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2005 Ron Paul Chapter 103
Not linked on Ron Paul’s Congressional website.
Congressional Record [.PDF]
Introducing The Evacuees Tax Relief Act
17 October 2005
HON. RON PAUL
OF TEXAS
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Monday, October 17, 2005
2005 Ron Paul 103:1
Mr. PAUL. Mr. Speaker, I rise to introduce the Evacuees Tax Relief Act of 2005, legislation
providing tax relief to those forced to
abandon their homes because of a natural disaster.
This legislation provides a tax credit or
a tax deduction, depending on the wishes of
the taxpayer, of up to $5,000 for costs incurred
because of a government-ordered mandatory
or voluntary evacuation. Evacuees
could use the credit to cover travel and lodging
expenses associated with the evacuation,
lost wages, property damages not otherwise
compensated, and any other evacuation-related
expenses. The tax credit is refundable
up to the amount of income and payroll taxes
a person would otherwise pay, thus ensuring
working people who pay more in payroll than
in income taxes are able to benefit from this
tax relief. The credit is available retroactive to
August of this year, so it is available to Katrina
and Rita evacuees.
2005 Ron Paul 103:2
Having had parts of my district, including my home county, subject to mandatory evacuation
because of Hurricane Rita, I have seen firsthand
the burdens on those forced to uproot
themselves and their families. Evacuees incur
great costs in getting to safety, as well as loss
from the storm damage. It can take many
months, and even years, to fully recover from
the devastation of a natural disaster. Given
the unpredictable nature of natural disasters
such as hurricanes and tornados, it is difficult
for most families to adequately budget for
these costs. The Evacuees Tax Relief Act
helps Americans manage the fiscal costs of a
natural disaster.
2005 Ron Paul 103:3
Mr. Speaker, it is hard to think of a more timely and more compassionate tax relief proposal
than one aimed at helping families cope
with the costs associated with being uprooted
from their homes, jobs, and communities by a
natural disaster. I hope all my colleagues will
show compassion for those forced to flee their
homes by cosponsoring the Evacuees Tax
Relief Act.
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