Thaddeus McCotter opposes legislation to create national health care reform, but he has no problem helping out the pet industry:
Pet-care expenses would be tax deductible under a new measure introduced by U.S. Rep. Thaddeus McCotter (R-Mich.).
House Resolution 3501, commonly referred to as the Humanity and Pets Partnered Through the Years, or HAPPY Act, would amend the Internal Revenue Code to allow an individual to deduct up to $3,500 for "qualified pet care expenses."
"Qualified pet care expenses" is defined as "amounts paid in connection with providing care (including veterinary care) for a qualified pet other than any expense in connection with the acquisition of the qualified pet."
As you might imagine, the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council is quite happy about the bill. Here's part of their statement:
Providing pet owners the opportunity to deduct pet care expenses is an important step towards ensuring that pet owners provide adequate veterinary and other necessary pet care. It encourages responsible pet ownership and will hopefully reduce the abandonment of pets by people struggling as a result of the economic downturn.
I'm all for responsible pet ownership, but I also think people should maintain the brakes on their car so I don't have to worry about getting rear-ended while I'm stopped at a traffic light. Maybe we should give car owners tax deductions for repairs.
I also want to know if McCotter is limiting the deduction according to income? The IRS only allows me to deduct medical and dental expenses that exceed more than 7.5% of my adjusted gross income. Here's an example from their website:
Your adjusted gross income is $40,000, 7.5% of which is $3,000. You paid medical expenses of $2,500. You cannot deduct any of your medical expenses because they are not more than 7.5% of your adjusted gross income.
But apparently I could deduct up to $3500 that I spend on my dog!
Putting the health care needs of dogs and cats ahead of people is the final straw. McCotter needs to go. |
