Wilson Tax Cut

Re “$9-Billion Income Tax Cut Urged by Wilson Task Force,” Dec. 22: Before Gov. Pete Wilson makes a tax cut of $9 billion, I suggest that he consider an alternative.

He proposes to cut the taxes of the wealthiest Californians by as much as $30,000. Middle-income people would receive a cut of about $300. Such a cut would have no substantive impact on the lifestyle of either the wealthiest or the middle income people.

What would happen if Wilson leaves the $9 billion in place for the common good of the neediest people in California? Consider the data from Shelter Partnership Inc. Annually there are 120,000 to 223,000 people homeless in Los Angeles. Among these are 59,000 families including 42,000 children. The homeless population increases by about 13% each year.

On any one night there are from 43,000 to 77,000 homeless in Los Angeles. Twenty-five percent to 50% of the homeless population have severe mental disorders like schizophrenia and major depression. Some 40% of the homeless population have alcohol and/or drug addictions. Twelve percent of the homeless population are dual diagnosed with mental problems and addictions. One-third of the adult homeless are veterans of the armed services. In the course of a year there are some 12,000 homeless youth. Ten percent to 15% of the homeless are HIV infected.

For God’s sake, Governor, don’t give $9 billion to those of us who have a roof over our heads. We don’t need it. Let’s use our hard-earned tax money to end the completely curable cancer of homelessness.

BLASE BONPANE, Director

Office of the Americas

Los Angeles