Letters to Tipton? Here is mine: Many of us who dislike Obamacare are not opposed to the program because of government involvement in health care, but because we are opposed to yet another government subsidy to big business (insurance industry). Given the unlikelihood that Americans will benefit from Universal Healthcare in the near future, Obamacare is the best option we have at present. I may be making an assumption as to how you will vote tomorrow when I say that holding those who do not have health insurance because they work for someone who does not provide benefits and/or cannot afford coverage on their own hostage to the extension of the debt ceiling is wrong. Not just wrong, immoral. For the last 20 years, I have not had the luxury of working for an employer who provides insurance. Health care is not a luxury that I have been able to afford; fortunately, I have been healthy. When I did have insurance, getting payment was always a fight. I now have a job that provides health insurance, but the wages are so low (more about that and your stance on minimum wage and food stamps shortly) that even the miniscule employee contribution toward health insurance is such a burden that it is tempting to forego insurance (and pray I have no health issues) and pay the fine mandated by Obamacare. Hence the need for Universal Healthcare. I find your stand on the minimum wage and food stamps (as iterated at the Durango town hall meeting) to be reprehensible. I am paid $12/hour – the amount considered to be a living wage in Durango. That amounts to a take home pay of approximately $1580/mo. Out of that I pay $80 for phone, $350 for a car payment, $95 for car insurance, and $800 for my mortgage. None of these expenses are outside of the norm. That leaves $255 for every other expense I may have; when I purchase health insurance – no tax credits or subsidies because it’s employer provided, only $165 remains. That’s gasoline, food and any other incidental expenses (like propane) and only because I live off grid – no electric bill, no water bill. Is $12 a livable wage? Hardly! And yet you would resist raising the minimum wage! And, another assumption, you will vote to cut food stamps! It is time for you to represent your constituents rather than continue to follow lockstep with the Republican mission to thwart Obama at every turn. Until the welfare of the people becomes your priority, it’s your wages and your health that should be held hostage.
Posted on: Thu, 19 Sep 2013 17:08:03 +0000
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