OFFICE OF THE MAYOR

________________________

Hon. Stephanie A. Miner, Mayor

April 28, 2017

Hon. John Katko

United States House of Representatives
440 South Warren Street, Ste. 711
Syracuse, New York 13202

Dear Rep. Katko:

I write to you today with serious concerns about the Presidents proposed tax reform plan. While it is a worthy
goal to improve our tax code, it must be done in a way that ensures the wealthiest pay their fair share and helps
our businesses become more competitive. Part of this reform must include preserving a deduction for state and
local taxes as well as maintaining the tax-exempt status of municipal bonds.

In Onondaga County, nearly 30% of all tax filers over 60,000 people claim deductions for their state and
local taxes. This deduction helps keep money in the pockets of our residents, which in turn supports our
growing local economy. This tax deduction is an additional incentive to those who make Upstate New York
home to continue living in, and investing in, our communities.

Another crucial element to the city of Syracuse is preserving the tax exemption for municipal bonds. This
exemption makes bonds an attractive asset for investors looking to diversify their portfolio. Removing this
exemption makes it far more difficult to incentivize individuals to invest in municipal bonds and, in turn, for
cities to finance our infrastructure. Congress must continue to protect the tax exemptions for municipal bonds.

I hope as Congress debates the merits of tax reform you add your voice on these important issues. Our
constituents deserve a leader who can deliver on the promise of tax reform while standing up for the issues they
face every day. Please do not hesitate to reach out should I be able to assist on this matter.

Sincerely,

Stephanie A. Miner
Mayor of Syracuse

203 CITY HALL SYRACUSE, N.Y. 13202-1473 (315) 448-8005 FAX: (315) 448-8067
WEB PAGE: www.syrgov.net