Because I like to read about First Amendment Law and wish to write about this issue on my blog with a little more authority, I have fervently wished to take a class on First Amendment Law at Columbia University, where one of the foremost scholars of First Amendment Law teaches. But, as you might have guessed, this class is very expensive -- and who knows if they would even allow a scientist to take it (which I think they ought to do).
However, if the Democrats have their way, it looks as though my wish -- and much more importantly, the dreams of thousands of kids nation-wide to simply attend college -- might eventually become a little more attainable. Why? Because the Democrats have made it one of their six top priorities to make college tuition expenses a permanent tax break.
But among their top priorities when they take over Congress next month is passing a permanent tax cut of their own.
Included in their "Six for '06" platform that they say helped them win majorities in the House and Senate, Democrats promised to: "Make college tuition deductible from taxes, permanently."
Their tax cut promise is neither an election-year gimmick, Democrats say, nor a reversal in their long-standing opposition to Mr. Bush's tax cuts.
Cited story.
Image source.
Absolutely! If mortgage interest and property taxes are deductions as a way to benefit both the individual and the country by spurring economic growth, why not tuition? Better education means better jobs, which means better pay, which leads to more spending power (which is also the reasoning behind why raising the minimum wage will help, not hurt the economy).
They aren't already?
What a country.
Can somebody explain this further? Tuition is deductible through either the Hope credit or Lifelong Learning credit, which I've been doing for a few years now. What's the difference?
(I do think they should add textbook expenses as a deduction, which currently are not, and often cost as much or more than the tuition for me - being at a community college.)
The Hope and Lifelong learning credits have rules that eliminate a lot of students. I've never qualified for either of them. I hope the new rules can help me.