Reply #70: Sorry, don't agree. Think it's horrid public policy that harms low to middle class persons -

[lynne]

- as it removes incentive and possibly even the ability for them - particularly low income - to purchase a home, especially if they were budgeting that tax savings into their annual income. The deduction is equal for high vs. low income persons as it is the total amount of interest so it is proportionate to their individual means and no one segment of society is favored. The subsequent loss of tax revenue from loss of home sales, loss of construction businesses, loss of tax revenue at state level for real estate and sales tax for construction items would offset any increases in taxes received due to removal of the deduction. Not to mention that we will have further job losses and additional individuals filing for unemployment as the home construction industry completely dries up.

Removing the deduction harms low and middle-class individuals the most and would be an additional economic disaster added to the mess that we currently are enduring. It would also guarantee a republican sweep in 2012. Your view is very short-sighted.