Columbia, SC — As government employee, I sometimes have to do business at the State House. I also have a physical condition that often makes it very difficult for me to walk steps or an incline.

There are approximately five handicapped parking spaces on the Assembly Street side of the State House — conveniently located just under the steep steps leading to the grounds. A bad joke for people in wheelchairs or otherwise disabled? The easiest way for handicapped people to access the State House is from the Sumter Street side, but those parking spaces are reserved for members of the media.

There are parking spaces on Senate Street across from Sumter Street, but they last for only two hours. Whenever I have to go there, I feel like a second-class citizen. Is it too much to ask to make the seat of the government more accessible to handicapped people?

Hana Pokorna-Williamson

Hopkins