A recent letter to the editor writer was concerned that Cape Henlopen students are getting free lunches, and was concerned about the cost to the taxpayers. As a senior citizen in the Cape Henlopen School District, I get a "free lunch" on my annual school taxes. For being over 65 years of age and meeting the timeline for living in Delaware and owning and occupying my property as my primary residence, I get a $500 credit on my school property taxes.
If individuals are concerned about the costs to fellow taxpayers of free lunch for our school children, then I have a solution for our legislators to cover these expenses. I would suggest the following bill – SMILES – Senior Motivators in Learning and Education Services. My suggested bill would require that if you are over 65 years of age, a resident of the school district and you own and occupy your home as your primary residence, then you need to do volunteer work in the schools to get your tax deduction. Types of volunteer work could include tutoring students (especially in reading and math), assisting in libraries or school offices, helping with service projects or classroom activities, and supporting maintenance of clerical tasks. If you have medical limitations, then I am sure arrangements can be made.
This bill would use the time and talent of the great retirees we have in our state and would cover not only the cost of the free lunches for our students, but also the administrative costs too. This bill would not cost the state or federal government anything, and would make our public schools better.
To quote President Franklin Roosevelt: “Taxes are what we pay for civilized society. Too many individuals, however, want civilization at a discount."
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