Letters and Comments for October 14, 2009

Mills, Lemons

Support health care reform

To the Editor:

When are Americans going to say “enough is enough” when it comes to health care?

U.S. health care ranks 37th in the world, but it is by far the most expensive. The reason for this is fairly simple ... the cost of insurance and litigation is out of control. Since 2001, health care costs have doubled and continue to rise at alarming rates. It won’t be long before we pay more for health insurance than for housing.

It is time for Americans to support health care reform in any way we can. It would be foolish to think that President Obama’s public option comes without certain risk. There will ultimately be problems that will have to be dealt with, but at least it’s a start.

Personally I’m tired of money that should be going to my family and community ending up in some rich executive’s bank account.

Wake up, America. We’re being milked like a bunch of trusting cows by a system that cares more about profitability than the care of its people.

Aaron Mills

La Grande

Steer toward tax breaks

To the Editor:

The “Cash for Clunkers” program for new cars may have ended, but the IRS wants to remind taxpayers that many people might overlook another special break available.

If you buy a new vehicle this year, there’s a special federal tax deduction available that can help you save money.

This tax break will allow Oregonians who buy a new vehicle in 2009 to deduct the document fee they pay when they file their tax return next year. The tax deduction is available on the 2009 federal tax return even for those who claim the standard deduction.

The deduction is part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 and applies to the document fee paid on up to $49,500 of the purchase price for qualified new cars, light trucks, motorcycles or motor homes.

Generally, vehicles weighing 8,500 pounds or less qualify. This means that most new cars and many new trucks will qualify.

New motor homes qualify regardless of weight.

Buyers are entitled to a partial deduction if they earn between $125,000 and $135,000 ($250,000 and $260,000 for joint filers). The deduction is eliminated for those who earn over these amounts.

To qualify the vehicle must be new and purchased in 2009 after Feb. 16 and no later than Dec. 31. There is still time left but the clock is ticking.

More information is available at IRS.gov/recovery.

Terry L. Lemons

Director of communications

Internal Revenue Service