I have just discovered that the Payroll Tax Extension and the Unemployment Benefit Extension has been funded through a 10th of 1 percent surcharge on all mortgages written since March 1.

Rather than reducing spending from other federal budget items to pay for these giveaways, the feds have tacked on this secret, stealth tax to all home purchases and those refinancing their home for the next 10 years.

So much for honesty and transparency from our federal government.

If you don't write your senator and your congressman, you deserve the government we have.

Phil Humphries

Stateline