By Mark David Blum, Esq.

Rumor has it that the United States government, both Democrat and Republican factions, have signed off on a mass ‘tax rebate’ to all Americans. Going beyond a mere ‘rebate’, our government has reached into our pockets and offered these same rebate monies to those who do not pay taxes. The intent is an economic stimulus machination by reintroducing more capital into society. Maybe someday we will survey what folks actually did with their stimulation; did they buy drugs or pay bills or invest or save it.

“But what about the Seniors” became the sudden battle cry. Apparently our wise and powerful government in devising a scheme to hand out our own largesse to all, conditioned the payment upon the filing of a federal tax return. It doesn’t matter if you owe taxes, are entitled to a refund, or are not legally required to file; so long as you file a 1040, the government is going to give you a check. Many retired citizens haven’t been required to file a tax form in years and a hue and cry rose up about the land; “what about the seniors?”

Everybody from AARP to our local television stations WKRAP et al. began an awareness campaign. WSYR devoted an entire newscast to the issue and stocked their phones with IRS agents to help the old folks figure out a way to file a tax form so as to get a wad of a working man’s wages.

I sat here wondering about another constituency. Approximately twelve percent of our population does not file federal tax forms because they are unemployed, underemployed, or on public assistance. These are the poor. Some are seniors; most are not. Mothers, fathers, children; all of whom who could use the fistfuls of pork dollars being thrown at the market. I wonder where is the alarm and rush to rescue the poor, the homeless, the unemployed?

This is a class amongst us who do not have a retirement or pension or social security check. These are people who do not get medicare or have AARP fighting their cause. The discussion should move away from those spending their golden years in relaxation and move toward those who struggle to eat day to day.

Imagine the impact $300.00 to $1,200.00 could have upon a family stricken by poverty? We should not turn our backs on them because they are young and healthy. They need our help as much as the old folks.

Lawyers and accountants and other tax professionals and assistants should fan out across the region and start filling out 1040A’s for the homeless and workless. WSYR should devote as many hours and as much energy bringing IRS agents and tax preparers into contact with Syracuse’s Southside, near Westside, the Eastside, and even inside the Justice Center and Jamesville. Carrie Lazarus should not divert the world’s eyes only to the “old”. Upstate New York should not be blind to the poor.

Reaching out a hand and getting the word out to the poor and unemployed that they too can share and be stimulated by the handouts of my tax dollars. In aiding this large percentage of people, we not only reach our higher angels, but we also bring tens of thousands of dollars into our local market. To me, that is potentially quite stimulating.

Old age and retirement are wonderful things and it is very sexy and appealing to be providing tax help for wrinkly white folks. But this community also owes the same help and assistance to its poor and weakest elements. They more than anyone would be the most impacted.

Where is the Onondaga County Bar Association? Where is the New York State Bar or the American Bar Association on this issue. Why is it WSYR reaches out only to seniors. Where are the voices for the poor?

“You must give some time to your fellow men. Even if it's a little thing, do something for others - something for which you get no pay but the privilege of doing it.” (Albert Schweitzer)