Since I am on summer vacation and my writing projects are winding down, I am now suffering from "too much time on my hands." When this happens, I become dangerous and usually too politically active. I have developed a small interest in local politics and an even greater interest in letting others know how I feel and why.
The
more I read, hear and think, the more convinced I am that this country really is "by the people and for the people" as President Abraham Lincoln once declared in his rather short yet powerful Gettysburg Address and as the United States Declaration of Independence clearly states ----"to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed..." And so, "the people" must speak if they want their voices heard. "The people" must care and become involved in the affairs that affect them today and in those that affect their neighbors, friends or family. One can chose to be passive and inactive and allow others to rule over us and dictate our paths, or we can become active and willing participants in our own fate.
The
more I read, hear and think, the more convinced I am that this country really is "by the people and for the people" as President Abraham Lincoln once declared in his rather short yet powerful Gettysburg Address and as the United States Declaration of Independence clearly states ----"to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed..." And so, "the people" must speak if they want their voices heard. "The people" must care and become involved in the affairs that affect them today and in those that affect their neighbors, friends or family. One can chose to be passive and inactive and allow others to rule over us and dictate our paths, or we can become active and willing participants in our own fate.Now back to this business of "relief." According to a mailer I received today from U.S. Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart, w
ho serves the 25th Florida district, it appears there may be some gasoline relief after all if not at the pump then in the form of tax breaks. On April 24th of this year, he introduced H.R. 5905 the Commuter Aid and Relief for Suburbs Act (C.A.R.S.) proposing an amendment to the IRS Code of 1986 which at the moment "does not allow" for tax deductions on commuting expenses, at least not for us "regular folks."
ho serves the 25th Florida district, it appears there may be some gasoline relief after all if not at the pump then in the form of tax breaks. On April 24th of this year, he introduced H.R. 5905 the Commuter Aid and Relief for Suburbs Act (C.A.R.S.) proposing an amendment to the IRS Code of 1986 which at the moment "does not allow" for tax deductions on commuting expenses, at least not for us "regular folks."As a fiscal conservative, believer in personal responsibility and supporter of smaller government, I must support this bill which will offer more than just relief to those of us who live miles from the inner cities and must travel many miles to work in our own vehicles because there is little if any access to safe and efficient public transportation.
This bill allows tax payers (who are not self employed or work for major companies where mileage expenses are often times paid in full) to deduct a percentage of their commuting costs based on the distance they travel. (Note: these are itemized deductions)
This bill allows tax payers (who are not self employed or work for major companies where mileage expenses are often times paid in full) to deduct a percentage of their commuting costs based on the distance they travel. (Note: these are itemized deductions)
25 or more miles round trip, 75%of your cost tax deductible
15 miles round trip, 50% of your cost tax deductible (ME)
10 miles round trip, 30% of your cost tax deductible
less than 10 miles round trip, 10% of your cost tax deductible
The best incentive seems to be for the people who buy the cars with those supercharged mileage ratings of over 40 mpg. If you are one of those folks, you will be able to deduct 100% of your commuting cost. Pretty nice tax incentive!
I recommend that all citizens read and consider this bill carefully. If you are against it or if you support it, contact your congressman and let him or her know how you feel either way.
If you reside in the district and wish to email a letter to Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart, as I have done, click here and you will be directed to the site.
15 miles round trip, 50% of your cost tax deductible (ME)
10 miles round trip, 30% of your cost tax deductible
less than 10 miles round trip, 10% of your cost tax deductible
The best incentive seems to be for the people who buy the cars with those supercharged mileage ratings of over 40 mpg. If you are one of those folks, you will be able to deduct 100% of your commuting cost. Pretty nice tax incentive!
I recommend that all citizens read and consider this bill carefully. If you are against it or if you support it, contact your congressman and let him or her know how you feel either way.
If you reside in the district and wish to email a letter to Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart, as I have done, click here and you will be directed to the site.
Good for you! More people should get involved. If more people would do what they can when they have time on their hands, the world would be a better place.
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