Three ideas to spark conversations at the moment.

• Expand taxable income limits beyond $184,500 to help finance Social Security and limit Social Security earnings of the rich in a sliding scale fashion.
• Modify the capital gains tax burden when selling second homes in a fashion similar to the primary residence exclusion (up to $500,000) in order to modestly increase available housing units. Interestingly, second homes account for 20% of total housing units in Maine — the highest in the nation. I realize that many would need to be renovated to accommodate year-round living.
• Remember that the U.S. is not alone in fighting Iran. Israel has its own agenda and goals for that country that will likely result in continued blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, even if the U.S declares victory and walks away. It will be difficult to close this Pandora’s box.

Gil Fraser
New Gloucester