Modulating Tones

  The middle class occupies a unique and often overlooked position in society. They work. They pay income taxes, payroll taxes, sales taxes, property taxes, tolls, fees, insurance premiums, and countless other expenses that support both their families and the broader community. Through those taxes, they help fund programs and services that benefit society as a whole, including assistance for those in need. However, many middle-class individuals and families find themselves caught in a difficult place. They earn too much to qualify for certain assistance programs, yet still struggle with housing costs, property taxes, healthcare expenses, insurance premiums, transportation costs, food prices, and other necessities. Likewise, the working middle-class individual or family, now retired, may have an income that is just high enough to disqualify them from subsidized housing and other forms of assistance, but not high enough to comfortably absorb mortgage or rent payments, property taxes,...