I stumbled across this note that spilled out of <a href="http://developers.slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=09/03/05/1927226">slash dot</a> that a New York Bill under consideration is proposing a tax credit for open source developers. It is an important recognition that open source
software contributes to the growth of ideas, makes our economy more
efficient, and helps both industry and government improve the services
they provide.<br><br> <a href="http://tr.im/j8Rs">http://tr.im/j8Rs</a><br><blockquote>"The idea of the credit is to ensure that volunteer developers, who
could not otherwise deduct their expenses because they are not part of
a 'business,' should nevertheless be able to receive a tax benefit for
their contribution. The credit would be for 20% of the expenses
incurred, up to $200. The <a href="http://assembly.state.ny.us/leg/?bn=A06380">preamble</a> notes that the New York State Assembly itself currently uses 'Open
Source programs such as Mozilla for email, Firefox for web browsing,
and WebCal for electronic calendars,' and that these programs have led
to significant cost savings to taxpayers."</blockquote><br><br>-- <br>Roland Gesthuizen - ICT Coordinator - Westall Secondary College<br><a href="http://www.westallsc.vic.edu.au">http://www.westallsc.vic.edu.au</a><br>
<br>"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed it is the only thing that ever has." --Margaret Mead<br>