Health care reform should be a concern for all

Dear Editor,

The health care issue is still up in the air. Our Senators are fighting for change, and our unions are rallying the same cry. So far, nothing has changed.

Wal-Mart still doesn’t provide employees with affordable adequate medical insurance. The grocery store chains (as well as other big employers) hire only part-time workers, workers who don’t always get enough hours to qualify for medical insurance. One chain even pays young employees not to apply for medical insurance.
I’m afraid for the next generation. It is not just a generation of parttime workers, but a generation where employers don’t provide quality, affordable health care. The situation is intolerable; we need strong language in the federal legislation to ensure employer responsibility.

Send a message to Senators Murray/Cantwell, tell them health care reform is important to you and your children and your grandchildren.

Elaine Jenkins
Everett

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Gregoire’s budget takes away health insurance for the needy

Dear Editor,

“They represent, I believe, the most responsible decisions we could make with the constraints we faced.”  These words were in the latest press release of Dec. 9, 2009 by Gov. Christine Gregoire regarding the $2.6 billion budget shortfall.

Basic Health Plan, Apple Health for Children and General Assistance Unemployable program affect over 100,000 people who are usually underemployed or unemployed and low-income. 

So, while the rest of the country has been awash in nothing but “health care reform” ostensibly to cover the “uninsured and low-income” among other things, our esteemed Governor can’t find anything else to cut except health insurance for the poorest among us, and she refers to those cuts as “responsible?”

Well, how “responsible” is it for Gregoire to jet to Copenhagen (a little out of Washington State jurisdiction if I remember my geography) first class, stay at the most lavish Copenhagen hotel and limo around town with the world’s elite on taxpayer funds?  And, she took two of her aids with her, again, at our expense. 

In reviewing just a few of her budget items, I’d think the $825 million spent by government to study its own efficiency, $7.5 million to promote food supply safety, $36 million for Puget Sound Action Agenda, $15 million for new WSU student tracking program or $6 million to build new Aviation H.S. and fund Museum of Flight Space Gallery (now that Boeing is leaving in bits and pieces) among many others might have been more “responsible” cuts by the Governor thus saving health care insurance for the low income and children.
So, what could possibly be her motive?  The new federal health care plan which she hopes passes and will immediately cover those she has cut. 

Last time I looked, nothing has been passed and considering that this is the federal government, nothing would happen very quickly either.

So, now these newly uninsured people will simply go through emergency rooms to get medical attention which will automatically drive up costs to the rest of us––the new “redistribution of wealth” program.
Thank you, Gov. Gregoire.

Catherine Paxton
Arlington, WA

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Red Cross thanks those who have helped others

Dear Editor:
 
‘Tis the season to be jolly…and the contributors to the Red Cross/PUD Project PRIDE energy assistance program have already brought glad tidings to many families this year.
Our very caring, generous, and warmhearted donors have helped more than 980 Snohomish County families to keep their homes warm and their lights on, relieving the anxiety many experience when there is not sufficient funds to meet their basic needs.

We are truly fortunate to live in a community where so many care about the well being of their neighbors, and about strangers who are caught in unfortunate circumstances––often beyond their control.
We sincerely thank each and every one who supports the Red Cross/PUD Project PRIDE for their kindness and generosity.
 
Clare W. Waite
Program Administrator
Red Cross Project PRIDE