Reflecting on the importance of effective communication

There are moments throughout your career where you significantly benefit from the power of effective communication and human contact.  Throughout the past several days, I gathered an impressive perspective towards the need that Puerto Rico has in building their overall economy.  From meetings in the White House, to personally visiting the island; the message of inclusion and equality is clear.

     Representing New World Group Advocacy with Jerry Weller and Dave Miller, we meet key members of Congress with the Puerto Rican Private Sector Coalition to discuss numerous pressing topics.  At the top of the agenda: tax reform legislation to create jobs for Puerto Rico.  We also effectively communicated the need for changes to the Medicaid Cliff and are fortunate to proceed with briefings to satisfy our ongoing research.

     Later in Old San Juan, I had the opportunity to interact with former colleagues and multiple business leaders sharing the same vision.  Attending the Bienvenido Reception for Congressman Sean Duffy allowed for a gracious conclusion to the visit.  Our efforts in gathering equitable results for the beautiful island of Puerto Rico are solidified by the simplicity of the human contact and I am eager to see fruitful results in the very near future.

Diversity in Peace Leaders

The Washington Times Foundation and the Universal Peace Foundation sponsored an impressive World Summit 2017 with political and peace leaders from all corners of the world.

It was an extraordinary experience to enjoy several days in Seoul, South Korea surrounded by leaders of peace!  The World Summit advocates universal morals and principles with a strong commitment to overcoming our differences.  The focus is on the simplicity of nature and carrying those common elements that we share; finding creative ways of relating similarities and nurturing an overall sense of interfaith uniting us as families sharing the universe together.

To embrace these powerful messages- multiple leaders in the civic society from former and current state and government realms were invited to enlighten us with views on human development, peace and security.  Addressing the critical challenges of our time was emphasized throughout my visit in Korea.  Most discussions revolved around movements to help us understand our differences, because in doing so, we'd realize that the core principles have far more in common.

Preparing for Upcoming Agenda Topics

With tax reform and repealing Obamacare at the top of the Presidential and Congressional agenda, this is an exciting time in Washington and all around the world.

A comprehensive overhaul of the U.S. tax system was last accomplished in 1986 opined advised that this will be completed during the first "100 days". The reduction of the corporate tax rate and 100% expensing of all plants and equipment are long overdue but they will come with the repeal of many credits and deductions vital to many company's return on investment and essentially the bottom line.

President-elect Trump has just referred to the border-adjustment measures as complex, yet his economic advisors understand the need to address the infrastructure projects to ultimately find a comfortable balance in transitioning ahead with the plan to grow the American economy. This is a concern that will most certainly hit all industries in one form or another and the specific details of the proposal, like tax reform generally, will produce winners and losers for decades to come.  Some of the industries that may be greatly impacted are aviation, banking, construction, electronics, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, retail and real estate.

Recognizing the importance of comprehensive tax reform, particularly in the international/corporate area I have decided to work on tax related issues with the New World Public Affairs Group (NWPAG) which specializes in tax policy.

The NWPAG is headed by former 14 year Ways and Means member Jerry Weller. Former Congressman Weller, you will recall, was both an engaged and effective member of the Committee as well as a key member of the House leadership. His colleague, David Miller, is a veteran of the 1986 Tax Reform Act (TRA) and has, over the years, represented a variety of tax related clients including The Limited, the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, and American Airlines.

I am proud to be associated with these professionals; we are happy to address your concerns and I hope that you will consider a proposal from us to represent you on this critical issue.

Joy & Peace for 2017

Our thoughts turn gratefully into those who've made this transition possible for our family and for The Estopinan Group's success.  It is in this spirit that we share our holiday wishes to you and yours.

We should emphasis our many blessings and pray for PEACE during these uncertain times when we are experiencing world wide terrorism.  Whether we refer to the atrocities in Syria by Al-Assad, the genocide for Christians and other minorities, trouble in the Middle East, or oppression by dictators in Iran, Turkey, Venezuela and Cuba (to name just a few)... our World is facing serious problems which need U.S. Leadership to help bring peace, justice and hope for millions of helpless people all over our planet.

May the holiday spirit unite us in spreading peace, love and prosperity worldwide for 2017!   

A Year in Transition

Seems like the perfect time for me to reflect on the humbling farewell reception hosted for me while concluding my congressional career of 27 years!  The journey was rewarding and fortunately I shared those times directly with you.  It is important for me to reiterate my appreciation towards those who contributed to this memory.  Distinguished Congressmen of multiple states and several Ambassadors were among the 150 guests of good friends and colleagues who were present at this extremely rewarding event.

I am genuinely touched by the emotions that were experienced this day; and I’m very lucky to have this memory.  I encourage you to take this opportunity to revisit your own accomplishments and realize that the transitions between milestones ultimately empower us to excel and to believe that the best is yet to come!  Wishing you and yours a wonderful holiday season!!!

Farewell Reception Photos: Click here

Fidel’s Rein Ends! Possible Rebirth for Cuba’s Nation.

The death of Cuba’s dictator, Fidel Castro, represents an opportunity for the current Leaders to begin an evolutionary process of openness so that the Cuban people can design their future.  Although there are rumors regarding the structure Fidel expects his brother Raul Castro to carry out; Raul can potentially alter that regime after almost six decades. Their youth can now aspire to the hope and opportunities for a prosperous nation which have been lacking during the tyrannical Fidel Castro Regime.  The Cuban nation now needs to feel a sense of self-determination to overcome their fear for more of the same.  

Ironically, this transition for Cuba is occurring simultaneously with our new President Elect Trump.  Timing here can be an essential factor in potential economic growth and development for Cuba’s impoverished nation.  Focusing on human rights and developing institutional organizations to make legal and corporate resources available for businesses could ultimately provide this means for growth.  Although some Cubans on the island may not be prepared for change, those of us who see their nation from an outside perspective can see a potential for evolution coming soon!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

Dear Friends and Colleagues-

This Thanksgiving we are giving thanks to GOD for allowing us to keep our little man, Art, Jr at home with us for three years now.  You see, four years ago this time we had to call a priest, Fr Tim Brown, SJ to administer the "last rites" as we did not believe that our little guy was going to be able to continue fighting for his short life; but right after the Holy Oil was placed on his forehead he opened his eyes and began a steady improvement; albeit rocky at times- but forward.

We are grateful that he is moving more with his arms, legs, hips, shoulders and fingers. He also has more energies as he is able to sit in his wheelchair and stand in his stander for longer period of times. In addition, we can hear him vocalize his key words: "mama," "papa," "Sparkey" (neighbor's cat), "Ana" (beloved caretaker), "abuela," "IPAD", "Lion King, and a couple others! Moreover, we can see his smiles and other facial expressions which are all coming back.  He still fights for his life against mucous plugs which block his airways- but he has maintained stability with his daily respiratory treatments every four hours. He is a strong little man, a FIGHTER and happy!

Olga and I also give Thanks to our Family and Friends who have been extremely supportive with his research at Columbia University Medical Center, accessible van and prayers.  Now we pray that one day he will no longer need his ventilator with the circuits which prevents us from holding and hugging Arturito. We realize that he needs all of his medical equipment to live, yet as parents we wish that we would be able to hold our son against our body to give him the warm and security that parents give their children. There are about 12 kids from all over the World on these experimental medications, like Arturity who have the hope to live and get stronger.  We have faith that these medical advances will improve his living conditions gradually.