Before we talk any further about bailouts for individual companies or srctors or industries we need to bailout the states. When states start cutting budgets the most vulnerable are the first to feel the pain.
From The Center on Budget and Policy Prioeities:
Examples of enacted cuts to state services include:
- Public health programs: At least 17 states have implemented cuts that will affect low-income children’s or families’ eligibility for health insurance or reduce their access to health care services
- Programs for the elderly and disabled: At least 15 states are cutting medical, rehabilitative, home care, or other services needed by low-income people who are elderly or have disabilities
- K-12 education: At least 16 states are cutting K-12 and early education
- Rhode Island has reduced the maximum income level at which parents can receive public health insurance
- Nevada’s governor has capped the state’s SCHIP program at its approximate current number of enrollees and increased the premiums that families must pay.
- Arizona is reducing its Medicaid rolls by increasing the frequency with which some adult recipients must reapply for benefits.
- In Tennessee, an estimated 30,000 to 40,000 seriously ill people are expected to lose hospitalization and other needed medical services
- In Massachusetts, the Governor has ordered spending cuts for programs for elders, including home care , geriatric mental health services, and prescription drug assistance.
- Arizona eliminated temporary health insurance for people with disabilities coping with serious medical problems.
And the list goes on and on and on...
