Today was one of my more depressing workdays. Both my union and our agency’s commissioner held meetings to discuss the implications of an increasingly likely state government shutdown. Much is still unknown regarding which state services, if any, will be deemed essential by a judge and continue to receive funding. I can survive for a time without a paycheck, but I’m beginning to wonder how my health and nursing care will be affected. The state is already sending notices to 600,000 recipients of public assistance that benefits may end on July 1st. During the 2005 shutdown, Medical Assistance benefits continued without interruption, but that shutdown was much smaller in scope.
My own circumstances are further complicated by the fact that I’m enrolled in a Medicaid buy-in program that allows for higher income and asset limits in exchange for paying a premium. If I get laid off, I can remain in the program for a few months before having to liquidate my retirement account and other assets. That should be enough time, but it’s a powerful reminder for me that long-term unemployment would probably force me onto Social Security again. I haven’t collected a Social Security check since 1999.
Of course, all this could be avoided if the Republican leadership in the Legislature would be willing to meet the Governor halfway on the issue of tax increases. Instead, they remain fixated on balancing the budget exclusively through a package of cuts that will disproportionately affect the poor and disenfranchised.
I came to Minnesota because it’s one of the few states in the nation that offered both the assistance and opportunities I needed to build a life of independence. The life I have simply wouldn’t be possible in most other places. But I’m beginning to fear that the Minnesota that welcomed me fifteen years ago is transforming into a meaner, harsher place where those of us who need assistance of one type or another are seen as burdens rather than neighbors. I hope I’m wrong, but I’m feeling pretty discouraged at the moment.
Mark,
Sorry to hear about your potential situation. The short-sighted approach that Minnesota is attempting to impliment, is not only ethically wrong but economically unsustainable. Taxes, on those who can afford it must be raised. If people who need some level of assistance do not receive it their situation will only get worse and more expensive in the long run. I’m in Wisconsin and expect things to only get worse here as well.