Texas routinely leads the nation in its record of draconian policy measures and miserly funding for health and human services. One of the reasons Texas enjoys such a surplus of funding these days is because we spend so little on our people, especially those who are very poor.
You know, things like most uninsured children, terrible enrollment rates for Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), food stamps. . .the list goes on and on.
I've always thought that our problem resided in the state's current elected majority opinion when it came to public benefits. You know, like Governor Rick Perry's latest decision to turn down $555 million of federal funding that would benefit the unemployed in our state!
But, now I have reason to believe that I was wrong!
Our problem is much more basic than differences in philosophy.
The whole problem is grounded in simple ignorance!
Just go here to see what I mean!
You can't make this stuff up!
Unbelievable!
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9 comments:
Wow. I have no words.
14 years in the legislature, and he's just now asking this question?! Staggering. Makes you wonder how many other legislators have no idea what they're talking about at any given time.
Seriously? "What's Medicaid?" Oh. My. Gawd. If that's not the stupidest question a person in position can ask in public, I don't know what is. Even a kid from downtown New York can answer that!
Larry,
As one of CDM Americops' members I want to help work to override Gov. Perry's actions on Unemployment Insurance. We see countless neighbors whose benefits are denied because of the varius exclusion for awarding benefits. The recovery/stimulas would correct this condition. Who do we call?
Justice calls. Can you hear her.
A quarter of the state budget is medicaid??? Do some people want it to be higher??
c hand, good to hear from you. That % says more about the Texas budget overall than about our commitment to health care for poor children and their mothers. But, of course, that wasn't the point of my post, was it?
AmeriCorps member, check with Keven. I'm not sure you can lobby as a member. Those who can and do want to lobby should call the Governor's Office to register their opinion and call their state representatives and their senator. Or, email.
http://texasvox.org/2009/03/09/texas-house-green-jobs-bill-hearing/
Do you know if CDM will be eligible for the funding of more Green jobs training, as specified in this article?
Is our Green Jobs training program changing in scope and keeping up with the current trends.
Anon 5:34, we are pursuing these opportunities to the full extent of our capacity. Thanks for the reminder and the link!
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