Please give me opinions on this possible situation.

When a mom calls considering returning to work, I discuss with her how
to figure out the actual real amount that she would take home if she
went to work.  After eliminating expenses like Day Care, Car wear and
maintanence, work clothes, taxes, is it really make it affordable to go
to work?  This is important esp. if a mom is considering Breastfeeding
long term, because we all know how truly dedicated a working
breastfeeding mom has to be!

President Clinton introduced legislation last week giving a tax break to
low income parents who use day care.  This bothered me on several
levels.  One, this makes going to work even more feasible.  But two, it
penalizes Moms who choose not to return to work.  I called my
legislators and asked where is my tax credit for choosing to stay at
home and be personally responsible for my children?  I did compare this
to the tax penality for couples who choose to get married instead of
just living together.

Congressman Jim Gibbons aide called me back to say that in the next
session he is going to introduce legislation that will eliminate the tax
penalties for being married.  I asked the aide to discuss with him
tacking on to this bill some way for stay at home parents to get a tax
break too.  The aide said that this is an idea that he would be really
interested in supporting and she would call me back.  I'm going to put
an idea in writing and submit this to him.

Any ideas on how this would be best worded?  How long should this credit
last, 1 yr, 5 yrs, or 18 yrs?  Any ideas on opposition?

Should the cost savings of breastfeeding to the government and public,
like reduced medical bills, etc. be used in support for this idea?
Please respond to me directly.

Dayna Williams
Reno, NV
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