State Representative Crankshaft about to turn 65

The local embodiment of Crankshaft, our cantankerous, irascible and humorless state representative Dan Lakly is turning 65 on August 8. The big deal is that he goes on Medicare on August 1, joining the 43 million or so people already on it.

Enrolling in Medicare is quite an experience. You’re besieged by offers of Medicare supplement insurance, plus alternatives to what is known as “original Medicare,” and also drug plans. Choosing wisely is not easy. But perhaps Dan will put his experience to good use by providing advice to his constituents on what seem the better choices.

With Medicare comes the opportunity to have a welcome-to-Medicare health check-up and a colonoscopy just like the one George W. Bush was privileged to have last Saturday (July 21). The “prep” is what’s most exciting about it.

Like all seniors our Dan has already had the benefit of the Retirement Income Exclusion in our state income tax since he turned 62. But now that he is 65 his past contributions as a taxpayer will empower him to claim bigger standard deductions on both federal and state income tax returns. In early 2008 he can apply for an exemption from the school property tax on his home.

This comes just as the Georgia legislature is considering scrapping all these tax breaks in favor of more sales taxes. Talk about bad luck, or bad timing. Imagine paying sales tax on your wheelchair, your hearing aid and your prescriptions. Maybe even on your doctor bills. Right after Gov. Perdue pledged to remove all state income tax for seniors, only to be rebuffed by legislators like Dan.

It’ll be interesting to see what our Crankshaft does to old folks now that he’s one of them. Meanwhile, Happy Birthday, Dan!