- April 24, 2024
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Former City Commission candidate Alan Burton opposes President Obama's budget, supports increased funding to not-for-profit organizations; and, a reader laments the dangers of Wilmette Avenue.
COMPILED BY THE OBSERVER STAFF
Help, don’t hurt, the poor
Dear Editor,
President Obama has, again, submitted a budget that will hurt the poor.
The reduction of tax-exempt deductions from 35% to 28% will adversely affect not-for-profit organizations providing compassionate human services. Charitable deductions provide millions of dollars to the not-for profits not only in Volusia County but the rest of the nation. Reducing the charitable deduction will decrease not-for-profit budgets, according to the Alliance of Charitable Reform.
The “Joint Committee on Taxation, of May 6, 2013“ report states the Internal Revenue Service administers 29 501C3 organizations by the IRS Code. These charitable organizations not only help the poor but also everyday people that need assistance from time to time.
The proposed reduction will close the doors for nonprofits in our county. The House Committee on Ways and Means needs to help the poor by keeping or expanding the Charitable Deduction.
The Charitable Deduction is the only tax deduction that an individual can use on their individual tax return that helps friends and neighbors. It helps the taxpayer and thousands in need. Many not-for-profits receive life-giving money from charities through charitable deduction.
The President and Congress do not need to change the charitable tax deduction and hurt the poor. The work of not-for-profit organizations need added resources, not less, to help our neighbors and friends. If you disagree, please feel free to ask any of local not-for-profit service providers.
As chairman of the Community Foundation of East Central Florida, I have visited our Congressional representatives in Washington and have made the same request. Now it is time for all of us to contact our Congressmen and Senators and say YES to helping the poor today and forever with private funds.
Sincerely,
Alan Burton
Ormond Beach
Danger: Wilmette Ave.
Dear Editor,
I lived on Wilmette Avenue for 19 years, and in no other place have I almost gotten hit more while driving than right in front of your office, at 310 Wilmette Ave.
On no other road have I seen more stop signs run or speed limits completely ignored. There is also a no-truck sign that has been ignored, as well, and the tree tops have been plowed through because of the height of big trucks.
The intersection of U.S. 1 and Wilmette has a yield sign and those turning onto U.S. 1 never seem to yield to those driving straight. Any time a police officer has been there, drivers obey the law. Unfortunately, there cannot be an officer there constantly. I avoid the road wherever possible now, since I no longer live there.
Have you encountered this problem on your way to work? I wish all of the employees at the Observer a safe commute.
Sincerely,
Ashley Malo
Ormond Beach
