Letters to the editor
Wealth inequality
Wealth inequality in the United States has reached levels that should concern every American. While millions of working families struggle to afford housing, health care, child care, and higher education, a small percentage of the population continues to accumulate enormous wealth at a historic pace.
Hard work should provide stability and opportunity, yet many full-time workers live paycheck to paycheck. At the same time, large corporations and the wealthiest Americans often benefit from tax loopholes and economic policies that widen the gap between rich and poor.
Historically, federal income tax rates for the top earners in 1965 were 70%. Today the top federal rate is 37%, and the top corporate rate is 21%, a decrease from over 52% in the 1960s. These massive decreases in tax rates on the rich and corporations occurred under the Reagan, Bush and Trump administrations.
Extreme inequality weakens our democracy and undermines social trust. A healthy economy depends on a strong middle class, fair wages, affordable education, and equal opportunity.
We should support policies that empower workers, ensure fair taxation, expand access to health care and education, and create economic opportunity for everyone, not just those at the top.
America succeeds when prosperity is shared more broadly. It is time to address wealth inequality before the divide grows even larger. Please reach out to your elected officials and demand that they increase taxation of the rich and corporations to make it more equitable for all Americans, and pay down our massive federal debt.
Jon Miller
Washington
Support starts at home
More than 22,000 people in Washington County face food insecurity. That means roughly 1 in 8 residents, including 1 in 6 children, do not always know where their next meal is coming from. These are not political talking points. They are our neighbors, seniors, veterans, and families throughout our communities.
Over the last decade, Washington County shifted to working with the Greater Pittsburgh Food Bank. But as needs continue to grow, it is important that we keep donations and resources local whenever possible. The Greater Pittsburgh Food Bank currently serves 1,000 communities across 11 counties, which means food donated here in Washington County is not guaranteed to stay here.
I believe Washington County should continue strengthening local efforts that directly serve our residents every day. Food Helpers and the Greater Washington County Food Bank currently partner with 25 distribution sites throughout the county and operate five delivery vehicles, including three refrigerated trucks that meet USDA and Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture standards. Their operation is supported by seven staff members, five full-time and two part-time employees, along with volunteers and local donors committed to helping families in need.
This conversation should not become about attacking one organization versus another. Every group working to fight hunger deserves respect. However, local partnerships matter. Local organizations understand the specific needs of Washington County communities, senior programs, schools, and food pantries because they are here every day doing the work firsthand.
The demand for food assistance continues to rise while many programs face funding pressures and growing waitlists. Even Pennsylvania’s Senior Food Box Program has seen reductions in available allocations despite increasing need among older adults across the Commonwealth.
At the end of the day, this issue is about people. It is about making sure children have food on the table, seniors are cared for, and struggling families know they have support close to home. Washington County is strongest when local communities, nonprofits, businesses, and residents work together to support one another.
Electra Janis
Washington County commissioner