Jerry Brown’s Flat-Tax Plan

Of the three deductions allowed under Brown’s flat tax plan--charitable deduction, mortgage deduction and rent deduction--the rent deduction interested me most.

I would say there are many more poor and middle-class renters who for the first time would actually get a much deserved major deduction than there are poor and middle-class homeowners who would continue to enjoy the mortgage deduction anyway. Most people paying rent, which amounts to a sizable percentage of their income, now receive no deduction at all. If you’re paying rent, a moonbeam could be a bright light.

LANCE WILLIAM CLARKE

Santa Monica