NY tax changes welcome
In response to "Cuomo tried to bully us, GOP lawmakers say" [News, Dec. 10], it's a shame that 4 percent of the State Legislature got it wrong. These tax laws were not unanimously supported by the State Assembly.
Congratulations to Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo and the State Senate for enacting tax relief legislation; to raise taxes on the wealthy, lower taxes on the middle class and partially roll back the Metropolitan Transportation Authority tax, creating funds for much needed infrastructure projects and jobs for the young.
I guess the 4 percent of legislators who did not agree wanted to keep the tax credits for the rich, increase the tax on the middle class, uphold the MTA tax on small businesses, preserve crumbling roads and falling bridges, while keeping young people unemployed. Whose side are they on, anyway?
Richard S. Macellaro, Kings Park
As Gov. Cuomo is currently looking at a change in the tax code, he should consider revising it to ensure that all New York retirees are treated equally. No resident should be exempt from paying state income tax.
Currently, city, state and county retirees do not pay state income tax on their retirement benefits while they live in New York. Other retirees who live in New York, who have privately funded pensions, must pay state income tax on pensions over $20,000.
The present system discriminates against privately funded pensions. The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees website states that the average pension for members of the New York State Retirement System is $29,988. I suggest the governor change the tax code by increasing the pension exemption to $30,000.
These changes will level the playing field, making the system fair and just. Right now we have a group of people not contributing one penny to solve the state's fiscal problems.
Hank Tiska, Syosset
State economic plan is shortsighted
Where are the real jobs? ["Leaders applaud state grants," News, Dec. 9]. The only thing I see is taxpayers' money going to private business or contractors and builders, who will create short-term construction jobs. It's just kicking the job problem down the road. What is the sense of building housing, sewers and transportation for people who are unemployed and can't pay rent, unless you're building for the future homeless?
The real problem is we have too many workers and not enough work, and that's not going to change. What we need are long-term manufacturing jobs.
What about the corporations who spend billions of dollars to have their products, like cellphones, manufactured in China and sell them here in the United States? Maybe we should do a little arm-twisting to bring some of those jobs back home.
What about windmills and solar panels? At least there is a long-term payback, with lower electric rates and a healthier environment.
Mike Houlihan, Islip
Conservatives are blocking recovery
Columnist Alvin Bessent, in his article "Even some rich see how the system is rigged" [Opinion, Nov. 29], did not go far and deep enough exploring the causes for the catastrophe we call an economy, and why we cannot get a solution.
It appalls me to hear far-right conservatives touting their "no more taxes" and "responsible spending," while blocking the proven process of negotiation and compromise - a process that was prescribed by our founding fathers when they established the separation of powers. This concept prevents one group from dictating policy, and promotes input from all sides of an issue.
The agreement on new tax brackets, between the governor and the State Legislature, "Something for everyone in deal" [News, Dec. 7], is an example of how working together and compromise can bring a solution.
Tax cuts to the very rich trickle down mostly into their own bank accounts. It is much easier for them to put that money in a hedge fund and watch it grow without effort on their part, than to open a business that will create jobs. A successful business requires a lot of hard work.
A tax surcharge on the very rich will be a measurable way to put money where we can use it only for job-creating programs, such as highway and road improvements, and to reward entrepreneurs.
In these desperate days, it is time for those who have to come to the aid of their country. It is time for the tea party and their supporters in Congress to assume the responsibility given them by the people who voted them in: to legislate solutions to the crisis we're in.
Joseph Willinger, Selden
New commissioner's past is relevant
In your editorial "Fresh eyes for Nassau's police dept." [Dec. 6], you state that the new police commissioner, Thomas Dale, has faced adversity because officers under his command at the New York City Police Department were responsible for the shootings of Amadou Diallo and Sean Bell. You state, "In both cases Dale was praised for his response."
So the old adage of "the buck stops here" doesn't apply to the shootings and death of unarmed persons? As a matter of fact, you praise Dale!
Apparently in your view, those incidents do not compare to the murder of Jo'Anna Bird or the problems of the Nassau County police lab. Would you be more forgiving if Bird had been shot by police instead?
Bob Schiller, Holtsville
