An Open Letter to Congressman Tim Bishop from Congressional Candidate Lee Zeldin

SHIRLEY, NY (01/25/2008)(readMedia)-- January 25, 2008

Congressman Tim Bishop, 3680 Route 112, Suite C, Coram, NY 11727

Congressman Bishop:

Many Americans are thankful of bipartisan efforts to pass the economic stimulus package announced yesterday; however, in serving the needs of many Long Islanders the package is woefully shortsighted.

I am writing you because the era of one-size-fits-all government needs to end. As convenient as most members of Congress may find it to mindlessly vote the party line, the Rauch Foundation’s annual Long Island Index showed us this week that the Middle Class in major suburban areas like ours have vastly different needs than our fellow citizens populating the rest of the country. Simply put, it is abundantly clear that you must demonstrate independence here and better represent your constituency.

For individuals bringing home $75,000 and couples over $150,000 this bill may be setting an accurate cap for the Middle Class in other parts of America, but not on Long Island. Many of our schoolteachers, police officers and landscapers make more than $75,000. Where is their rebate, sir? These hardworking Middle Class Long Islanders get stiffed by this stimulus package and you remain silent. I firmly oppose shortchanging these individuals in order to give tax rebates to others who do not pay any income taxes.

As the recently released Rauch Foundation Long Island Index reports, just eight years ago 62 percent of Long Island homes were worth less than $250,000. By 2006 that figure dropped to 4 percent. Your tenure as an elected official coincides with a mass exodus of Long Islanders, where our Middle Class fled our communities at record rates because rising costs increasingly make living here no longer viable. Your complacency will only serve to continue this trend.

We need a plan that implements the specific needs of Long Island’s middle class and as we say in the military, we need this ASAP. After all, “stimulus” implies rapid response. As Peter Orszag, the Director of the Congressional Budget Office, told senators at a hearing Tuesday, “It is remarkable that the world’s leading economic power can’t get checks out the door faster than (May).” Patience is not a virtue this time. While your inaction fuels my campaign, this cannot wait until I take office. I am focused on bolstering the economy today.

Earlier this week, I issued a statement on Long Island’s prohibitive cost of living and a suggested some areas in need of immediate improvement. I invite you to view my expanded position on this area of major concern, available on my Web site at www.zeldin08.com. I have also enclosed a copy of my statement for your viewing.

Long Island’s Future Begins Now,

Concerned Long Islander

Paid for by Lee Zeldin for Congress