Newsday letters to the editor Thursday, March 30, 2017

Even more cuts in NYC security funds?

President Donald Trump’s budget proposes to cut nearly $200 million in federal funding for New York City counterterrorism and disaster response programs, according to Sen. Chuck Schumer [“Vow to fight NYPD cuts,” News, March 20]. Well, at least that’s what he says.

In February 2016, President Barack Obama proposed cutting the anti-terrorism funding that was part of the Urban Areas Security Initiative program. Obama’s cuts would have reduced funding for counterterrorism programs across the country by $270 million, with New York City slated to lose about $90 million.

Everyone knows or should know that New York is on the top of the list of cities to be hit by terrorists in the United States. Why is it, then, that our last two presidents don’t seem to know this?

Bill Viggiano, Williston Park

Charitable sources might fill the gap

The Trump presidency is here. Protest, dissent and threats will not change that. Those who see the end of compassion, humane medical care and the barest of entitlements must look to the traditional silver lining long lost in the progressive haze of politically correct administrations [“Price defends plan,” News, March 20].

Churches, synagogues, mosques and charities have an opportunity to rise and fill the needs of the underserved. These institutions can put pressure on wealthy constituents.

Funded locally, and without political interference, these donations may be more effective than the current taxpayer-funded distribution.

Perhaps the earnest and faithful might find, in this silver lining, a new way to serve.

Edward Lyons, Oceanside

Science cuts will hurt nation and LI

President Donald Trump’s proposed budget includes an unbelievable $6 billion cut from the National Institutes of Health [“Budget boosts defense,” News, March 17].

Such a brutal cut would have devastating consequences for biomedical research. We would be less able to respond to outbreaks of diseases like Ebola and Zika. We would fall behind in the development of cures to help our sickest citizens. And these cuts would be particularly harmful for the thriving research community on Long Island.

Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory is one of the premier biomedical research institutions in the world. We employ more than 1,000 people, and every year we generate more than $139 million in economic output in Suffolk and Nassau counties. Discoveries at Cold Spring Harbor have led to the generation of life-saving medicines to treat diseases such as leukemia and spinal muscular atrophy.

None of this research would have been possible without NIH funding. This funding is similarly crucial for the Northwell Health system, the Feinstein Institute, Stony Brook University and many other research institutions in New York.

This budget jeopardizes our future well-being in order to save a quick buck.

Jason Sheltzer, Mineola

Editor’s note: The writer works as a scientist at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory.

Budget more public funds for day care

Higher education access is incomplete unless we address the staggering lack of child care options for students who are parents [“Albany’s budget stew simmers,” Editorial, March 26]. With private day-care costs averaging $15,000 to $20,000 a year, and few publicly funded options, students — or prospective students — with children can be left in the lurch.

New York State and New York City must step up where the federal government isn’t. Many SUNY and CUNY campuses have child care centers, but their funding is often in peril during the annual state and city budget dances.

Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo cut more than $900,000 from child care centers in his executive budget this year. The State Senate and Assembly have restored that cut, but still must negotiate a final budget.

Instead of cutting child care centers, what about increasing those funds? There are not nearly enough day-care spots to accommodate the need.

Emily Skydel, Bushwick

Editor’s note: The writer is a campaign organizer for the New York Public Interest Research Group, an advocacy organization.