The budget cuts caused by the $500 million shortfall in the state budget hurt many beneficial programs, including 19 health care clinics around the state that lost about 75 percent of their funding - a sacrifice that should not have been made.
These clinics, which include 14 on school grounds, supply health care to already underserved areas.
A 200-person rally outside the state Capitol on Wednesday had parents, students and legislators demanding Gov. John Engler reconsider the cuts. While members of the House Appropriations Committee announced a partial appropriation restoration during the rally, officials say Engler rescinding his executive order is unlikely.
It’s a shame the governor will not take another look at the issue when legislators, spokespeople for the citizens of this state, bring the issue up as something their constituents truly want and need.
As health care costs and insurance premiums skyrocket, fewer people are able to afford the basic level of benefit and protection. More people with health risks and problems are exposed to more costs and there is no relief in sight.
Many analysts predict insurance premiums could increase by 20 to 50 percent nationwide in 2002.
While some companies plan to increase their employees’ allotments for health insurance, accessibility to care for most people will likely drop in the face of a declining economy. And because many of those people are middle-class workers, they won’t be able to qualify for government health programs.
This is why these state-funded clinics are so important.
They provide a valuable service enabling those who cannot afford insurance premiums to get a basic level of health care, including immunizations, screenings, health promotion and referral services.
Without these clinics, many communities will surely find themselves with serious illness problems and family care issues.
Engler should reconsider his decision and work with the Legislature to find more in the budget for these clinics. But if there is no chance for the state to restore funding for the clinics this year, we hope the 2003 budget will be more responsible and keep residents’ health at a higher priority.
Good health care is a basic need that every citizen deserves.
