[Harp-L] The BSU - Fiscal Cliff

[Greg Jones <greg@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

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*
*(210) 445-6600*
*http://1623customharmonicas.com/* <http://1623customharmonicas.com/>