A resolution requesting the Davidson County Congressional Delegation to introduce and support the necessary legislation to allow senior citizens to deduct a portion of their heating costs on their federal income tax return.

WHEREAS, as a result of hurricane Katrina and other world events, the cost for heating homes has skyrocketed; and

WHEREAS, according to estimates provided by the U.S. Department of Energy, homeowners will pay approximately 17 percent more to heat their homes this winter as compared to last winter; and

WHEREAS, natural gas users nationwide will bear the brunt of the heating cost increase by paying approximately 24 percent more to heat their homes than they paid last year, and

WHEREAS, in addition to the already escalated heating costs, on February 23, 2006, the Nashville Electric Service (NES) board of directors unanimously approved an 8.9 percent increase for NES customers; and

WHEREAS, senior citizens on fixed incomes are often the persons that are effected the most by these additional heating costs; and

WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper that senior citizens be allowed to deduct their heating costs from their federal income taxes.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

Section 1. That the Metropolitan County Council hereby goes on record as requesting the Davidson County Congressional Delegation to introduce and support the necessary legislation to allow senior citizens to deduct a portion of their heating costs on their federal income tax return.

Section 2. The Metropolitan Clerk is directed to send a copy of this Resolution to each member of the Davidson County Congressional Delegation.

Section 3. That this Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored by: Brenda Gilmore