To The Editor: 

I would like to express my sincere thanks to all the groups and individuals in our community working to fight poverty and support those in need–particularly, Croton Caring Committee, the Croton-Cortlandt Food Pantry and Holy Name’s God Squad, which recently held its annual sleepout against homelessness.

A report released last week by the United Way found that in our own Village, 18% of residents live in poverty, 11% lack health insurance and 32% of homeowners and 49% of renters are considered housing burdened (defined as spend more than 30% of their income on housing costs).

It is important that we support organizations helping those in need.  But we must also look at what government at all levels can do.

Locally, we should look at expanding rent stabilization and ensuring that no Village worker makes less than the NY minimum wage (governments are not required to do so).   In addition, our Village administration should ensure that residents are aware of all the resources that may be available.

These steps would have little if any impact on taxpayers and could provide real relief for those in need.

Sincerely,

Brian Pugh