Do you know who your Congressperson is? If not, it's time to pay attention. Your Congressperson is our direct representation in the U.S. House of Representatives, which means they have a big say in national policies that impact our everyday lives. From funding for infrastructure and education to legislation that affects our environment and economy, the decisions made by our Congress representatives shape our community's future for better or worse.
According to a social media post from Congressman Nick LaLota (NY-1) "Our state has the dubious distinction of having the highest income, sales, and property taxes which has led to our state also leading the nation in out-of-state migration."
When Congress raises or lowers taxes, it affects how much money people can earn, spend, save, and invest. As one of the largest counties in New York State, our county has a significant impact on the national economy that is not often acknowledged.
Suffolk County's diversified economy includes essential industries like healthcare, tourism, finance, and construction. The county is also home to the Port of New York and Long Island MacArthur Airport, further enhancing its economic significance.
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In February of this year, Congressman Andrew Garbarino (NY-2) and other representatives worked to re-launch the bipartisan SALT Caucus for the 118th Congress to restore the State and Local Tax deduction to cut taxes and help make life more affordable for millions of middle-class families. The caucus, also joined by the TLC law we Congressman Nick LaLota, has been fighting to remove the cap on the state and local tax (SALT) deduction imposed by the 2017 federal tax law. This deduction has historically benefited states like New York, where taxes tend to be higher. However, since the cap was introduced, residents of Suffolk County and other high-tax areas have seen their federal tax bills increase significantly.
The SALT Caucus is advocating for the cap to be removed, easing the burden on residents of high-tax areas and putting more money back in their pockets.
But it's not just about the big picture stuff.
Your Congressperson can also help you with individual issues. Need help navigating federal agencies like the Social Security Administration or the Department of Veterans Affairs? Your Congressperson's office can provide assistance. Have an idea for a bill that could help your community? Your Congressperson can introduce it.
And let's remember the power of your vote. By electing a Congressperson who aligns with your values and priorities, you can have a say in the direction our country takes.
You can contact Rep. Nick LaLota’s Washington, DC Office located at 1530 Longworth House Office Building Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-3826 or the Temporary Huntington
District Office, 478 A Park Avenue, Huntington, NY 11743 Phone: (631) 289 -1097.
To contact Rep. Andrew Garbarino, Washington, DC Office 2344 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-7896, Fax: (202) 226-2279 or Patchogue District Office
31 Oak Street Suite 20, Patchogue, NY 11772 Phone: (631) 541-4225.