Posted on 10/04/2001 4:09:25 AM PDT by Ispy4u
I have written my congressman Roscoe Bartlett (R) MD 6th congressional district to ask that he and others consider hazardous duty pay and tax free income for our service members during the current operation.
This is my letter:
Sir,
I am an U.S. Army Reservist and will very likely be called up to active duty to serve during the current crisis. I, along with many others in my same situation, am going to gladly and proudly serve our country in the coming months and maybe years. The sacrifices of reservists and guardsmen are certainly clear to you and the other members of congress.
There are many stories in the news about congressional and administration plans to forward an economic stimulus package. This is a necessary action to ensure the strength of our economy and the morale of the entire country during this time.
I submit to you an idea for consideration. In light of the large number of reservists and guardsmen being called to active duty, and the need for economic stimuli to help grow our economy, consider paying all service members on active duty hazardous duty pay, since the entire country is under threat of further attack. In addition consider paying all active duty members their compensation as if they were serving in a tax free zone. These propositions would allow service members, like myself, to lower the burden placed upon them through pay differences and allow the country to show appreciation to service members in every part of the globe for their sacrifices and service.
Thank you,
Currently an E-5 over 12 YOS
Basic Pay------2040/mo Taxable
BAH-----------1090/mo Non Taxable
BAS-----------200/mo (est)Non Taxable
TOTAL--------3330/mo Total income
----------------39960/yr Gross w/ 24,480 Taxable income
--------------- -3672/yr Income tax 15%
--------------- -1836/yr SS Payroll tax 7.5%
--------------- -1224/yr State Income tax 5% (est)
TOTAL--------33228/yr Net
-----------------2769/mo Net
With my suggestion an E-5 over 12 YOS
Basic Pay------2040/mo
BAH-----------1090/mo
BAS-----------200/mo
HF/ID---------150/mo
TOTAL--------3480/mo Total income
----------------41760/yr Gross
That's not near what I make now, but it's a lot closer than the current state of affairs. I'm certain there are thousands of reservists just like me.
This is important to many, many service personnel. Don't let them down.
Call, email, snailmail.
While I support a review of what constitutes "hazardous duty", I doubt that it merits across the board application to anybody in the service.
I am strongly opposed to the tax-free exemption, especially since I believe it will be ineffective as an economic stimulus. Our nation's trade policies negate any potential benefit due to the 'trickle down' effect. The money would only quickly dissipate from our economy as continung Trade Deficits.
The money given on the tax free status may not trickle down because most soldiers would only benefit around $150/mo. Although in cases such as mine it would be counteractive to the negative effect of my lower income.
The income tallys I posted earlier show what a difference the tax free can make between an E-5 now and after. It does not show that even with the additional income provided by the tax free status, my Net income is still lowered by more than $1000/mo. As it stands now my income will be hit for more than $2000/mo if I get called to active service. Multiply that by 50,000 or more and watch the economic effect.
I guess it depends on whose economy you're trying to stimulate.
Perhaps Vietnam's? Vietnam Lauds Passage of Trade Pact
Or maybe China and Iraq's?
Corning to Close 3 Plants, Cut 1000 Jobs
Corning to Eliminate 1,000 Jobs
Corning May Cut 4,000 More Jobs
Corning (1/4 Billion) Invests In China (Closes US HiTech Plant, Sell-Out Of USA To Enemy Continues)
Iraq's Fiber Optic Missile C3I Network Back In Place - If Not Red China/Huawei,
China Still Aids Iraqi Missiles
US shift clears Iraq to buy French [and China] phone equipment
I also must take issue with this statement. In any other war ever fought the Pentagon has never been considered a combat zone. After 9/11 it is obvious that for at least one day it was.
All military installations are possible terrorist targets and since blood has been drawn on our soil, it should constitute the Continental United States (CONUS) as a combat zone still occupied by threat forces.
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