1. United States
2. N.Y.
3. Letter

Dear Representative, I am writing as your constituent from Long Island to urge you to vote NO on the so-called "Big Beautiful Bill" (H.R. 1). While I appreciate and acknowledge your longstanding efforts to address the SALT deduction cap—a critical issue for many homeowners here on Long Island—the overall impacts of this bill on our community are deeply troubling and cannot be overlooked. Yes, the proposed SALT cap increase to $40,000 would provide much-needed tax relief to middle-class families like mine. However, this single benefit does not outweigh the harm the bill would inflict on tens of thousands of Long Islanders. The severe cuts to Medicaid funding could strip coverage from over 225,000 Long Islanders enrolled in the Essential Plan and other Medicaid programs. Many of these individuals are working families, seniors, and vulnerable children who rely on this coverage for basic healthcare. The loss of Medicaid revenue will also have a direct impact on our local hospitals and healthcare providers. Facilities across Suffolk and Nassau counties could face service reductions, staffing cuts, or worse. This jeopardizes care access for all of us. In addition, the proposed work requirements and additional barriers for SNAP and Medicaid recipients are unrealistic and punitive. These changes threaten food security and healthcare access for thousands of Long Island residents who are already struggling to make ends meet. The bill’s changes to higher education funding are equally concerning. Tighter Pell Grant eligibility and loan caps will make college even less affordable for Long Island students at a time when tuition costs continue to rise. While SALT relief is undeniably important, I cannot support a bill that offers this win at the expense of our neighbors’ health care, food security, and educational opportunities. A true solution for Long Island should not force us to trade one local need for devastating cuts in other equally vital areas. I urge you to stand up for Long Island by voting NO on the Big Beautiful Bill and to continue working toward a bipartisan, standalone SALT fix that does not come with such harmful trade-offs. Thank you for your time and consideration. I hope you will prioritize the overall well-being of all Long Islanders when casting your vote.