Unofficial blog by a supporter and a former loyal constituent

In the previous articles we discussed budget and education issues. We will continue this topic and concentrate on other problems. We will also discuss a couple of ways out.

And this paragraph will be about health care. Margaret believes that we must ensure Medicaid is available for the elderly, the disabled, the working poor and children. There were efforts during previous session to cut off Medicaid coverage for working poor parents- those making less than $12,000 a year- and many children. In addition, a major revision to the law was proposed which would have made it harder for the elderly and disabled to receive services such as in-home care, which allows them to remain independent. We successfully stopped those efforts last year, but we must make sure that health care is available to those who need it.

Funding for public health lab services are at dangerous levels. These services are essential for the protection of public health in the event of outbreaks and the threat of disease. In our public health clinics, basic health care services such as mammograms, pap smears and family planning have been eliminated for 30,000 women. Money must be found to bring these services back to an acceptable level. What is more, among other solutions are the new prescription drug program through Medicare has gaps in coverage for middle-income adults. She is certain about the fact that we need to improve our state prescription drug program in order to fill in those gaps.

Another important issue - seniors. In 2002 government passed major nursing home reform that protects our vulnerable seniors from abuse and neglect. Today people in charge must make certain that the law is vigorously enforced, because seniors who live in nursing homes deserve to be treated with dignity. We did pass property tax relief for older adults this year. Local taxes which are lost will be reimbursed to the local governments and school districts with state tax money.

In our next article we will talk about economy, families and weapons. You will understand why I support this woman and why I have decided to write about her.