Altoona is facing the loss of a valued government service with the closure of the IRS office downtown. This office serves thousands of taxpayers annually, mainly small business owners, the elderly and low-income families.

The IRS plans to close the office in November with no rationale.

Closing this office is a disservice to taxpayers, a loss to our economy and a disruption to the public servants who work there.

For years, the Altoona Taxpayer Assistance Center has helped our neighbors solve complex tax issues. Here, you can meet in person to get your problem solved.

Now, the IRS proposes you travel 40 miles to Johnstown or 130 miles to Harrisburg. We residents of Pennsylvania’s mountains know that won’t work, especially in winter.

The result will not be relocated service. It will be no in-person service for this community.

For the ten IRS employees in Altoona, their first concern is the people they serve.

As president of National Treasury Employees Union Chapter 34, we represent these dedicated public servants. We urge the IRS to keep the Altoona office open. Keep in-person help and these jobs here.

I recently spoke to the office of U.S. Rep. John Joyce. I urged his office to entreat the IRS to reverse course. I encourage you to do the same. Contact your lawmakers and the IRS to keep this office open.

The Altoona IRS office provides a vital service. The people of this community deserve to keep it.

Charleen Stephansky

NTEU Chapter 34 President, Fair Oaks, PA