Letter from John A. Rudy

In Support of Reciprocity

Under the “Big Beautiful Bill,” Americans privileged to have income subject to tax benefitted by having their tax rates maintained at their 2017 levels; those subject to high state and local income and property taxes (e.g., New Yorkers) also benefitted by having the federal deductible limit for those taxes substantially increased. Those not so privileged “gave” up substantial amounts of their benefits for food aid because of the “Big Beautiful Bill’s” draconian cuts to food programs and non-profit food providers.

For whatever motive suits—altruism, philanthropy, religion, morality, or just plain decency—we privileged ones should take a bit of the largesse bestowed upon us and make it available for the benefit of the unprivileged. A check to the Cooperstown Food Pantry, 25 Church Street, Cooperstown, NY 13326, would serve that purpose nicely. And, by the way, donations are tax deductible.

John A. Rudy
Cooperstown