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Why does Pa. have a budget deadline?

Editorials

Pittsburgh Tribune-Review Here we are again. July. The annual observance is upon us. No. Not Independence Day. Less celebratory, possibly just as explosive. Pennsylvania once more has seen the yearly state budget deadline — and blown past it like a reckless driver. Did anyone expect anything else? Hoped, sure, but expected? Doubtful. This is the fifth consecutive budget to miss deadline and the 15th in the past 23 years. That means the state is consistently delinquent in its obligations: to its residents, to county and local governments and to its own agencies. In 2025, the ...

America alive and looking to the future

Editorials

July 4 community celebrations across America on this, the 250th anniversary of this great country’s founding, will try to project a nation unified, although in reality much skepticism about that supposed condition exists throughout the land. Still, consider this: Regardless of differing viewpoints — about politics, about businesses and industries, about schools and colleges, about the professions, and about almost anything else that’s a part of the national fabric — the one constant among them all is they’re all built upon a foundation seeking to make America as strong as ...

Praise, support for Operation Our Town

Letters to the Editor

This short letter will try to get residents to support Operation Our Town. This group has been instrumental in investigating, arresting and prosecuting individuals who sell poison here in Blair County. There are a few ways to help in this effort, including attending fundraisers and by direct donation. Explain to your children and grandchildren how Operation Our Town is there for them. I personally thank the board members and District Attorney Pete Weeks and Blair County judges and all area district justices for their attention in the prosecution process. David Servello Sr. Altoona

Women, girls deserves support

Letters to the Editor

Members of the Pennsylvania House Health Committee voted on June 15 along party lines to re-refer Senate Bill 9 (SB9) to the Judicial Committee for consideration. Sen. Judy Ward is the prime sponsor of SB9, also called the Save Women’s Sports Act. The Act prohibits transgender girls and women from participating in female athletics. SB9 passed the PA Senate over a year ago on a bipartisan basis and has not yet been brought up for a vote on the House floor. In fact, in the past year, SB9 has been re-referred to another committee for consideration five times. One might ask why ...

A call for red, white and blue

Letters to the Editor

I would love to see everyone who can fly an American flag in honor of our country’s 250th birthday. No political sign, not Republican or Democrat sign: just a symbol of our country and a sign of respect. Every business, every church and every home. Fly our flag. Let’s make it red, white and blue everywhere. Blessings to all. Marti Shiffler Altoona

Gun violence affects everyone

Letters to the Editor

June is both National Gun Violence Awareness and Gay Pride month. One way the two are connected is the amount of gun violence inflicted on the LGBQT community. On a per capita basis, LGBQT+ individuals are targeted for violent hate crimes at a higher rate than other minorities. Research indicates that LGBQT+ people are roughly nine times more likely to be victims of hate crimes than non-LGBQT+ individuals. According to the Trevor Project, 40% of LGBQT+ youth reported having a firearm in their home, and the odds of committing suicide were about 17% higher than those who did not have ...