Letters to the Editor: Messages of help and hope during COVID-19 shutdowns

Share the check

Many of us may be getting $1,200 each from the federal government. And many of us will not really need that money; it will simply be a windfall. If I get such a payment I intend to give it to someone who does need it, or to a charity that will direct it to those who are really struggling. Those of us who are well off might consider doing the same. I believe the happiness derived from this generosity will outweigh the unexpected pleasure that banking an extra $1,200 would bring.

Michael Kennedy, Lexington

Aid charities, nonprofits

As Congress evaluates a COVID-19 emergency aid package, I urge it to support charities and nonprofit organizations serving vulnerable people and communities at this time of need. Charities and nonprofits need the following policies to maintain operations, expand scope to address increasing demand, and stabilize losses from closures:

1. Expressly include charitable nonprofits in the $200 billion loan fund for businesses, including airlines. The charitable sector needs an immediate infusion of $60 billion and the loan program is a fast way to get cash in the hands of organizations serving immediate needs in communities.

2. Improve the above-the-line charitable deduction by raising the cap to $2,000 and allowing taxpayers to immediately claim the deduction on their 2019 taxes (due on July 15), and afterwards through 2021.

3. Clarify that charitable nonprofits of all sizes are able to participate in the emergency Small Business Loan Program by using the tax-law definition of charitable organizations (Sec. 501(c)(3) public charities) and removing the language excluding nonprofits that receive Medicaid reimbursements.

Father Dan Noll, Lexington

Help the helpers

We are not going to the barbershop or the beauty salon, hiring the house cleaners, or attending church.

In order to have these wonderful services when this crisis is over we should continue paying people just as before.

Beyond that “it’s the right thing to do”.

John Ragland, Lexington

Y steps up

During YMCA of Central Kentucky board meetings we frequently hear testimonials from people who benefit from the Y’s policy of never turning anyone away because they can’t pay. It is a constant reminder that the YMCA is way more than just a “swim and gym.”

From the single mother of an autistic son whose fears of him drowning were allayed because of the swim instruction he received at the Y; from the recovering heroin addict working on her master’s degree for whom exercise is critical to her recovery; to the grandmother receiving treatment for breast cancer and her shared experience through the Y’s Livestrong program; these community members benefited from the Y’s services.

As our community and world face this health crisis, your Y stepped up. Four of the Y’s central Kentucky locations are providing school-age childcare for the children of medical staff at the University of Kentucky Healthcare, St. Joseph’s, and Baptist Health.

How can you help? If you are a member of the Y, please keep your membership active. Our facilities may be closed but our exercise leaders are providing virtual classes. Additionally, the YMCA Annual Giving Campaign provides over $1 million of financial assistance per year to people who need our help. If you are a regular giver, please continue your valuable support.

Steve Byars, on behalf of the YMCA of Central Kentucky Board of Directors

Bill only helps banks

I am writing regarding the recent article in the Herald-Leader, “Is coronavirus hurting your Kentucky small business?” Offering loans to small businesses during this pandemic is disingenuous. I wonder why the Herald-Leader does not have more articles on the monstrous, bureaucratic Senate bill put forth by Kentucky’s representative, Sen. Mitch McConnell. He has shown his true colors: He blatantly, unashamedly has no interest in helping Kentuckians but only in once again helping the banks (and his own bottom line). Small businesses do not need more loans and more debt. The banks only need to defer loan repayments. The only thing that accrues is interest while the business is shut down. The banks only need enough liquidity so that everyone can cover necessities. I hope Kentuckians wake up and clear this dead weight McConnell out of our government. For shame! We are in a public health emergency. The banks can wait.

Nancy Kiang, La Crescenta, California