Editor:

It was nice to hear that Lehighton Fire Department was awarded $1.75 million dollars from the state of Pennsylvania. But what many do not know, this was funds taken from other programs. Although our taxes were not raised to compensate, other much needed programs were cut. One program, in particular; the HEMAP or PHFA, has not received any funds for the year 2012 by the Mr. Corbett.What this means is families that run into hardships and have problems raising funds to make their mortgage payments, will go homeless.Without these programs in place to save their homes and keep families together and safe in their homes, is GONE. Jobs are scarce and many are becoming unemployed. No job is a safe job in today's economy, not even government jobs. So where do we draw the line on unnecessary and necessary?Is it necessary that this 1.75 million dollars build a new fire station, when the current is serving the needs, or is it necessary to keep people in their homes?This is a question everyone should ask themselves.The state budget is fraught is waste, unnecessary and non essential fundings.I encourage every resident to pull up the budget and look at each line, all 618 lines of spending, and see where your money is going. It's not hard. Everyone who has a computer and email access, let your senators and representatives and the governor know what you think. If citizens don't voice their opinions, nothing will be done.At what price to do we have to pay to have resources wasted in these hard times?David Kasprzak,Summit Hill