Taxes Aren’t a Loan

I take exception to some readers who complain that of taxes collected from the states only a certain percentage finds its way back home (letters, Dec. 7). Taxes are not a loan to be paid back, but used to run the federal government, so it is ridiculous to expect all the money back.

But more to the point on your Dec. 5 article: Not only would the state tax deduction for those who itemize be eliminated but the standard deduction for those whose income is too low to itemize would be reduced. So expect a federal tax increase even though you are too poor to pay state taxes. May all you Republicans prosper.

Ronald E. Hohn

Los Angeles