'We the People' got short end of the Big Beautiful Bill

Every member of Congress who voted to pass the “big, beautiful bill” missed their John McCain moment “A boondoggle of a budget bill,” Editorial, July 8]. When they were elected, they took an oath to our Constitution, not to a person or political party. Their job is to do what’s best for their constituents as well as all citizens of our great nation.

Taking away health care from millions, food assistance from the children and needy, and giving tax breaks to the wealthy, while adding trillions to our deficit is in no way beneficial to their constituents or the majority of our nation’s citizens.

I found it disgraceful to see pictures of them celebrating and praying regarding passage of this bill. No religion wants its followers to keep those less fortunate down. Conversely, they want their followers to have compassion and to help those people.

We have the opportunity to become the world leader we once were and grab our own John McCain moment with peaceful protests and never give in to tyranny or dictatorship.

Above all, we need to remember the first three words of the Constitution: “We the People.”

— Bill Lapof, East Islip

The Republican members of Congress were elected to represent their constituents but instead do only what President Donald Trump demands. That is not the job of a government representative. They were not elected to slash health care affecting the neediest, cut food stamps to feed families, or reduce educational opportunities to the people who need it the most. Who is representing the needy? Where is the humanity?

These cuts have been made so the ultrarich can receive an extra tax break. Is there no limit to the greed? What kind of country have we become to deprive people of health services and basic food because they lack money or a job?

Every member of Congress who voted for the bill should examine his or her own conscience and think about the people they are affecting.

— Sue Wallace, Bayside

The recent increase of the state and local tax cap is being hailed as a major tax win for Long Island families. However, we must look at the cost of this win: new Medicaid restrictions could put up to 90,000 of our most vulnerable neighbors at risk of losing their health insurance.

The math on this trade-off is staggering and reveals a net loss for our community. While the cuts may “save” the government more than $1 billion in local Medicaid spending, a joint analysis by health care associations projects a $1.48 billion loss in economic activity and the elimination of over 6,500 jobs on Long Island.

These aren’t just numbers. They represent a loss of lifesaving care for working families and a direct blow to our region’s largest economic sector. The cuts will also harm our local hospitals, which provide care to our most vulnerable.

A policy that gives a tax break to middle- and upper-class families with one hand while taking away health security and jobs for the neediest with the other hand is not a victory for Long Island.

— Michael Hertz, Bellport

As the founder and operator of a home-based childcare center, The Innovative Daycare Corp. in Freeport, I see Medicaid as essential to the survival of my industry, business and to the economic security of my staff. They rely on Medicaid for health coverage because I don’t have the financial capacity to offer private health insurance.

Like many providers, my operating budget is stretched thin by rising food costs, regulatory compliance and stagnant reimbursement rates. Even if I could offer health benefits to my employees, the administrative barriers to establishing a plan are overwhelming for a program of my center’s size.

That’s why I’m alarmed by the massive cut to Medicaid. By weakening Medicaid — through cuts, restrictions, or cost shifts — my staff will likely be forced to leave the childcare industry for jobs that can afford to offer basic employer-sponsored benefits. My colleagues love what they do, but they need health coverage.

Cuts to Medicaid will also be devastating to our community and the families we care for. We are already facing a nationwide workforce crisis in early childhood education, and reducing Medicaid access will accelerate it.

— Janna Rodriguez, Freeport

This bill is just another scam perpetrated by the Republicans in the House and Senate. In an attempt to mollify opponents of the SALT deduction limitations, the new legislation does raise the deduction significantly, but the cap deduction expires in 2030, reverting back to $10,000 while the tax benefits for the rich and big corporations stay permanently.

Recalling the words of W.C. Fields, “Beelzebub, I’ve been hoodwinked!”

— Michael J. Vicchiarelli, Eastport