Kiley distracts from cuts to key programs in BBB

Kevin Kiley emailed his CA 3 constituents on 7.28.25, boasting that he had voted to protect senior citizens with "the largest tax relief in our nation's history ... Seniors will benefit from a special $6,000 deduction, a higher standard deduction, and a SALT cap increase from $10,000 to $40,000." There are several problems with this claim. First, the largest tax relief in history just went to our nation's wealthiest citizens (millionaires and billionaires) in the form of egregious tax cuts. Second, Kiley wrote his announcement as if all seniors would get $6,000 ($12,000 per couple) knocked off their taxes. Estimates indicate that 88 percent of seniors will indeed receive some type of deduction, but not everyone will receive the full deduction. Our tax system is extremely complex. A "tax deduction" is an expense that can be subtracted from an individual's or business' gross income to arrive at their taxable income. If one does not have much taxable income, such as people who rely on Social Security for most or all of their income, the tax deduction is meaningless; they don't make enough money to be taxed on it. Simply stated, poor people and lower middle-income people will not have enough income to be able to use the tax deduction. Furthermore, the deduction is temporary because it expires in 2028. That date, by design, comes after the date of the next midterm elections. Many people will think the tax deduction continues indefinitely, and Kiley has not mentioned that it ends. Third, money for the tax cuts comes directly from funds taken away from other investments that significantly impact our standard of living, our healthcare and international relations. Funds already approved by Congress, such as for education, health and aid to starving people around the world, have been erased in order to pay for tax cuts for the wealthy and these Social Security tax deductions. Kiley's boasting about tax deductions for Social Security appears designed to distract seniors from noticing the effects of the rest of the "Big Beautiful Bill." Don't fall for it. Susan Roughgarden Auburn More concern over industrial park To the Editor: As a resident of Auburn, I'm writing to express my concern about the proposed Auburn Industrial Park project and to encourage others in our community to learn more and get involved. The project site is near the intersection of Blocker Dr. and Nevada St. Like many of my neighbors, I believe the project — as currently designed — raises significant questions that have not been adequately addressed in the environmental review. These include increased traffic congestion near key intersections and railroad crossings, the removal of historic oak trees and habitat, strain on local infrastructure and the overall compatibility with surrounding neighborhoods and natural resources. We're especially concerned about the potential long-term impacts on local wildlife and the perennial stream adjacent to the development, which feeds Auburn Ravine — an area of ecological importance. Our neighbors at Save Auburn Ravine Salmon and Steelhead (SARSAS) are among those formally challenging the adequacy of the environmental document, and several local advocacy groups have urged the public to take a close look at what's at stake. This isn't about opposing all development — it's about thoughtful, responsible planning. We respect the work being done by city staff and Planning Commissioners, but we feel more public engagement is needed before any final decisions are made. I encourage everyone who cares about the future of Auburn to make your voice heard — whether by speaking or simply showing up. Thank you. Terry Moran Auburn