Stumping for tax relief



I heard from many of my constituents about skyrocketing property taxes while traveling throughout the district during the congressional August recess. I saw distress and heard questions about how to pay property taxes that had doubled, or even tripled. Although the options to address property taxes at the federal level are quite limited, I returned to Washington committed to do something about it.

Last week I introduced the Property Tax Relief Act of 2007. This bipartisan bill, which has broad support from the Indiana congressional delegation like Representatives Pence, Burton, Donnelly, Ellsworth and Visclosky, would allow homeowners who do not itemize to deduct their property taxes from their federal income taxes. Currently, the only citizens benefiting from the property tax deduction are those who itemize their taxes.

You would be surprised to learn that estimates suggest that approximately 40 percent of homeowners do not itemize. According to the Congressional Research Service, there are about 942,000 non-itemizers who could be homeowners in Indiana. Under my bill, a home-owning family that does not itemize and makes roughly between $64,000 and $128,000 per year would see an average benefit of $300.

I held a press conference in New Albany last week with such a couple who would directly benefit from my bill. They were kind enough to open their home to me, the press and the public to discuss how my bill would provide real tax relief. The press conference attracted several of the couples’ neighbors, area residents and community leaders. I believe the large attendance accurately reflects the importance of this issue. People are understandably concerned, upset and frustrated. I sincerely hope that Congress will pass the Property Tax Relief Act, H.R. 3562, and take the first step toward easing the tax burden of the residents of Southern Indiana. And, I ask the Governor to call a special session of the legislature to provide property tax relief to distressed Hoosiers.

— Congressman Baron P. Hill, Indiana’s 9th District



Churches need to help fight HIV-AIDS



I believe that strength within the body is best measured by its outward sensitivity to humanity’s moral and physical weaknesses. That is why it is critical that the church joins the ranking leadership in the war against HIV-AIDS. Globally, nation-, state- and citywide, the world leaders have made a promise to stop the spread of HIV-AIDS by the year 2010.

Their plans include increasing funding for medical research, providing greater access to treatment and prevention, and improving victims’ support and care. Remarkably, efforts have resulted in people living longer with the disease; however, the spread of HIV-AIDS is still on the rise. Experts agree that major advances in stopping the spread of the virus are halted because of the public stigma of AIDS. Majorities of people are afraid of becoming homeless, alone and jobless — so they do not tell or get tested even if they suspect they have come into contact with the disease. Others’ fear come from not having learned enough about the disease to understand that they cannot be infected merely through casual contact. Once they suspect a family member, friends or coworker is HIV-positive, they evict them, fire them or isolate them. Factor in negatives like racism and sexism, the end result is a consistent number of newly infected men, women, boys and girls in communities worldwide. In the past, the secular community lay responsibility for stopping the spread of this deadly but preventable disease at the feet of governments and businesses. I believe the disease has finally reached a level of personal accountability. The spotlight is focused on the church and well it should be; it is the only earthly organization divinely designed to address humanity’s moral and ethical inadequacies.

I believe that the church is purposely equipped by God to battle the destructive forces that come against humanity. Being modeled after His Son, it is established to do good works that come from sound teaching by progressive example. I believe that the church is all-powerful; in great numbers, many members are added to it daily.

Around the globe, local churches are joining to take the lead in stopping the spread of AIDS. Their plan includes offering treatment and changing attitudes with messages that teach faithfulness, abstinence, respect and marriage. Remember that you were once an outsider to the Body of Christ. But, now, having taken on His personality, you have become the temple of the Holy Spirit, which dwells in you; indeed, you are the church I Cor. 6:11-19.

— Georgie Addi Baker, Jeffersonville