Letters: Problem, solution reported on same day

I agree with the Fencepost letter from Christopher Melby of Arlington Heights in the Saturday March 25 Daily Herald regarding the Medicaid monthly personal allowance for Illinois nursing home residents on Medicaid. Our state is in the sewer with a handful of states paying the minimum required $30. Many of us spend that much on Starbucks treats every week.

The article about the Medicaid personal needs allowance was on Page 1 of the March 16 issue, jumping to Page 7. On Page 5, I spotted the article, "Pritzker: Tax cuts on the table if revenues keep up."

Rarely do I find a major problem and its solution just a few pages apart in my Daily Herald. Tax cuts are enormously popular with senior citizens. Politicians pander to this group because WE VOTE. I am tired of hearing we need to lower taxes for our poor senior citizens, who are on a fixed income and need "relief." Look at the picture on page seven of the 3/16 edition. That nursing home resident on Medicaid really is a "poor senior citizen." These fellow Illinoisans paid their fair share of taxes during their working years. Accidents, misfortune, age, and no family support put them in these circumstances. Many of us TABs (temporarily able-bodied) are just a few steps from being in the room next door.

I agree with Mr. Melby. As a matter of civic pride, we should be at the maximum rate of $200 monthly allowance for these patients. According to our governor, we can afford it. I for one am happy to ignore the hint of a tax cut he dangles in front of us. Let us take care of each other.

Russell Scott Manthy

Naperville