Congress. I want to express my appreciation to the witnesses who have come to share testimony today. Its a rare occasion that we can get to hear from the hard working folks who make up our state and local governments. Former mayor of springfield i can tell you my experience as to how important the work all of you do is. It is from that lens that i view the issue of state and local Tax Deductions as s. A. L. T. I view it from the Vantage Point of someone whose Life Experience has been a testament to the impact and investments made and Services Provided by local governments and what those investments can mean in terms of the lives of our citizenry. Over xi be that choeinsuring maintaining roads, bridges and tunnels, so people can get to where they need to be is part of our challenge. Responding emergencies, providing services for low income family, elderly and the others rely on the safety net is our obligation. That is precisely what local government does. Mr. Thompson, thats why the wo