[Dec31,1999]

Let's see...920 x 12 = $11,040

7% of 30,000 = 2,660

11,040 - 2,660 = $ 8,380

So you get a tax deduction of $ 8,380 per year (Any medical and dental expenses above 7% of adjusted Gross income, are deductible)

Plus any dental work, co-payments, etc, it adds up to a pretty good discount from the federal government.

Add state and local income taxes, ad it's even more!

And that's only if you don't own a home or have any dependents. If you do, add those deductions in as well, and you're really not paying much in taxes.

My point is that it's not that much different than getting those benefits for free and forfeiting the deductions.

[Dec31,1999]

Plus you get all those special "educators' deductions. I see that you are paying the family rate for your medical insurance, so you have those deductions as well. How much federal tax did you pay last year?

My guess is that it's close to zero on 38K. Yet you will participate in an illegal strike for what, $3000? Doesn't make sense.

Rather you should get a summer job, which could easily handle that amount.

I suggest you bring this up at the next union meeting. I'm sure all of the members will see the logic in my proposal and thank you for helping them see the light.

You could explain to them how the working poor, especially women and minorities, will be hit hardest by the tax increases required.