Medicaid Cuts

September 7, 2005

I am writing to you today to ask that you fight to not cut $10 billion from Medicaid in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. Most of the evacuees from the ravaged areas are poor and now have lost everything. Medicaid will allow them to get basic care. The cuts at this time would cause greater disaster because sick people would not get medical care.

I understand that we have other budgetary pressures like Iraq. I also understand the importance of tax cuts. However, in this time of national security and home security concerns I think we need to rearrange our priorities. We cannot fight wars overseas, have a secure homeland, and adequately fund disaster relief while we continue to cut taxes. These programs are expensive. I understand, having learned in my capacity as an intern for the Cook County Republican Party how important money is, that support for a tax increase or non-support of a tax cut will cost you the support of groups like the Club for Growth. However, I think it is time we think about caring for those who are least among us as being a Christian demands. I know you do your very best, but we can do better.

Faith-based and community organizations are giving their all. My Church is taking up collections the next two weeks for Katrina relief; however the government needs to do more. The primary role of government is the safety and security of the people it serves. There is no larger part of security than ones health because if you do not have your health nothing else matters. It is completely unacceptable to cut the $10 billion from Medicaid because it will tax the budgets of Mississippi, Alabama, Louisiana, and other states that already have budget crises and not allow then to care for their people.

For example, in my home state of IL the Governor, whom we hope to put out of work next November, took from the State Employee Pensions fund to give to the schools and CTA (local transportation in Chicago). This is ludicrous. These cuts will create more illegality at the hands of the governor. Don't do it. They will also create greater burdens on public hospitals, which are required to care for all that walk through the door.

Please be as said to the Iowa GOP lasy year, a Conservative with a conscience.This is an issue of states and people that requires a solution of conscience.

Thank you.