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I PAti m PI.AINDKU.KI! wi'DM "OW. JANl'ARY •. IBK2 i'i.AiNi)rAi.t:H" Editorial Opinion Roll Call Report (Your Congressmen's Vote) WASHINGTON-Here's how area members of were recorded on major roll call votes Dec. 10-16. Congress, HOUSE 4 for i pnoocu aiiu aciu lutuiu Waste Hot Line Wlf: The Office of Management and Budget recently established telephone hot lines for the average citizen. One now can use these hot lines to report federal waste or fraudulent activities involving federal funds. This allows the taxpayer to help prevent waste and inefficiency and to do something about it when found. These toll-free numbers may be obtained at one's congressman's office in the district-there's no necessity of calling Washington to get them. Polls nave shown that in the past taxpayers have often not reported waste and fraud primarily because of the cost of long-distance telephoning and the lack of a clear understanding as to what office should be called. c New taxpayer hot lines eliminate these obstacles and now more taxpayers can see that tax dollars are wisely and honestly spent. i Reading Habits A recent study indicated only 8 percent of the American public reads books. Other studies, while showing varying degrees, all agree that a minority of Americans read books. The discouraging realization in digesting this statistic is that most of the books read, by those who read, are escapist fiction. Nothing essentially wrong except that when taking this into account one realizes how dismally low is the books. of percentage of Americans who read non-fiction books. Television is, or course, the sweet, easy sugar entertainment these days. No effort is required to watch the tube; but not much can be learned from watching commercial TV either. - Teachers, editors and church leaders should encourage more Americans to read good books. In them lies the only source of a thorough, complete knowledge of a subject. Knowledge, wisdom and learning are still the building blocks of a successful life. Telephone Counseling Service Begins Class % Connection Telephone Counseling and Referral Service will begin its Winter Helping Skills Training class Jan. 14 at 6:45 p.m at the United Protestant church, Park and Whitney, Grayslake The training is coor­ dinated by Curt Wennerdahl, MSW, training director. Subjects covered will be Philosophy of Helping, Depression, Anxiety and Guilt, Mental Illness, En­ dings, Information and/ Referral, Crisis In­ tervention, Suicide and Problem Callers. Training this winter will also include a weekend retreat workshop. The course is 45 hours of intensive training including lectures by professionals and small group interaction. A gplunteer is asked to work three four hour shifts a month on the lines. Persons wishing to ^register may do so the evening of Jan. 14 at the classroom. Registration will be accepted through Jan. 21. This class will be followed by another training class in April, 1982. For further in­ formation call the Con­ nection office, 362-3381. Allocation- By a vote of 244 for and 136 against, the House passed and sent to conference with the Senate a bill (HR 4700) it to deal with another cutoff of Arab oil. bill gives the president standby authority to control prices, allocate crude oil and oil products among various sectors of the economy, and to draw from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve in the event of an Arab oil embargo. Tne bill restores to the president standby authority that was enacted during the 1973 embargo and expired last Sept. 30. Supporter Richard Ottinger, D-N.Y., said it would be "just foolish" to leave it up to the marketplace to allocate supplies during a time of severe oil shortages. • Opponents noted that the U.S. imports only a third of its oil, compared to nearly half during the 1973 embargo, and they said the bill could strangle the energy free market in red tape and limit the president's options for dealing with another oil cutoff. Members voting "yea" wanted emergency allocation and price control authority to be in place well in advance of another foreign-caused energy crisis. Rep. Lynn Martin, R-16, voted "yea". Rep. Robert McClory, R-13, voted "nay". Foreign Aid- By a vote of 217 for and 201 against, the House approved and sent to the president a bill appropriating $11.5 billion in foreign aid for FY 1982. Among other outlays, the bill provides economic aid to poor countries, military aid to allies, funding of the Peace corps and Export-Import bank, and U.S. payments to international lending banks. This marked the first time since 1979 that Congress has enacted other than a stopgap foreign aid bill. Supporter Jack Kemp, R-N.Y., said colleagues voting against the bill "are making a big mistake if they think we can hide our heads in the sand at this critical juncture in the history of our country and the West." Opponent John Ashbrook, R-Ohio, said "I oppose this bill as I have always opposed foreign giveaway programs..." Members voting "yea" supported the foreign aid bill, which was advocated by President Reagan. McClory voted "yea". Ms. Martin voted "nay". Budget:-- The House passed, 218 for and 197 against, a measure to fund the government on a stopgap basis until March 31, 1982, or until regular appropriations bills for the current fiscal year are passed. The resolution (H.J. Res 370) was the sequel to a more expensive stopgap plan that President Reagan vetoed Nov. 23. It cuts FY 1982 spending by $4 billion and provides pay hikes for top bureaucrats. Also, it removes for the 1981 tax year the $3,000 ceiling on what congressmen can deduct for Washington living expenses; that tax break had been scheduled to take effect in 1982. ... Supporter Silvio Conte, R-Mass., said the House should go along with the president's austerity requests because he has "a sense of determination that this town has not seen since the early days of*the-^t5nnso^dlninistration." Opponent Jamie Whitt^rt, D-Miss., said Congress is "the people's branch" and that it "should not become subservient IRS "audits and appeals" that could result from trying to determine on their own which Washington expenses are deductible and which are not. Opponent William Proxmire, D-Wis., asked: " Does that not give the member of Congress an extraordinary advantage compared to the average business taxpayer who has to substantiate everything? Senators voting "yea" wanted the IRS to set a per diem figure for Washington expenses, in part to relieve them of substantiating ail official expenses incurred while Washington. Dixon voted "nay". Percy did not vote. Special Tax Benefits For Older Americans "PLAINDEALER^S Letter to the Editor Public Pulse (Th« Plaln4«ol*r invito* Mi* public to «n •*»!» column at an «ipr*ition of tholr •Itwi on tub(ac«* of fanoral (MoJott In our community. •©•! only roquatt it that tho writer, flvo signature, full oddroti and phona nuiwhaf. Wa atk too. that ona individual not writ* on tfio tamo >ub|oct mora tfcan one* a month. Wa ratarva tfta right tod*l*t* any material which w* consldar llhalau* or in oh|actionahf* tait*.) we expuiM THIS f*RT ABOUT exE*PTi<*<* Age has tax benefits--a break on the sale of a home a double exemption a tax credrt You l Hn<J details m free IRS Pubfccation 554 Members voting "yea" favored the sto that contained spending cuts recommend McClory and Ms. Martin voted "yea" ap budget plan iy the president. SENATE Budget - The Senate passed, 60 for and 35 against, and sent to the president a bill to fund the government on a stopgap basis until regular appropriations measures are enacted for the current fiscal year. The measure (H. J. Res 370) was identical to the version passed by the House (see preceding vote). Supporter Mark Hatfield, R-Ore., said that with its $4 billion in additional cuts the bill was satisfactory to the president. Opponent Claiborne Pell, D-R.I., objected that the measure inflicted further domestic cuts but "leaves unscathed a huge PROBLEMS OF SENIORS "Editor: "The White House Con­ ference on Aging is over and it is now time to evaluate and discuss the results. Judging from the phone calls and letters I am receiving each day, there are many persons of all ages who are concerned about their future as "Older Americans." The Social Security program, what it will mean to those now receiving the pension and for those now contributing seems to be the major issue of concern. "I was assigned to the committee "Economic Well- Being" which dealt with the Social Security problem. This committee expressed concern over the cuts that had been proposed by the President and the resolutions adopted were aimed at dealing with the problem. "I am sure that everyone saw and heard the dissen- stion that took place during the conference. I must say, it was not as bad as it seemed. The dissension arose over (wo things: the change in conference rules that prevented delegates from voting on the 14 individual committee resolutions (they were all voted on as a package); and the ap­ pointments made by the White House that were made at a later date than the close of the appoii^tments and elections previously set by the conference rules. 8,500 Trees Saved * SmUB* i bill funding die Recycling One Year Because of the efforts of concerned McHenry county residents, more than 8,500 trees were saved in the year 1981, by recycling over 1,000,000 pounds of paper. The drives, sponsored by McHenry County Defenders and co-sponsored by local community groups, are held on the first and third Saturdays of each month. On Jan. 2, the drive will again be held in the Market Place parking lot (on West Route 120) from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Accepted for recycling are newspapers (no cardboard, junk mail, or magzines), clean glass containers with all metal removed, flattened "tin" cans, used motor oil in plastic or metal containers, and aluminum scrap of all kinds. Arrangements have also been made for an immediate payback for all-aluminum cans turned in. "It's a great way to clean up after the holidays, help a good cause, and take home a little cash for yourselves," according to a McHenry County Defenders spokesman. THE TARGET INFLATION o iwaMisrs Senators voting "yea" favored the government on a stopgap basis. Sen. Charles Percy, R., voted "yea". Sen. Alan Dixon, D.( voted "nay". Mine Safety - By a vote of 38 for and 54 against, the Senate rejected an amendment exempting the Mine Safety and Health1 administration from across-the-board cuts mandated by the stopgap budget resolution (see preceding votes). The agency's chief mission is to inspect coaj^tnines to keep them safe for workers. Sponsor Robert Byrd, D-W.VA., noted that mine accidents had claimed 27 miners in the previous eight days and that 143 had died in 1981. He called it "tragic, indeed shameful" that the president wanted to further cut funding for mine inspections. Opponent Harrison Schmitt, R-N.M., said: "What we have to do with the Mine Safety and Health administration is pick them up by the scruff of their neck...and make them work on the real problems. Just a whole bunch of...inspections has not solved the problems of the miners that were killed in these accidents." Senators voting "yea" wanted to block additional cuts in mine safety expenditures. Dixon voted "yea". Percy voted "nay". Members' Taxes- The Senate adopted, 46 for and 44 against, an amendment that will enable members of Congress to deduct Washington living expenses on a per diem basis. This perfects a new law alT6wing congressmen to claim all Washington expenses associated with official business as tax deductions. In the past, a $3,000 ceiling had been placed on such deductions, which are classified by the IRS as "away from home" expenses. Under the amendment, the IRS will set a per diem figure, freeing members of having to document Washington expenses for such items as housing and official entertainment. If the per diem figure is set at $75 for each day that Congress meets, members in the 50 percent tax bracket, for example, will be able to lower their income tax liability by an estimated $6,000 annually. The amendment was attached to a black lung bill (HR 5159) that was approved by the House and sent to the president. Sponsor Robert Dole, R-Kans., said that if congressmen have a per diem deduction they will be freed of the burden of For Y-our In format ion Deor friends, b * The pursuit of happiness may b* a misnomer. Pleasure can be pursued, but can happiness? That true "Inner glow" - that "peace beyone understan­ ding" is a reward for doing for others - being charitable and considerate of others. That is the true formula for a HAPPY NEW YEAR. ! Respectfully, PETER M.JISTEN & SON FUNERAL HOME McHENRY. Illinois 3854063 ARE YOU NEW IN The McHenry Area? Do You Know Someone New? WE WOULD LIKE TO EXTEND A ROYAL WELCOME TO EVERY NEWCOMER TO OUR AREA!!! CALL LORRAINE MONAHAN 385-5475 A UHl Wild Ml V urn wrieim mnimtti M . ROYAL WELCOME KHOW VOW MfJUHTN. MUCKS HIS IT KS! "Many of these late ap­ pointments did not have the opportunity to attend state and local forums where local issues and concerns were discussed. As a result, they were not as prepared as those who had been involved for a longer peiod of time - thus the dissenters objected to having them as voting delegates. "The positive aspect of the dissension was that it brought national attention to the conference and made many persons aware of the multitude of problems facing the elderly and those who will reach that stage of ljfe over the next few years. "Many of the resolutions adopted by the conference delegates related to problems that I think can be solved on a local level. It will take the cooperation of township, city, county and state governments to solve those problems but it can be done. Everyone needs to become aware of those problems and let your State and local officials know about them. "During the next few weeks I will be visiting many organizations to discuss the resolutions that relate to issues of concern in this particular area and also how they will affect us at the national level. There were over 600 resolutions adopted and they will be submitted to our representatives in Washington, and hopefully SCrt>ice p r ofes si°n ol Dire ctor* JACK WALSH, AGENT EARL R. WALSH, BROKER INSURANCE & BONDS Fir*. Auto. Form, Lit* R*pr*Mnting RELIABLE COMPANIES 50IS W. Elm St., McH«nry DENNIS CONWAY AUTO. LIFE. FIRE State Farm Ins. Co. UlfW.ilm Stroot McHonry, III. JBM JAMES M. MclNTEE, LAWYER AVAILABLE TO PRACTICE IN: Personal ln|ury/Trials Busln*ia Corporation! WIIU/Probata Dlvorco-Roal Eitata Workman's Compensation 1434 W. Elm Street, McHanry III. for appelntmant phono :3SS-2440 Farm Equipment George P. Freund,Inc. Coi«-Ntw Holland 4102 W. Cryttol Lok. ltd. McMwry Bus.385-0420 Res.385-0227 DR. LEONARD BOTTARI 1103 Richmond Rd.-McHenry Eyes Examined-Contoct Lenses Classes Fitted ^lon., Tue*., Thwrs. Frl. 4-4pm Tues., Thurs, Frl. 7-t pm Sat. 9:10-1 pm Phone:1SS-415I or 1U-2242 MCHENRY COUNTY OFFICE MACHINES SALES, SERVICE « RENTALS Mon.-Sot. 9-5:10 Friday til 9:00 91 Cront St., Crystal Lake Phone:459-1224 It Pays To Advertise In The PlaiRdealer v IRELII RADIAL TIRES FOR ALL CARS Europa Motors, Inc. 2318 Rt«. 120 815-385-0700 Copf/Mt! FINEST QUALITY COPYING WITH OUR NEW 8200 Automated Xerox Copier Sea us, also, for every kind of printing need! McHenry Printing Services W. MAIN 385-7600 TRAILERS v HORSt ft CATTli TRAIliM DUMP FLATBEDS CAR HAULERS TRAILER HITCHES (fXPIRT INSTAILATION) RUNNING BOAROS BRAOEN WINCHIS ADAMS ENTERPRISES 3017 W Rte 120 McHenry It SIS 3SS 5*70 7 Older Americans are special because of their knowledge and experience. They are also in a unique situation financially. Many are retired' and living on fixed incomes. Making ends meet is becoming in­ creasingly difficult. To assist this rapidly growing segment of the nation's population, the tax laws offer a number of special tax benefits. For instance, anyone 65 or older is entitled to an extra exemption of $1,000. This means an automatic ad­ ditional reduction to income of $1,000 for single persons, and $2,000 for a married couple, both 65 or older, who file a joint return. Do senior citizens have to file at all? In some cases, yes, since filing a tax return has nothing to do with age; it's income that decides that question. Single persons 65 or over do not have to file a federal income tax return if their income was less than $4,300. The limit for a married couple, filing a joint return, we will see some results in the near future. "It is important that persons of all ages become aware of the problems older Americans face today. The results of this conference! may well determine the future of everyone as they grow older and reach retirement age. 'Age has no discrimination'. "Louise Kreutzer y Governor's Appointee "to WHCOA-1981" 7' with only one spouse 65 or older, is $6,400; $7,400 if both spouses are 65 or over. For tax purposes, persons are considered to be 65 on the day before their 65th bir­ thday. An important benefit to keep in mind, is that Social Security payments are not taxable. The same holds true for Railroad Retirement benefits. Another special benefit is the "Credit for the Elderly." The credit can in some cases, but not all, reduce taxes owed by as much as $375 for single persons and $562.50 for married couples who file a joint return. Although the credit generally applies to persons 65 or older, it is available to those under 65, if they have a taxable pension from a public retirement system. Senior citizens who are thinking about selling their personal residence should consider the once-in-a- lifetime $100,000 or $125,000 exclusion of the gain on the sale of their home. If you sold your home before July 20, 1981, the exclusion is limited $100,000. For homes sold after that date however the exclusion is up to $125,000. An awareness of the tax consequence is essential before selling a personal residence at any age, but doubly so for those age 55 or older to whom this benefit applies. Taxpayers needing assistance with their returns can turn to Tax Counseling for •, the Elderly, an IRS program through which organizational volunteers provide free tax information and assistance to individuals age 60 or over. ' You may obtain either information on Tax Coun­ seling for the Elderly by calling the IRS Tax In­ formation telephone number listed in the telephone directory. Publications of special interest to older taxpayers include: 502 - "Medical and Dental Expenses". 505 - "Tax Withholding and Estimated Tax." 523 - "Tax Information on Selling Your Home." 524 - "Credit for the Elderly." 554 - "Tax Benefits for Older Americans." 575 - "Pension and Annuity Income". SERVICE LINE McHENRY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE m-4m ' WflCj 4 MEHTAiHtAlTH CLINIC . " 3409 W. Waukegon Rood McHenry 385 6400 \ TURNING POINT-DOMESTIC VIOLENCE STRESS LINE McHenry County 24 hours o day, 7 days a week Parents Anonymous meetings on Tuesday. -- Call 8r5-344-3944 STATE CHAMBER GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS HOTLINE 217 522-5514 FEDERAL GOVERNMENT GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION 202 755-8660 Hours 7:30 a.m. to 5;30 p.m. week days (Ever had a problem involving the federal government and not known where to call? And then been given the runaround o«, referrals by persons who meant well but didn't know how to help? Ten specialists available at this center.) NATIONAL RUN AWAY SWITCHBOARD Illinois Phone: 800-972-6004 (For confidential conversations on problems dealing with run­ away children.) MOVING HOTLINE Phone 800 424-9213 (Complaints about interstate moving by companies, buses or trains Sponsored by Interstate Commerce commission) CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION Phone 800-638-2666 (For Questions or Complaints on products ranging from toys to ovens) NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION / Phone 800-424-9393 (Answers questions about automobile safety defects or whether o particular model has ever been recalled. Valuable for those interested in buying a used car.) ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF CHILDREN AND FA^LY SERVICES 24-Hour Child Abpse Hotline ' Toll Free: B00-2S2-287B . CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION 800-638-2666 (Operates five national lines. Answers inquiries about or repor­ ting on the safety of products fr<^i kitchpn appliances to children s toys.) NATIONAL SOLAR HEA1 COOLING INFORMATION i 800 523-2929 P.O.Box 1607 Rockville, Md. 20850 V (Dispenses information on solar systems fqr heating and cooling to anyone from architects to home owners looking for a sun- powered hot-water system) CONSUMER PROTECTION DIVISION 312-793-3580 >• Chicago III. , BIRTHRIGHT Pregnant? Need Help? Counseling Service. 385-2999. 24 hour Answering Service. YOUTH SERVICE BUREAU FOR McHENRY COUNTY 4719 W. Elm St.. McHenry Phone: 344-3240 24 hour Crisis Intervention and Confidential Counseling for youth and families ILLINOIS STATE CHAMBER HOTLINE Phone 217-522-5514 Answer to questions on government regulations MENTAL HEALTH 1-SQ0-B92-B900 ^Crisis Center Line for McHenry Co. 24-Hour Emergency number and professional staff will answer your cell. Sponsoring agency McHenry County Comprehensive Mental Health Service System. National Neighborhood Watch Association Post Office Box 17400 Washington. D.C.. 20041 Phone (703)471-04B4 mcnvniy vovniy mim wttvopi wwirtr 644 Russet Ct. • Woodstock, IL 40090 01B-B3B-7100 JOB TRAINING OFFERED " McHENRY COUNTY ASSOCIATION FOR THE RETARDED. Robert G. Lombourn, Executive Director \ lelepnone: 344-1230 ^ Kitchen TiltcAND >N CENTER r