The following text may have been generated by Optical Character Recognition, with varying degrees of accuracy. Reader beware!

Letter from Washington by Senator Charles H. Percy Ixxiking back over the first session of the 93rd Congress, it is encouraging to note a number oi initiatives taken to make fundamental reforms and improvements in our gov­ ernmental and political sys­ tems. Many will remember 1973 as a year tormented by the disclosures of Watergate, hampered by the energy crisis, and threatened by the war in the Middle East. It is true that we struggled this year with some very serious problems. But we in Congress proposed some positive solu­ tions. Action in the second session of the 93rd Congress can make these proposals law. My initiatives include intro­ ducing and co-sponsoring with Senate Minority Leader Hugh Scott a major national health plan that would protect mil­ lions of Americans against the threat of losing their sav­ ings because of serious or pro­ longed illness. I also made numerous suggestions on how we can improve the quality of life for the elderly. Several major initiatives received considerable atten­ tion because of breaking news events. One, perhaps the most prominent, was the move for campaign spending reform in the wake of Watergate. No single event in our political history has so moved the nation to reform. Big money in politics was at the heart of the Watergate scan­ dal. We must take action to see that it never again leads to the kind of corruption that marked the 1972 election. All the laws on the books can never completely protect us from those who seek to thwart our system. But we can tighten procedures and eliminate some opportunities for corruption. A good place to begin in campaign spend­ ing reform is through ceilings on total spending for federal campaigns, similar to ceilings on media spending. We also must eliminate the flow of large sums of cash in and out of campaigns. In the interest of full dis­ closure, we should insist that contributions be fully identi­ fied and regularly published. We should limit the amount of single contributions to see that favor is no longer pur­ chased. And we should double the tax credit for political contributions to encourage small contributions. I proposed"these reforms in a bill introduced last summer. The debate over campaign spending reform will continue in the next session of Con­ gress, and I intend to press ahead with these proposals. While we took important steps toward reforming a ma­ jor weakness in our political system, we also made encour­ aging progress on attacking a governmental weakness- the outdated and unorganized Congressional spending pro­ cedures. This is not a head- line-grabbing subject, but it is crucial to our efforts to solve one of the biggest prob­ lems We faced throughout 1973--continuing inflation. I consider the steps we took this year to reform the budg­ etary process in Congress to be the most important work I have done in seven years in the Senate. These reforms would set spending ceilings based on our ability to pay the nation's bill. They would establish a sensible committee system to handle budget mat­ ters. And they would put an end to runaway spending by conflicting interests in Con­ gress. Our present system of rais­ ing and spending money in Congress leads to more infla­ tion and less effective actions to meet our nations needs. These reforms stand a good chance of becoming law in 1974. It will be a landmark in our nation's history. I am proud to have been active in m o v i n g t h e s e p r o p o s a l s through the Senate. TURN ONS you fay he's A FAMOUS wzit&Z? Oae&THECAfTKNS FOL FRBHCti POSTCAKPS. your week ahead BY DR.OI.MMIS Forecast Period -- January 6 • January 12 ARIES Mar. 21 - Apr. 19 Money matters, connected with your job or project, seems to be featured in this week's cosmic cycle. Whether hidden or apparent, things will improve, materially. This week, instead of being concerned about an associate's problems, put a little cash aside . . . for an emergency of your own. Also, overlook petty criticism. Double the guard around your little "forbidden" secrets. Someone, so it seems, will be checking up on you. Also, it might be a good idea to re­ cruit a few new friends. More than any other sign, you know that ex­ citement and bizarre activities won't parlay into happiness. This week, your beliefs will be sub­ stantiated. You have heard this before. Nevertheless, there's a difference between opportunity and temptation - a big difference. So, stay in bounds, during this cosmic cycle. You face a streak of criticism, and too, compli­ cations that might develop from suspicions har­ bored by your mate or similar alliance. The point? Avoid an emotional explosion. Strange as it might seem, friends will step for­ ward with solutions to problems that, simply, do not exist. Meaning? Avoid the "good advice" coming your way. In one form or another, you will be pinch hit­ ting for someone else. In any case, see that you do not lose your confidence. Don't ponder with decisions. Stay out of the limelight; let "George" do it. It's a good time to settle for half instead of the whole. The keyword? Placate! According to your chart, you will be at the peak of your specialty . . . playing both ends against the middle. Manipulating your associ­ ates and a superior is in the scheme of things. Already, a member of the opposite sex has looked into your mind. Meaning? This week, your motives and gestures are easily read. So, take care. Most members of your sign will discover that outdoor elements or conditions beyond control . . . can slow down their job, task or project. So, prepare for routine interruptions. PERSONALITY PROFILE For your Sun Sign Analysis, sand the day, month, year and plaea of birth, plus $1.00 for postag* and handling to Dr. Andrew W. Damii, P. O. Box 12766, St. Petersburg, Florida 33733. CELEBRATE! NEW YEARS EVE [AT CULLOM KNOLL MONDAY, DEC. 31 st 8 p.m. til 2 a.m. FOOD - FAVORS MUSIC BY HUGO DELLS McCULLOM LAKE GATE 6 TAURUS Apr. 20 - May 20 GEMINI May 21 • June 20 MOONCHILD Jane 21 - July 22 LEO July 23 • Aug. 22 VIRGO Aug. 23 • Sept 22 LIBRA Sept. 23 - Oct. 22 SCORPIO Oct. 23 - Nov. 21 SAGITTARIUS Not. 22 • Dec. 21 CAPRICORN Dec. 22 • Jan. 19 AQUARIUS Jan. 20 • Feb. 18 PISCES Feb. 19 - Mar. 20 Tumha on red becomes km in IIKnois Jan. 1,1974 PAGE 7 - PLAINOEALER-FRfDAY. DECEMBER 28. 1973 * certificates issued lor any vehicle sold or disposed of as wreckage or salvage when ownership has been transferred to an insurance company through payment of damages or a total loss claim Insurance companies may assign a salvage certificate only once, and only to a person or persons licensed as a dealer m When making a right turn on a red traffic signal you must YI ELD to all cross traffic. Don't dart into oncoming traffic. Be sure visibility is clear before turning. 121 When making a right turn on a red traffic signal you must watch out for pedestrians in the crosswalk. The pedestrian has the right-of-way particularly on the green or "walk" indicator. Be especially careful at school crossings. m A left turn on a red traffic signal is permitted ONLY from a one way street onto another one way street. Left turns on red are NOT permitted when going from a one way into a two way street. Both motorist and pedestrian confusion is certain to occur when Illinois' new turn on red law goes into effect Jan. 1. As simply as possible, before Jan. 1 motorists are permitted to make right turns on red only at intersections where signs have been posted. Effective Jan. 1, motorists may make right turns on red (and left turns only from a one­ way street onto another) unless signs are posted banning such turns. Until drivers and pedestrians become more familiar with the new system, both are urged to exercise special caution. In addition to coming to a full stop, motorists must yield to oncoming traffic with the green light and to pedestrians in the crosswalk before making the turn on red. Motorists should make certain that neither oncoming vehicles or pedestrians are present before making the turn. Motorists also are advised that pedestrians have the right- of-way, particularly when crossing on the green light or on "walk" indicators. This factor becomes par­ ticularly important at school crossings. School Safety Patrol members do not direct traffic, but they do signal children to cross the street when the light is green. In the city of Chicago, only 120 of the city's 2,400 in­ tersections will be posted to prohibit turns on red. Eight advisory guidelines were set down by the Illinois Department of Transportation in determining intersections deemed unsuitable for new turns on red: They include: - Intersections with four or more approaches. Treasury --intern^ pecciTw* I This column of questions and answers on federal tax matters is provided by the local office of the U.S. Internal Revenue Service and is published as a public service to taxpayers. The column answers questions most frequently asked by taxpayers. Q. Some of my furniture and belongings were damaged when my cellar was flooded. How do I compute my casualty loss deduction? A. The first $100 of your un­ insured non-business loss is not deductible. A separate $100 limitation applies to each in­ dividual casualty. It is important that you make a list of the lost, damaged, or destroyed items as soon after the casualty as possible. For personal prop­ erty, such as furniture, cloth­ ing, etc., the loss must be es­ tablished item by item. To de­ termine the amount of loss, -- Intersections having separate pedestrian signals. -Intersections at school crossings. - Intersections designed so that the view of the turn on red motorist may be obstructed. -Intersections have posted speeds of 50 miles par hpur or more. --Intersections with heavy pedestrian volume. -Intersections with multi­ phase signals, such as turning arrows. -Intersections crossed heavily by children. you must know the original cost or other basis of the item to you and its fair market value just before the casualty. If you bought the item, your basis is usually your cost. If the item is completely lost or destroyed, your loss is usually your basis or the fair market value just before the loss, whichever is less. If the item is damaged, the loss is the difference between jts fair market value just be­ fore the casualty and the fair market value just afterwards, limited to the basis. The de­ crease in the fair market value may often be measured by the cost of repairing the item. For details on how to com­ pute your loss for nonbusiness real property and a convenient workbook for determining your loss, see IRS Publication 584, "Workbook for Determining Vour Disaster Loss." Contact your IRS office for a free copy. i I was named "outstanding feacher'* at my college and awarded a cash prize. The award was based on my overall past service to the college. Is the award tax free? A. Although generally prizes and awards are taxable, those prizes awarded in recognition Shimmery Is The Word For New Year's Eve Gowns. And The Casual Shoppe Has Them For Your Holiday Party. Now On Sale ! FASHIONS BY GSEEN STREET 1216 N. Green St. Mc Henry of past accomplishments in re­ ligious, charitable, scientific, artistic, educational, literary, or civic fields are not included in income if the recipient is selected without a&lpn on his part and is not expected to render any future services. Q. Under what circumstances can travel to a foreign country be deducted as an employment- related educational expense? A. Your expenditures for travel as a form of education are generally deductible to the ex­ tent the major portion of your travel activity during the pe­ riod of travel directly main­ tains or improves skills re­ quired in your employment, trade, or business. Here is an example of how the rules would operate: You are a teacher of French. While on sabbatical leave, granted for travel, you traveled in France to improve your knowl­ edge of the French language. Your itinerary was chosen, and the major portion of your ac­ tivities was undertaken, to im­ prove your skills in the use and teaching of the French language, thus benefiting you as a teacher of French. You may deduct your travel ex­ penses as educational expenses, even though your activities consisted largely of visiting French schools and families, at- State Tells Fee Change On Titles Issued Michael J. Howlett, Secretary of State, has an­ nounced that effective Jan. 1 a $3 charge will be made on all titles issued by his office, in­ cluding duplicate and corrected titles. The new uniform fee is the result of legislation approved by the General Assembly and signed into law by the Governor Sept. 14. Howlett first told of the revised fee plan he recom­ mended to j^he General Assembly in a speech last May to the Chicago chapter, In­ stitute of Scrap Iron and Steel. Other provisions of the bill include elimination of a fee for junking certificates, a decrease in the fee for mobile home titles and display certificates of title from $5 to $3, creation of a salvage certificate with a $3 fee, and an increased fee for prorate backing plates from $1 to $2. Howlett said all fees received from salvage certificates and the $1 increase in title fees will be deposited in a special vehicle recycling fund established by the General Assembly. All money deposited into the fund will be used to help finance efforts of a newly approved Vehicle Recycling board which named Secretary Howlett chairman. Howlett said titles must be surrendered and salvage tending motion pictures, plays, and lectures in the French lan­ guage, and similar activities. Had you been a teacher of English or mathematics, such a tr ip to France would not have maintained or improved your required skil ls , and your ex­ penses would not have been deductible. Service 4^ AIRMAN DOROTHY MORRIS Airman Dorothy Morris , daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Myron Morris , 4611 W Lake Shore drive, Mc Henry, graduated from basic training at Lackland AFB, Texas, Dec. 18. She will report for duty at Chanute f ield. Champaign. ,Jan 3, for t raining in non­ d e s t r u c t i v e i n s p e c t i o n special ist school. Airman Morris is a 197:5 June graduate of McHenry Com­ munity high school. She left for service in November Skilled workmen carving delicate ivory f igures do most of their work after midnight , to avoid traff ic vibrat ions. AMERICAN LEGION POST 491 Ringwood Road NEW YEARS EVE PARTY -OPEN TO THE PURLIC- $30°° Or *3500 Per Couple Includes- Midnight Buffet Dinner Fifth of Liquor • Mix • Favors Hats • Horns Dancing-"The Dynamics"- 4 pc.s 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. RESERVATIONS-PHONE: 385-0867 2 IMPORTANT REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD SAVE AT McHenrv Savings V AND LOAN ASSOCIAT ION hj McHENRY SAVINGS •amutiMj 1. HIGHEST RATES IN TOWN. McHenry Savings offers you a wide range of savings plans geared to your particular needs. Our plans go all the way up to 7V4%r from a basic passbook rate of 5% per annum. 2. NEW DAY-IN, DAY-OUT INTEREST Now at McHenry Savings, we pay you interest on everyday you have funds with us. Even if you leave your savings for just a few days, your money is working for you. COME IN ... talk to the friendly savings experts at McHenry Savings. Let us explain how you get the most for your money. Put that bonus check or any other "windfall" to work for you now. 7V4% CERTIFICATES OF DEPOSIT ($5,000 Minimum, 4 Year Maturity) 7% CERTIFICATES OF DEPOSIT ($1,1)00 Minimum. 4 Year \laturuvl Federal regulations require , that certificate withdrawals prior to niauu the regular passbook rate less 90 days interest. Deposits insured to 320.000 b\ federal Sawn^s i I oan Insuiaiue 1 .>>*(•. M c H E N R Y S A V I N G S <1 S E R V I N G A L L O F G R E A T E R M c H E N R Y C O U N T Y McHenry Savings V A N D L O A N A S S O C I A T I O N ! 1209 \orth Green Street. \U'Henr> . lllmoi- t'.iiii >0 S15-3S5- mum SA\ EliS IIOt'RS: 9:lll)am - 4:3lt>m Mon..I ues.. rhm ,. \ sat. ^ 9:00am - 8:00pm Eridav. Dn\e-ln Uindon open Uedtiesda\ S ..i>air. SERMNC; ALE OEGKf \TEH \UHE\li \ O) \1\ •