Here's the reality of a fixed income

This is for teachers and others concerned about their modestly rising benefit contributions and supposedly insufficient pay.

Here is a direct quote from the benefits center of ITT Industries produced on Nov. 28 and apparently sent to all retirees: "If you receive a pension check and it is sufficient to cover the cost of the benefits, your monthly contribution will be deducted from your check. Otherwise, you will be billed directly by ITT Benefits Center via a monthly invoice statement."

On Dec 12 I got my Social Security Benefit report ( I am near the maximum) My 2008 payment will be $1,626.40 monthly; the 2007 benefit was $1,590.50. That is a monthly increase of $ 35.90. Less the $2.90 increase in Medicare deduction, I net $33.00 a month or under $400 annually.

Speaking, I hope, for many: how can we afford ever more police and fire personnel, ever increasing educational expenses, ever more grandiose village halls, ever more Stroger relatives Cooking the County, ever more days of per diem to Springfield?

David Horneys

Mount Prospect