Letters are posted as we receive them during the week, and before they are printed in the paper, so check back frequently to see new letters. If you'd like to send a letter to the editor, use this postmarks submission form, or email your letter directly to [email protected]. Thanks for your patience.

Dear Editor,
    The June 5 issue of the Chronicle carried yet another superb story about the attempt to close the Austin State Supported Living Center [“Austin State Supported Living Center to Stay Open,” News].
    Background information was detailed and included the most significant events since the Sunset Advisory Commission's questionable recommendation. Statements of guardians of Center residents were especially helpful to understanding the importance of the Center. Those guardians, who are also family members of residents, are personally acquainted with the care their loved ones receive there. Their tireless work galvanized an army of others determined to help provide the best possible quality of life for the severely to profoundly mentally disabled. The reporter's investigation and coverage of these citizens' brave stance against powerful legislators illustrates the immense value of good journalism to the community.

Dear Editor,
    [Regarding "Austin State Supported Living Center to Stay Open," News, June 5]: I am the adoptive parent of a 32-year-old intellectually disabled male. James has lived with us since he was 10 months old. I am 73 and my wife is 65. Because of the lack of funds, James cannot move to a group home nearby to us while we are still able to help him make the transition.
    I am empathic with families that have relatives in state run schools, change is always difficult. However, there can be little doubt that the community model is far superior in terms of dollars spent to care for a client and overall quality of life for the individuals.
    Since we either can't or won't provide funds to care for all of this portion of our people, we have to face this problem now. The waiting list is growing. The time for hard decisions is at hand. You do the math; the data is available. Your newspaper's empathy for those that are faced with change if their school is closed is admirable, but life is filled with difficult choices. Sometimes we are faced with choosing the lesser of two unattractive options. I ask you to take a hard look at this issue and consider those of us “waiting” on the waiting list.

Dear Editor,
    We greatly appreciate the continued coverage of Travis County’s proposed changes to the Mass Gathering Permit (MGP) [“Fests Vs. Farms,” News, June 5].
    We want your readers to know that there’s an opportunity to comment before this returns to the Commissioners Court agenda July 7, 2015. Details about the proposed changes to the MGP and instructions on submitting comments may be found here: www.traviscountytx.gov/fire-marshal/mass-gathering-permit.