"Stimulus" and slashes to health care

By Evan Rohar

The Seattle Times is reporting that the Governor is now preparing her budget for a nearly $6 billion deficit:

"In Washington state, Gregoire said, 'We're looking at $5.8 billion in cuts' over the next 2 ½ years, unless economic conditions change."

She also outlined what kind of aid she would like to see from the federal government:

"Asked how much money she would like to see the state receive as part of the proposed federal stimulus package, Gregoire said she hopes for 'something short of $1 billion' for infrastructure projects, Medicaid reimbursement and other assistance. ("Gregoire says state needs $600 million economic stimulus," 12/2/08)

"She hopes for 'something short of $1 billion.'" We need $5.8 billion to continue vital services in this state. Why is she only hoping for "something short of a billion?" Why in this economically troubled period are our "leaders" hoping for a pittance when they could fight for so much more? Assuming Gregoire gets the minimum of what she is asking for, $600 million, that would still leave $5.2 billion is cuts to be made to education and social services. Even the Seattle Times acknowledges, "The recession and the accompanying increase in joblessness have translated into higher health-care costs for the poor, greater use of food stamps and added strain on welfare programs." It seems that the governor is out of touch with the situation for students and workers in this economy. She still has mentioned nothing about any kind of federal aid to education in this State.

Health care is already being slashed. Washington's Basic Health Plan, in which people "pay a fee based on how much they earn" is set to decrease its enrollment by 7700 by July. "The director, Steve Hill, told The Olympian it will limit enrollments. For every two people who drop off the plan, the state will add only one." (Seattle Times, "Budget ax falling on Washington Basic Health Plan," 12/3/08). This is no time to be cutting services to those who need it most. We need a real solution to this budget crisis that does not hurt working people and students.