Government must show us the money

This is in response to Lori Reiss's contribution titled "Disagreement on health care" (Fence Post, Jan. 24).

The State Children's Health Insurance program may be in jeopardy. This is unfortunate; however, it is not the fault of U.S Reps Peter Roskam or Judy Biggert, who oppose reauthorization of SCHIP as it was proposed.

There is one critical question that must be answered: How does the state of Illinois pay for the $4 billion plus in unpaid bills that it faces right now?

In case you were wondering, a big chunk of that debt is owed to medical providers performing SCHIP-sponsored health care. If I were in Mr. Roskam's or Mrs. Biggert's position, I would certainly take their stance and not blindly authorize more cash for a program that is not squaring up with doctors providing the services SCHIP guarantees.

Times are tough and families are struggling. You and I see it all around us, and it is discouraging. But for the love of what is logical, we cannot and should not encourage our legislators to continue to bankrupt us.

Is it not evident with the state of our economy? You can't keep spending what you don't have.

This leads me to the daunting task of providing nationalized health care. Ms. Reiss, if a statewide program for just a segment of Illinois residents cannot be adequately funded, what makes you think that President Obama can pull of health care for all nationwide? We've seen all kinds of proposals that make us feel warm and cozy and optimistic. I am one who doesn't feel that way.

I simply implore our government to show me the money.

Dan Milinko

West Chicago