By John Villavicencio for the Gold & Silver PAC ……
Gold & Silver News From the Political Coordinator
Greetings!
I’d like to begin this April edition of the Gold & Silver PAC Newsletter by introducing myself as its new Political Coordinator. My name is John Villavicencio, and it’s my pleasure to write the monthly PAC newsletter with your Chairman, Barry Stuppler. My day job is General Counsel and Legislative Affairs Coordinator for the Industry Council for Tangible Assets (ICTA).
While most of my time is spent advancing the interests of the numismatic community, in my free time I’m out enjoying the sunny California weather of Sacramento. Keep an eye out for me at your local coin show, and please don’t hesitate to say hi or discuss numismatic federal and state legislation or regulations.
Meet U.S. Congressional Candidate Michigan State Senator Steve Bieda at CSNS
In an exciting development, Gold & Silver PAC will be hosting a meet-and-greet with U.S. congressional candidate Steve Bieda at the Central States Numismatic Society’s (CSNS) 79th Anniversary Convention. Steve is a current Michigan State Senator, Assistant Minority Leader (served since 2011), and is running for the seat currently held by Representative Sandy Levin, who is retiring this year. Steve is the leading Democratic candidate running in a district that is considered a “safe” Democratic seat.
Steve is very active and knowledgeable on numismatic issues, and other issues as they impact the numismatic industry. A designer of a United States commemorative half dollar (the 1992 Olympic half dollar reverse), the initiator of legislation for the 2004 Edison dollar, and an adviser to the Governor on the 2004 Michigan quarter, Steve has been actively involved in the numismatic industry as an attorney for Central States Numismatic Society and a supporter of sales-tax exemption in Michigan and other states. He is also a frequent author of numismatic publications. Steve has a well-established commitment to combatting counterfeits and a deep understanding of issues impacting the numismatic community; he would be a staunch ally in Congress.
If you’re attending the upcoming CSNS show, please speak with Steve in person over cocktails and hors d’oeuvres. You are invited.
April 27, 2018, 5:30pm
Schaumburg Renaissance Convention Center
Nirvana Room C
David Ryder Confirmed as 39th Director of U.S. Mint
After an almost six-month process, David Ryder was confirmed by the Senate on March 21 and is set to begin his second run as Director of the U.S. Mint. David brings an impressive amount of experience in the numismatic industry, along with over 20 years of anti-counterfeiting efforts. As the first appointed Director of the Mint since 2011, David will be an invaluable ally of the industry in the years to come.
Numismatic Industry Steps up Fight Against Counterfeiting
Beginning in late 2016, the Industry Council for Tangible Assets (ICTA) has gotten serious about the fight against counterfeiting. Since then, ICTA has founded and staffed the Anti-Counterfeiting Task Force (ACTF) with an all-star cast of volunteers from all corners of the numismatic industry. The ACTF works with law-enforcement across the country and has been instrumental in the arrest and prosecution of several high-profile cases, most of which can’t be discussed here because of their on-going nature. However, ICTA and the ACTF are proud to announce the recent federal indictment of an alleged counterfeiter in Minnesota!
As part of the effort to continue the pressure on counterfeiters around the globe, the Anti-Counterfeiting Educational Foundation was recently created as a 501(c)(3), which allows individuals to contribute to the cause with tax-free donations.
Numismatic Legislation Around the Country
Alabama– Effective June 1, 2018, Alabama becomes the 37th state with a numismatic-related sales-tax exemption. Alabama passed a five-year exemption on collectible U.S. currency and gold, silver, platinum, and palladium bullion. This effort was led by Phil Darby, Steve Caiola, and ICTA.
Kansas– There are currently two bills in Kansas (House, Senate) that would grant a sales-tax exemption on precious metals bullion, rare coins, and paper money. Both bills have passed out of their originating committees and are awaiting further deliberation by their respective bodies (which will likely occur in late April). Leading the charge has been Dean Schmidt, Jeremy Brakenhoff, Josh McCleary, Robert Dunlap, Robin Tummons, Rick Raines, the Johnson County Numismatic Society, Steve Neher, and ICTA.
Tennessee– Unfortunately, it is likely that industry efforts to obtain a sales-tax exemption will not succeed this session. Right out of the gate, the bills that were introduced were hampered with a high estimate of their fiscal impact. One bill, HB195, is still technically alive, but the chances of it passing at this point are slim. However, with a new governor and chair of the House, Finance, Ways, and Means Committee taking the reins after this session, the fight begins anew next year!
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If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to contact me at [email protected]. “Letters to the Editor” are appreciated and may appear in a future newsletter.
John Villavicencio, Political Coordinator for the Gold & Silver PAC
Barry Stuppler, Chairman Gold & Silver Political Action Committee
