As the IRS’ favorite time of year grows near, I would like to shed some light on where a very small sliver of your tax dollars actually go.
In 2010, it became apparent that I would no longer be able to drive my Honda Accord, which was my favorite car ever. So choice. If you have the means, I highly recommend you pick one up…..SO I was unsure how to keep driving until I found a federal program, funded by YOU (and me) through the state’s vocational rehab. service. You see, as long as I am working, I need transportation to get to and from my job and the cheapest way to do this is provide me with my own transportation. Not to mention that it keeps me as a positive participant in the economy by going out to do things and spending money. The government estimates that for every dollar spent on equipping handicap vehicles with hand controls and other high tech. gear (my transmission shifts by touch screen to get park, reverse and drive) they receive seven dollars in return. I purchased a minivan with a side loading conversion ramp and then the drivers seat was removed to make room for my power chair to lock down to the floor in its place. Using two joysticks to the left (gas/brake) and right (steering) of the wheel, I am able to drive with my hands. Above the center console, a small computer screen allows me to operate my lights, windows, wipers and the transmission. For me this technology is a game changer and I am allowed to update it every seven years. I am on my second van (I had to buy a newer one) and I am still able to drive independently, take my kids to school, and go out for shenanigans and antics. Thanks to your tax dollars. There is an old VIDEO HERE so you can see how I drive. I filmed this in the fall of 2019 and if you’re a fan of The Sopranos, you will get the joke.
In other tax news, I have been visiting DC on and off since 2002 around this time of year to meet with my elected members of Congress to ask them to support appropriations (fancy word for federal budget….spoiler alert, that budget is a big, scary hot mess) for money to be allocated to the National Institutes of Health to fund research, and data sharing language in existing law to help those of us living with muscular dystrophy. One of the cool things about our democracy is the fact that any of us can set a meeting with their members of Congress (or their staff) and discuss your concerns. I have been in waiting rooms with military folk, people trying to save a species of turtle, people advocating for gun laws (on both sides of the argument) and people looking to improve food labels. It’s wild and SOMEONE in DC will actually listen to you, take notes, and report your concerns to the member of Congress. If you are persistent, members will sometimes (not always), sign on to letters that circulate through Congress asking for support. When enough members sign on, the letter gains momentum and is sent to the appropriate committee for discussion and hopefully inclusion in a bill or budget proposal. It’s a long, slow arduous process, but if we the people stop raising our voices, then what’s the point?
I am happy to tell you that a passionate group of hundreds of people from around the country that I am proud to call friends have been pestering Congress for more than 20 years and we have improved the lives and improved the hope of all individuals living with MD.
I hope that you are fired up after reading this and realize that not ALL of your money goes to a hammer that the department of defense purchased for $3,000. It’s not all bad.
Here’s the best part. YOU can help by learning about the MD asks HERE. We have more than 400 letters submitted to the government so far from almost every state. You don’t even have to know who your members are (but you should)….the simple form looks that up and with a few clicks, you have advocated for a small sliver of where you want your tax money to go. DO IT. I already love you, now let’s take this up a notch. Should I just run for Congress? Well….roll for Congress. Moeschen ’24.
My slogan? Stay safe, stay awesome, and stay tuned. Vote early…..and vote often.
Moeschen! 