Letters: 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