This response relates to your recent article "Seniors who consume more should pay more." While not necessarily the opinion of the Times News, the article indicates how the growing percentage of senior citizen population is responsible for rendering the Pennsylvania lottery fund short $70 million for fiscal year starting July 1. Unfortunately, the article suggests an unpopular idea for the state's tax exemption on retirement income to be discontinued. The article omits important information.

One important omission relates to the taxation of retirement income. While Pennsylvania is one of only two states which exempt tax on retirement income, the article fails to mention how other states provide financial assistance in alternative ways. For example, New Jersey provides a property tax freeze once seniors reach age 65. While Pennsylvania provides minimal property tax and rent rebates in addition to the tax exemption on retirement income, a property tax freeze may be of greater financial assistance over total retirement years.A second omission relates to senior citizen financial status. Seniors fortunate to live up to the age of 85 and beyond have most probably had fixed incomes with little to no increases for 20 or more years. With this fixed income, they already carry the burden of rising costs for health care, medications and overall inflation for consumed goods.Even worse, many eventually become widows and widowers, at which time their unwavering fixed income is often cut in half. The writer's notion to provide such a new tax is more than unpopular. It is devastating to seniors!Finally, it omits the idea that certain costs are required in a humane society where our most elderly need to be provided with consideration and gratitude. Such consideration may be in the form of financial assistance, such as tax exemption on retirement income.Perhaps as the article suggests, it might be best to provide senior relief in the state's general fund budget, and not rely so heavily on the "whims of gamblers."After considering all of the facts, let us not be so quick to use terms like "devour" when speaking about our senior use of public services. Let us rethink how fair it is for seniors to "kick in more than a dollar." Where is the writer's respect and empathy for our seniors?Perhaps this writer needs a reminder. He or she will become such a senior in due time.Keith AnthonyPalmerton