or is dismissed the Board of Directors or another senior employee shall be trusted with overseeing the appointment of a replacement.

§5: Bi-annual Report to Parliament
The Bank is legally bound to report its finances to the Parliament of the Republic of Calaverde twice per annum. These reports should take place at the parliamentary headquarters in the national capital, San Cristóbal. Furthermore, the Bank shall make recommendations on legislation that would improve its financial condition to the appropriate parliamentary committees and government ministries. The aforementioned parliamentary committees and government ministries are under no obligation to take into account the recommendations of the Bank.

§6: Accountability and Audit
The Ministry of Finance and Social Development is hereby entitled to examine and audit the Bank's finances. The Bank shall reimburse the Ministry of Finance and Social Development for the costs of any investigation or audit into the Bank's finances. Finally, the Ministry of Finance and Social Development is legally-bound to report any irregularities to the Parliament of the Republic of Calaverde if they are found.

Does the Prime Minister of the Republic approve of this bill?

I most certainly do.

PostPosted: Mon Mar 16, 2015 9:21 am
by The Nihilistic view
d) The definition of 'taxable income' Primary Revenue Act shall be amended from 'income from employment, wages, salaries, commissions and self-employment earnings' to 'income from employment, wages, salaries, commissions, self-employment earnings, and inheritances from an estate that is not wholly inherited by a spouse or surviving civil partner'.

Haven't you just effectively double taxed it now?

PostPosted: Mon Mar 16, 2015 12:26 pm
by Atlanticatia
The Nihilistic view wrote:d) The definition of 'taxable income' Primary Revenue Act shall be amended from 'income from employment, wages, salaries, commissions and self-employment earnings' to 'income from employment, wages, salaries, commissions, self-employment earnings, and inheritances from an estate that is not wholly inherited by a spouse or surviving civil partner'.

Haven't you just effectively double taxed it now?


One is an estate tax paid by large estates before any inheritances are distributed, another is a tax paid by individuals who receive inheritances, counting it as normal income. However if an estate is entirely left to a surviving spouse it will be wholly exempt from both estate tax and income tax.

I guess you could look at it as 'double taxation' but lots of things are 'double taxed'. For example companies pay corporate tax but then individuals still have to pay tax on dividends.

PostPosted: Mon Mar 16, 2015 12:39 pm
by Valluto
Is there currently a Ministry of Tourism?

PostPosted: Mon Mar 16, 2015 12:40 pm
by Atlanticatia
Valluto wrote:Is there currently a Ministry of Tourism?


I assume that would be covered under "Commerce and Industry"