Why is my federal deduction 1/2 of what it was last year with almost identical numbers?? Program appears to want me to use the standard deduction.

[Zbucklyo]

The federal tax laws were radically overhauled for tax year 2018.  Biggest changes for your situation are an increase in the standard deduction ($12,000 for single, $24,000 for married filing jointly if under 65), and a change in the deduction for state and local taxes (generally state income tax and property tax), which are now limited to $10,000.  Many people who used to itemize are now better off taking the standard deduction.