Yesterday's session at the Union Congress, assembled by Speaker Stanisław Małachowski, featured an insightful financial disclosure from Senator Bishop Krzysztof Szembek from Płock. The specifics, surmised by Representative Ignacy Witosławski from Podolia, indicated stark realities for the Union's treasury, with an emerging deficit noted by Representative Fryderyk Moszyński from Bracław highlighting the annual shortfall within the Polish-Ukrainian and Lithuanian-Belarussian funds.

Concerned voices such as Representative Ignacy Krzucki from Volhynia questioned the absence of key financial statements. Nevertheless, the dissemination of financial data sparked deep conversations among the representatives, particularly over the pressing need to bolster the Union's revenues.

Finance seems to be the main course in every representative's platter, with discussions circling around potential austerity measures versus strategic economic development. Highlighting the gravity of the situation, Witosławski asserted, "We must not look indifferently upon the treasuries of both nations." His speech underscored the imperative need for firmer fiscal mechanisms and the dire consequences of inaction.

In the thick of treasury talks, Senator Jacek Jezierski from Łuków sought Witosławski's perspective on tangible solutions, emphasizing trade enhancements and efficient river transport to save on customs duties.

The session wasn't all about budget sheets, as integrity and justice for the Union's commitments took center stage. A moving conversation ensued about a debt payment to Senator Wojewoda Piotr Przebendowski from Malbork, related to his investment in the Union's well-being. The representatives debated passionately, eventually deciding in favor of recognizing both the principal and the accrued interest.

Before adjourning, the Congress passed two acts. One annulled a 40,000 złoty reward previously granted, while the other confirmed the debt owed to Senator Przebendowski with a guarantee of payment, subject to his oath confirming he has not received any compensation for said sum from the Prussian government. To address the late hour, the session concluded with plans to continue on Thursday.

Today's proceedings highlighted a Congress deeply engrossed in fiscal responsibilities. The discussions underscore the Union's dedication to transparency, upholdment of public faith, and economic stewardship, demonstrating a commitment to navigating challenging financial waters for the Union's future. Stay tuned as we bring you more updates from the Congress.

Topics: Verification of the Crown Treasury status; Financial report of the Treasury Commission; Financial management and public debt; Bonds and debts of the Republic; State revenues and expenses; Fund for debt redemption; Internal economy; Trade and river rafting; Matters of commissions and deputations; Gratuities and rewards for officials;

Revision of the Hide Tax

Hey folks, back with the latest scoop from Congress. Today, our reps threw out the old-school requirement of collecting animal hides as tax payments across The Union. So what's the new deal? They're replacing this with a consumption tax on slaughtered livestock. Cities in Poland-Ukraine, Lithuania-Belarus, and Latvia, get ready to cough up 18 bucks for a slaughtered ox and 14 for a cow or heifer—yup, it goes on with varied rates for other livestock as well.

The Union's Treasury commissions are set to tweak these fees to fit local contexts, adjusting for province, state, and county differences within six months. Rural estates, villages of all sorts, and taverns are cut loose from giving up hides and from slaughter fees—if they’re just serving local needs. These joints will instead kick in three copper groschen per household when they pay the chimney tax (except city folks who've got their own deal with the slaughterhouse).

As for those hauling carcasses to public sales, they’ll also be slapped with the slaughter fee. This doesn't let cottage industry workers, craftsmen, or Dutch settlers off the hook—they'll pay up personally. The Treasury commissions are tasked with keeping things lean while setting up a three-year contract system for city slaughter through auctions.

Leather gone through treatment? Sure, ship it abroad with no duties. But raw? Not so fast—export’s banned starting today. Get caught, and you can kiss that hide goodbye—two-thirds go to the whistle-blower and one-third to the Treasury.

Topics: Leather Tax Reform; Consumptive Tax on Butchery; Livestock Tariff Rates; Slaughter in Royal, Ecclesiastical, and Hereditary Cities; Exemptions for Rural Estates and Taverns; Hearth Tax; Fiscal Regulations; Butchery Contract Tenders and Auctions; Hide Exportation; Confiscation of Illegally Exported Goods;

Concerning Public Hospitals and Listed Mendicant Monasteries

In today's session, Congress took note of the slim funds available for public hospitals in various cities as well as mendicant monasteries such as the Bernardines, the Reformed Franciscans, Capuchins, and the Sisters of Mercy. With the agreement of the combined states of the Union, The President urges the Treasury Departments of both the Polish-Ukrainian and the Lithuanian-Belarusian people, to reimburse hospitals for payments made through treasury notes levied from meat taxes quarterly. Anyone attempting to misuse the provisions of this law under any pretense will face a fine of a thousand gold coins. Moreover, the aforementioned hospitals and monasteries misusing these benefits will permanently lose this privilege.

Topics: Public hospital funds; Mendicant monasteries; Slaughter fees; Treasury commissions of both nations; Quartered payment of fees; Penalties for misuse; Forfeiture of benefits by hospitals and monasteries;