No time to quit on kids health program
This is a response to Dan Milinko's letter (Fence Post, Jan. 30) concerning the State Children's Health Insurance Program and his disagreements with Lori Reiss's letter of Jan. 24. While Mr. Milinko raises a very important concern, that of funding for adequate health care, he fails to appreciate the differences between federal resources and state-controlled funds, as well as the responsibilities that our elected officials have for insuring access to affordable and quality health care.
The cost of SCHIP, on a federal scale, is covered by a 61-cent cigarette tax. This revenue would offset the costs we are currently paying to fund health care for all children. Illinois has gone above the norm by covering all children for adequate health care, so the passage of the SCHIP legislation would replenish funds that the Illinois budget, and so its taxpayers, already shoulder.
As Mr. Milinko says, these are tough times. But it is not the time for us to quit. These are the times when we should hold our elected officials accountable to provide real leadership and challenge them to think differently and independently - that their job is make things like SCHIP happen. Judy Biggert's recent voting record shows that she has forgotten that her job is for all the people of Illinois.
It is my hope that my government will continue to see beyond this moment and strive for what is right; no matter how warm, cozy and optimistic it might be - then to create new and innovative ways to make them a reality.
Rev. Dr. Thom Parrott-Sheffer
Minister for Mission and Outreach
Union Church of Hinsdale