Protect tax deduction

I’m writing to express my disgust at the prospect of losing my mortgage interest tax deduction. I am a stay-at-home mother who – simply to help pay the grocery bill – has had to go back to work on a contingent basis. I consider myself very fortunate to be able to stay home with my kids at all considering how much it costs to live in this “tax-happy” state.

The middle class is rapidly disappearing from the landscape of America. If this state continues to bleed us dry with taxes, those of us who are trying to stay home and raise our children will be completely out of luck. It’s hard to pay for gas to go to work at the local “big box” retailer for $6-plus an hour and have it be worth it. In addition to the cost simply to get back and forth, one must also figure in the cost of vehicle maintenance and other expenses necessary for work.

I was born and raised in this state, and I’d like to be able to raise my kids here as well. Unfortunately, it’s not going to be much longer, and I won’t be able to afford to do anything but work 40-plus hours a week and let my kids raise themselves.

Please tell your legislators to do the right thing. Don’t make families pay! Stop spending, and start cutting. Gas, groceries and utilities have forced me to slash our family budget. It’s time for this state to do the same.

Melissa Fish

Glenburn