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of federal income tax liability, up to a 1989 cap of $800 for each person, or ^$1,600 per couple.
Where is the equity? If Congress intended the 1988 Medicare Act to provide improved medical insurance for those over 65, it violated the basic insurance principle that persons at equal riskpay equal premiums. If Congress intended to provide added kjxpayer-funded benefits for those <>>er 65, it violated the principle that taxes are bom equally by all citizens of comparable income. 1 What is the conclusion? The case for the proposed salary increase for members of Congress is not supportable. Their work is important, but no one is drafted or forced into the job. Applicants fight for the privilege, and there is no shortage of qualified candidates.
Present compensation is well above average, and it is increased greatly by expense accounts, allowances and valuable non-monetary returns. Most important, recent job performance has been unsatisfactory.
To end on a positive note: should the Congress act swiftly to balance the budget, to enact tax legislation that is simple and fair, to'face with honesty and courage the economic and social ills that threaten individual Americans and the future of the country, then we should consider a pay increase.
But not befor^
A retired Navy admiral, John Marocchi is a Sperryville resident. He is a former chairman of the county Republican committee, and a longtime political activist. 1
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