A letter to the ChicagoSunTimes.com:
Twenty-eight years ago, I chose to become a firefighter in Chicago because I believed in helping others in need. This career has given me financial security, time to be with my family, and the opportunity to serve my community — something I’m deeply proud of.
Now, with two kids — one about to start college and the other a junior — I’m even more grateful for the stability this job has provided. It’s not just about the salary; it’s about the benefits, the pension, and the chance to give back to the city that raised me.
When President Trump signed the new tax bill into law, Republicans promised it would bring relief to everyday Americans. I was hopeful. My first paycheck after the changes came in with an extra $175, which felt like a win at first. But when I met with my accountant this year, I was shocked to learn that instead of getting a $3,000 refund as usual, I’ll actually owe over $1,500 in taxes next year — all on the same income.
I asked my accountant to double-check, but he confirmed the numbers again. That’s when I realized: this wasn’t a mistake. It was a calculated move by the GOP — a classic bait-and-switch. And working families like mine are paying the price.
The tax plan includes a cap on state and local tax deductions (SALT), which many middle-class families rely on. This change, along with other adjustments to deductions, means millions of hardworking Americans will end up paying more in taxes than before. Instead of refunds, we’ll be writing checks — and that’s not fair.
This tax cut added nearly $1.5 trillion to the national deficit while giving huge breaks to the wealthiest individuals and corporations. According to the Tax Policy Center, 83% of the tax cuts go to the top 1% of earners. By capping SALT deductions, the GOP is trying to make up for some of the lost revenue — but the burden falls on ordinary workers who can least afford it.
And it’s not just about taxes. These cuts are being used as an excuse to slash funding for programs that support communities — including the one where I grew up and continue to serve as a firefighter. I’ve seen firsthand how these programs help people get by, and now they’re under threat.
The truth is, most working and middle-class taxpayers will see their taxes rise over the next decade. Millions will lose access to essential services. The GOP is hoping we won’t notice until 2019 — after the 2018 midterms — when it will be too late.
I’m not fooled. Neither are the rest of us. We don’t pay taxes so big corporations can give bigger bonuses to their executives or so the wealthy can keep adding to their fortunes. We work hard, take risks, and serve our communities — and we expect fairness from those in power.
As a firefighter, I’m used to putting myself on the line for others. I’m also used to paying my fair share in taxes. But I believe it’s time for politicians, the wealthy, and big companies to step up too. They shouldn’t be able to take tax breaks while asking everyday people to cover the cost.
Chicago Firefighter Gary Chavarria lives in Avondale.
Thanks, Dan.
A carbon Steel Plate has usually been considered as the steel that does not contain much alloy steel elements, also named as mild steel. Generally, elements are C, Mn, P, S, Si, besides these, there are no minimum limits for elements of Al, Cr, Ni, Mo, V, etc.
Carbon steel plates are available in different grades depending on the carbon content and strength.
As the content of Carbon increase, the steel plate hardness increases.
Low carbon steel plate: For carbon content 0.06% to 0.25%, also we call it Mild Steel Plate.
Medium carbon steel plate: C content from 0.25% to 0.55%.
High carbon steel plate: 0.55% to 1.0%, also called hard steel plate.
Low carbon steel is the most common form, and it's very malleable and ductile. Medium carbon steel balances ductility as well as strength for excellent wear resistance. High carbon steel is exceptionally strong, while ultra-high carbon steel can be tempered to even greater hardness but no malleability.
As the percentage of carbon gets larger, steel can become harder and stronger through heat-treating. Carbon steel is usually heated to change the mechanical properties of steel, usually ductility, hardness, strength, and resistance of impact. Increasing the carbon content of carbon steel makes it harder and stronger, but reduces the steel`s ability to be welded, making it more brittle.
Carbon steel plate is most often used for structural purposes such as buildings, yet it has the flexibility to be worked into ornate designs. Low carbon steel sheet (wrought iron) is typically used for fences, chain links, gates, and railings. Structural steel (medium carbon steel) is used in cars, refrigerators, washing machines, buildings, and bridges. The steel sheets are normally made up of medium carbon steel.
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