Our senators should consider President Bush’s tax plan very carefully. I hope they will examine the budget first to make sure he hasn’t been too stingy with programs that help people in our country. Bush keeps saying, “It’s your money,” but it’s also your national debt, your water, your schools, your highways, your elderly, etc.

I understand rich people wanting a tax cut because it would help them significantly. According to a recent news magazine, under Bush’s tax plan his taxes would be reduced by $50,000, not including any estate tax savings should that tax be repealed. Most of us would see a very little cut if any, but we will all feel the effects of the wealthy’s good fortune when there is not enough money for essential programs.

In many cases, cutting back on federal funding will put more of a burden on the states, which will have to spend more money. And how do states get their money?

I hope Sens. Snowe and Collins will vote wisely and compassionately.

Virginia Hawrylycz

Surry