Tax credit for 100 hours of community service prompts questions for OU student

This tax credit has gotten out of control. (First let me make it clear I am not referring to the reason tax credits are being given case. That is a subject for a different time.) For some uninformed reasons many people seem to think tax credits are not real money. So many have been duped into thinking this is special kind of money that doesn't cost tax payers the same. That is crazy. It takes away from revenue just like spending does. Many still believe in the myth that you have to have income to use tax credits. Not so! You see, because no one wanted to wait for the benefit, they started slipping in this little deal that allows people to sell their tax credits for cash. This usually involves selling at a discount so the recipient gets less than they would getting straight cash. --- But, it gets much worse. These tax credits are not part of the budget. Think about this. The money is siphoned off before it is counted as revenue. In other words this is an underhanded way for lawmakers to get around the balanced budget law. That is the only difference in giving tax credits and handing out cash. It is off the books. Technically lawmakers could pass a budget that only spent $5 billion and stayed well within a budget of $7 billion. But, give out $10 billion in tax credits. Look at -- http://prowlingowl.com --and you can see something even more critical were the state is handing $100s million per year in tax credits through a program that has no oversight, no accountability or no transparency. This program is kept totally hidden from the public. Now here is the good part -- there is no law that prevents state officials from participating in this program This program pays investors $2 in tax credits for every $1 they invest in new businesses. A 100% profit within one year. In cash that goes into their pockets. Totally off the books and hidden from the public. We need to put off worrying about which program is getting money until we can stop the fraud.

Regardless of the politics, this act might be one of few that has a chance at bipartisan support. Paying for college has been a show-stopper for many Oklahomans and it certainly won't be any easier with the current economy. This isn't about tax credits for a particular sector of the population. It's about making college affordable for everyone, and it only applies to full-time college students, at any accredited college or university. It's also about community service, something we Oklahomans are well known for in difficult times. It's time we show the rest of the nation how well we serve at all times. In Oklahoma, some financial aid and an opportunity to learn while serving is a win-win for college students and their communities.

Sorry, typo, Pelosi is a S-H-E

Man, you guys need to go back and take your junior high civics class again. This time around you might learn, Congress passes the laws and spending bills, not the president. Sure the recommends what he wants but that doesn't mean he will get it. Now if I remember right, the last 8 years we had a Democrat controlled congress. Wow, you Bush haters just dont give up. Micheal, you really want me to put my faith is Pelosi and all the socialist hand outs he advocates? I would rather put my faith in myself and my ability to retain my own earnings rather than programs that make states go bankrupt. Haven't you noticed what all those no-fault, well intended social programs had done for California? Where do I sign up for the hand-outs?

So...with 8 years as prez, W did nothing about it? What about that veto power?

Actually, it was the Democratics in Congress that pushed all the subprime mortgages and shadey lending

So...do students need to be enrolled full time? Can just any student claim the $4000 credit, assuming they've found a place to do community service? I know that for cash poor students competing for scarce jobs with republican-encouraged immigrants and other victims of republican economic policies, the $4000 tax credit could be the difference between going hungry and at least being able to afford beans and Ramen noodles.

Suck it, Sam

Get over it Sam...you lost. Didn't your parents teach you not to be a sore loser? Yes Sam, America is changing and for the better. We have tried your ways for thepast eight years and look where we ended up...on broke street. It is time to try something new...so sit back Sam, and let the younger generation try to fix the mess that you and your republican friends have made for us. Don't worry though, we are up for the job.