A letter to the ChicagoSunTimes.com:
Twenty-eight years ago, I chose to become a Chicago firefighter because I believe in helping others in need. This career has given me financial security, time off to be with my family, and the opportunity to serve my community — something I’m proud of every day.
Now, with two kids — one about to start college and the other a junior — I’m more grateful than ever for the stability this job has provided for my family. Like most working people, I would love to have a little extra money in my paycheck each month. That’s why I thought it was great news when President Trump signed the new tax bill, which Republicans claimed would lower taxes for everyday Americans.
And at first, it did. My monthly paycheck increased by around $175. But when I met with my accountant this year, I found out that instead of getting the usual $3,000 refund, I’ll actually owe over $1,500 in taxes next year — all on the same income. I asked him to double-check, but he came back with the same result. I was shocked.
That’s when I realized: this is a classic bait-and-switch. The GOP promised relief, but what we’re seeing is a tax increase for middle-class families like mine. The new law limits deductions for state and local taxes (SALT), which many of us rely on. It also cuts other important deductions, leaving hardworking Americans with higher bills.
The GOP tax plan added nearly $1.5 trillion to the national deficit while giving huge tax breaks to the wealthy and big corporations. According to the Tax Policy Center, 83% of the benefits go to the top 1% of earners. By capping SALT deductions, they’re trying to make up for some of the lost revenue — but it’s working families who are being forced to pay the price.
And it’s not just taxes. These cuts are also being used as an excuse to slash funding for essential programs that help communities like the one I grew up in and still serve as a firefighter. It’s a real hit to people who depend on these services.
The truth is, most middle-class taxpayers will see their taxes go up over the next decade. Millions will lose access to vital support systems. Republican leaders are hoping we won’t notice until after the 2018 midterms — but I’m not fooled, and neither are most working Americans.
We don’t pay taxes to give big corporations bigger profits or to let the wealthy get richer. As a firefighter, I’ve always believed in doing my part for the community — whether it’s responding to emergencies or paying my fair share in taxes. But I also believe those in power, the wealthy, and big companies should do their part too. They shouldn’t be able to take tax breaks while the rest of us pick up the tab.
Chicago Firefighter Gary Chavarria lives in Avondale.
Thanks Dan
The steel plate is divided according to thickness, the steel plate <4 mm (the thinnest 0.2mm), medium thick steel plate 4-60 mm, extra thick steel plate 60-115 mm. The steel plate is divided into rolling, hot rolling and cold rolling. The width of the sheet is 500~3000 mm; The thick width is 600~3000 mm. There are common steel, high quality steel, alloy steel, spring steel, stainless steel, tool steel, heat-resistant steel, bearing steel, silicon steel and industrial pure iron sheet. According to professional use, there are oil barrel board, enamel board, bulletproof board and so on; According to the surface coating layer, galvanized sheet, tin plate, lead plate, plastic composite plate.
Our steel plates with high wear resistance and good impact performance is good, can be cutting, bending, welding, etc., can adopt welding, plug welding, bolt connection way to connect with other structures, such as the scene of the maintenance process possesses the characteristics of time saving, convenient and widely used in peteoleum, chemical industry, container, shipbuilding, coal, cement, power station, mining, building materials, compared with other materials, has a high cost performance, has been favored by more and more buyers.
Steel Plate,Oem Steel Plate,Stainless Steel Plate,​Ppgi Corrugated Steel Plate
SHANDONG HUITONG STEEL CO.,LTD , https://www.cnhuitongsteel.com