SPEAKOUT

Do the arithmetic

RECENTLY SEVERAL socialist Democrats have called in stating repeal of the income-tax marriage penalty being passed by the Republicans would only benefit the wealthy. They failed their arithmetic on the federal tax forms or have never filed one or filled one out. Wealthy married couples itemize their deductions and would therefore receive no benefits under the plan. Low-income an middle-income earners almost always take the standard deduction and would be the only ones to gain. My spouse and I have a combined income of $15,000. Under the Republican plan we would save $218. A married couple with a combined income of $56,000 would also save the exact $218. IRS data compiled by Congressional districts have estimated 58,000 couples in Jo Ann Emerson's district would receive this relief. And 25 million nationally. These socialist Democrats callers are saying 58,000 couples in this area are wealthy. I wish I were.