Letters

An important financial issue facing Congressional District 1 voters is the possible full restoration of the State and Local Tax (SALT) deduction, which offsets federal tax liability. That tax deduction is now capped at $10,000. From ny.gov: “Under the Trump administration, the Federal Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 eliminated full deductibility of state and local taxes (SALT), effectively costing New Yorkers $15.3 billion.”

Although both CD1 candidates, Nick Lalota and Democrat John Avlon, support a full SALT deduction, it will not be enacted unless John Avlon becomes part of a Democratic majority.

This is why: Tax bills originate in the House of Representative’s Ways and Means Committee. In a recent appearance on CNBC’s “Squawk Box,” Jason Smith, Republican chairperson of the Ways and Means Committee, stated that the SALT cap will not be eliminated. This renders LaLota’s position pointless, as he cannot get it implemented.

Here is how the SALT cap is eliminated: A Democratic administration, including the two most powerful congressional leaders in the U.S. Congress, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and the putative Speaker of the House, Brooklyn’s Hakeem Jeffries, both support a full SALT deduction. If Democrats retain control of the Senate and regain control of the House of Representatives, full SALT deduction is guaranteed in the 2025 tax bill. Every New Yorker, no matter what party, will reap the benefit.

So, think strategically, vote for Democrats from one end of the ballot to the other end, and you will have done your part to restore the SALT deduction.

Voting for John Avlon is our best opportunity for SALT restoration.

Mike Anthony

Westhampton

Anthony is a former chair of the Southampton Town Democratic Committee — Ed.