Control overspending in Harrisburg

On Jan. 1, the Post-Gazette Editorial Board called federal overspending “political gluttony,” and they were right (“Spending Spree”). I hope the board would be willing to make the same call regarding Harrisburg’s overspending.

Our state government has tripled spending in the last 50 years when adjusted for inflation, leading to one of the heaviest tax burdens in the nation. As a result, the latest Census data shows that we’ve joined New York, New Jersey and Illinois as states where far more people are leaving than moving in. In fact, we’ve lost more than 250,000 citizens to other states since 2010. They’re choosing states like Florida and Texas with lower taxes and more job opportunities.

We need to make Pennsylvania more competitive. Thankfully, there’s a bill on the table that can do something about it.

The Taxpayer Protection Act would limit state spending increases to a level that matches inflation and population growth. Tax hikes and risky borrowing could be a thing of the past. It’s just the prescription needed to end the lesserknown gluttony in our state government.

Pennsylvanians whose neighbors, kids and friends are considering moving should be encouraged that Pennsylvania Speaker of the House Mike Turzai, R-Marshall, and past representatives like Hal English and Eli Evankovich supported the Taxpayer Protection Act. I hope that our new representatives will all join in supporting it as well. JEREMY SHAFFER Commissioner

Ross him when a boy as civilized society to remain ever under the regimen of their barbarous ancestors.”

If we are to grow as a nation, perhaps we should allow technology to grow with us on all aspects of technological advances that affect our society.

DAVE KALLA

Squirrel Hill

A large impact

If the Social Security Disability Act is changed, those who benefit from its services will be cut off. Applying for Social Security Disability Insurance and/or Supplemental Security Income is a process that can take years to complete. The constant threat of disability review increases the challenges of the application process. This makes the process more frustrating, demanding and nervewracking for individuals who are unable to work to earn an income.

Occupational therapists treat clients with cognitive, physical, mental, environmental and social disabilities/limitations. To respond to new changes, OTs would have to be flexible when and where they are treating their patients; providing services when they have income and halting care if the checks stopped coming and doing in-home/community sessions.

If health care providers are not flexible, these individuals will only be able to seek medical assistance if they can pay high fees out of pocket. Occupational therapists are experts in helping patients learn to manage their situation, therefore decreasing their reliance on costly and prolonged services.

It was not until I became an occupational therapy doctorate student that I realized how much influence legislation and policy makers have on the way that individuals receive care.

It is unacceptable that someone who does not live a life like an individual with a disability is allowed to have such an impact on their life. I believe only those who have walked a mile in their shoes should be able to make such decisions that influence their access to care. KATIE MALONEY

South Fayette