A model for renters tax credit
Keeping renters appraised of their rights is a good preventative measure. (see Unrepentant Tenant, “Resources for Boulder renters” Aug. 25) Equity in housing along with the lack of affordable units to rent are two of the biggest problems. One positive step toward equity was the expanded Child Tax Credit that helped families pay rent AND eat worked quickly make a difference. It is a great model for a renters’ tax credit that could help renters not pay 50% and more of their income for housing. In the upcoming elections, make sure your candidates support both of these tax credits that make a major difference for families across America.
Willie Dickerson/Snohomish, WA
Asking Perlmutter to support The ENACT Act
Alzheimer’s disease is impacting more Colorado families than ever before. However, it disproportionately affects older Black and Hispanic Americans versus older whites. Despite this, decades of Alzheimer’s research has not included sufficient numbers of Blacks or Hispanics to be representative of the U.S. population. This underrepresentation not only hinders research, but also restricts knowledge of how an approved therapy or diagnostic may affect the populations most likely to need it.
Fortunately, a solution to this problem is pending in Congress—the Equity in Neuroscience and Alzheimer’s Clinical Trials (ENACT) Act. This bipartisan legislation would increase the participation of underrepresented populations in Alzheimer’s and other dementia clinical trials by expanding education and outreach to these populations, encouraging the diversity of clinical trial staff, and reducing participation burden, among other initiatives. The ENACT Act would create a path to better Alzheimer’s care for all of us and address shortcomings in the way research and care is currently being delivered to underrepresented communities.
I join the Alzheimer’s Association in thanking U.S. Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper and Congressmen Joe Neguse and Jason Crow for cosponsoring this important legislation already. I hope that Congressman Perlmutter will join them soon.
If your family is struggling with a loved one living with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia, we can help! Contact our 24/7 Helpline at 800-272-3900.
Ralph Patrick/Boulder
Support funding for cultivated-meat research
Senators Michael Bennet and John Hickenlooper should support increased funding for cultivated-meat research in order to prevent the next pandemic. For those who aren’t familiar with the term, cultivated meat is grown from animal cells, without slaughter. Since cultivated meat doesn’t require livestock, the risk of zoonotic diseases making the jump to humans is eliminated.
Unfortunately, cultivated meat still faces a number of technical hurdles which prevents its successful commercialization. These can be resolved with increased public money for cellular-agriculture development. Legislators who care about public health and want to avoid repeating the devastation of the last couple of years should support this.
Jon Hochschartner/Granby,
Connecticut
Email: letters@boulderweekly.com
