From the Readers

Governor Quinn’s Proclamation of Filipino American History Month

Dear Filipino American media friends, I wanted to share with you a copy of the Governor’s proclamation of October as Filipino American History Month. I had the pleasure of presenting the proclamation this past Saturday at Adobofest. I have attached a photo of me presenting the proclamation to Consul General Calonge, in case it is useful. As I mentioned in my remarks on Saturday, Governor Quinn has been a very good friend to the Filipino American community. Not only did he personally assist with the Typhoon Haiyan fundraising and relief efforts last year, he has attended many functions in the community and proudly boasts a number of Filipino Americans among his staff and appointees, including Justin Cajindos, who is a Deputy Chief of Staff; Michelle Saddler, who is Secretary of the Department of Human Services (the state’s largest agency); and Aurora Abella Austriaco, whom he recently appointed to the Illinois Courts Commission. Governor Quinn’s policies are truly beneficial to the Filipino American community as well as all Asian American communities. Programs that promote early childhood education; funding for Hepatitis B outreach and education; expansion of MAP grant funding for higher education; the Illinois DREAM Fund and Temporary Visitor Drivers’ Licenses for the undocumented all help to strengthen and invest in our communities. Please let me know if there are any questions that you have. If you would like a color copy of the proclamation for your publication, I can arrange for that as well. Please let me know! Best regards, Theresa Mah

Last-minute moves to save big on your 2014 taxes

Dear VT Readers, These five end-of-theyear tips from a licensed tax professional will help lessen Uncle Sam’s grip on April 15. No one wants to pay more taxes than they have to. We share some tips on what taxpayers can do before the end of the year to lessen the grip Uncle Sam has on your wallet come April 15: · Contribute to a retirement plan – If that gets you one step closer to retiring to a tropical island at 55, why not do it? · Give to a charity – Gifts to charities are tax deductible and you get the satisfaction of helping your fellow man. · Dig up records of state, local and personal property taxes – Believe it or not, those annoying taxes, fees, etc. are deductible at the end of every year. · Take advantage of tax credits – There are credits for child care, adoption, education, energy efficiency home improvements and more.Did you know that simply buying a hybrid vehicle could be a tax credit? · Invest in your child’s future – If you have children, saving for their education, or even giving investments to your children are ways you can reduce your taxable footprint, and you help your kids secure their future! “Even if you haven’t been thinking about your taxes all year long, these last-minute moves can have huge payoffs.” THE TAX DEFENSE NETWORK

The Tax Defense Network provides financial advice and tax resolution services around the country. The Tax Defense Network’s team of licensed tax professionals, enrolled agents, and CPAs has resolved more than $120 million in tax debt. The Tax Defense Network is A+ rated by the Better Business Bureau. Learn more about the Tax Defense Network on Twitter or Google+.