Opinion: Next vote, will you be represented on Wall Street of Main Street?

Dear Editor,

Congressman Tom Reed, by his vote on the tax bill, showed that he is more concerned with catering to special interests than looking out for regular New Yorkers. As another New York Republican Congressman said in explaining his vote, “My donors are basically saying, ‘Get it done or don’t ever call me again.’”

The generous corporate tax reductions are permanent while the smaller tax breaks for individuals expire in 2025. The reason for this is to game the rules and keep the increase on the national deficit to $1.5 trillion, because above that amount the Senate would need 60 votes to pass this bill. 

As a result of Reed’s vote you will no longer be able to deduct state and local taxes (SALT) which is double taxation, there will be no deduction for medical expenses or charitable donations. Reed’s vote will lead to higher taxes for individuals and less money for municipalities to maintain and repair infrastructure.  

Tom Reed is unable to fund The Children’s Health Insurance Program, which helps our most vulnerable, but he can rush to support greatly reduced taxes for the nation’s wealthiest people and corporations. Is there any rationale for ballooning the deficit? 

Unfortunately, there is. It is the plan spelled out many times by Republican House Leader Paul Ryan. Ryan wants to greatly increase the deficit and then claim that it is necessary to cut social safety nets including user-funded Social Security and Medicare to reduce the deficit. 

In the next election, you will have a choice between a representative who will represent you on Main Street and not the billionaires on Wall Street. 

Sincerely, 

Kevin Millar

Owego, N.Y.