Something TVA Victims Might Want to Look Into...

There's a rumor circulating that the settlement TVA is presenting to folks requires relinquishing the right to come back on TVA regarding health issues that might arise from exposure to the coal ash.

The same coal ash that TVA has been telling folks is "inert."

IF the ash is indeed inert, why have a clause about health issues in the settlement?

A case should be made that the compensation folks receive should be tax exempt, just like the EEOIC program compensating folks (and their families) who worked out at the plants in Oak Ridge.

The mere fact that TVA (allegedly) has a clause in their settlement regarding health issues that deny folks the right to come back and sue over any health issues, should, in effect, make that compensation tax exempt as per IRS law...

26 USC 104 - Sec. 104. Compensation for injuries or sickness

This law was cited with the EEOIC program and states, in part, that gross income shall not include: (2) the amount of any damages (other than punitive damages) received (whether by suit or agreement and whether as lump sums or as periodic payments) on account of personal physical injuries or physical sickness;

If TVA is having folks sign the settlement in return for not suing in the future over health issues, then they have, in essence, turned this contract into the compensation for any future illness. Thus, the entire settlement (provided homeowners have owned their home for a minimum of two years) should be tax exempt!

I encourage everyone who reads this blog post to forward it to your state representatives to ensure that the case for your tax exempt status becomes reality.