People are hurting

To the Editor:

This is the first time that I have ever heard of a governor crashing a DHHS hearing. That makes no sense to me. Who told him what was going on and that there was a DHHS meeting?

Then Medicare says it violates federal laws on what the governor wants to do to get rid of Medicaid and other issues. He’s going to Washington D.C.

We saw on TV the woman he wants to see did not tell the governor what he got from her was wrong. She never told him what he said she did. Everyone who has a TV must have seen the same as I did. Or we’re wrong and they’re right that no means no.

How does it feel to some of you who have more money than a lot of us? You can eat a good meal three times a day. You can go get your pills at a pharmacy and pay for your pills, etc. You can drive yourself to doctor’s appointments. Does that make you feel good?

Well, think of the people who need Medicaid, food stamps, rides to doctor’s and we need our prescriptions. But no, take things away from the elderly, children, etc. It is not our fault that DHHS got in debt. Put the blame where it should be.

I do believe that people who have a lot of money should pay more to Augusta. What about fathers or mothers that we have to pay DHHS money for their children. Those who have money can’t take it with you. You heard on January 24, U.S. Rep. Chellie Pingree, Maine Democrat, say her piece.

Then U.S. Senator Susan Collins, Maine Republican, in a written statement recently stopped short of endorsing the MOE waiver, saying that it was imperative for the Federal Department of Health and Human Services to work closely with the state to maintain the safety net that protects our most vulnerable citizens.

So what these ladies tell you, you get all shook up. We need help. Well, if the Medicaid issue was brought to lawmakers last year in the biennial budget, why did you do it then?

A lot of us live on small checks. We pay our bills. We cannot afford private insurances and we get screwed. Is that what you want? You get to Washington, D.C. to see Sebelius. I really understand that people don’t want to talk to you. You’re not supposed to tell lawmakers to get this done. It’s like you do as I say or else. Would you call that a threat?

Now the Brennan in Portland is saying that DHHS find something else to do.

U.S. Senator Susan Collins says that it is imperative for the Federal Department of Health and Human Services to work closely with the state to maintain the safety net to protect our most vulnerable citizens. If you have a voice, use it. Tell how you feel about this for many people are going to be hurting.

E. Davis

South Paris