Gas Prices Continue to Rise

Op-Ed

Gas Prices Continue to Rise

Hardworking Americans all around this nation are feeling the pinch from rising gas prices. In South Carolina alone, the average price of gasoline has jumped more than $1.30 since January 2007. The price of gas is not only affecting motorists. The rise in fuel prices has had an impact on the cost of food in the store and on other services that depend on the transportation of goods.

There is no quick fix to the current cost of oil; however, we can and should be putting America on a track towards energy independence that is realistic. Our long-term goals should include investing in all sources of alternative energy that prove to be cost-effective. Additionally, we need to grow and improve our domestic energy production by updating and building new refineries as well as utilizing our natural resources.

In the meantime, there are little things we as consumers can do to save gas:

1. Make sure your car is operating efficiently. That includes keeping your tires properly inflated so you are maximizing the energy you get from each gallon of gas.
2. Plan trips in your car to minimize time you are on the road. Utilize public transportation when you can or coordinate carpools.
3. Avoid speeding and unnecessary acceleration on the road. When you change speeds too often, you use more fuel.

Adoption Tax Credit

In 2001, families who adopted children began receiving a $10,000 tax credit towards the expenses of adoption. This adoption tax credit was the right thing to do for families who are opening their homes and their hearts to so many children. Unfortunately, this tax credit is set to expire on December 31, 2010.

Realizing the importance of this issue, I have introduced legislation to make this tax credit permanent. H.R. 471, the Adoption Tax Relief Guarantee Act of 2007, would assist thousands of families. The cost of adoption can be an extremely large financial burden. International adoptions can cost as much as $20,000 to $30,000 and domestic infant adoptions are as high as $15,000. By helping American families keep a little more of their own money in order to afford adoption, we will in turn help provide thousands of loving, stable homes for children.

When the Senate passed their budget earlier this year, they included a permanent extension of the adoption tax credit. I have expressed my interest, along with 73 of my colleagues, in a letter to both Chairman John Spratt of the House Committee on the Budget as well as Ranking Member Paul Ryan that the House follow the Senate's lead and ensure this important tax credit will continue.

A Mother's Day Idea

The rising cost of healthcare can make it very difficult for families to afford even the routine medications they need to stay healthy. With the introduction of the Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (Part D), Medicare began offering American seniors health plans to afford their prescription drugs. However, costs can still be high, and so it is important that you have all the information and resources available to save as much money as you can.

In honor of Mother's Day this weekend, the Social Security Administration (SSA) is working to notify Americans that there are additional resources at the SSA they can utilize to help mothers and other eligible persons save money on monthly premiums, annual deductibles, and prescription co-payments. For more information and to see if your mother or other loved one is eligible for additional assistance, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and ask for the Application for Help with Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Costs (SSA-1020). Or go to the nearest Social Security office. You can also read more about this opportunity by clicking here and going to the SSA website.

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