Women Just Can't Win

Politics can go too far. The fight for the right to choose to abort or not to abort is not a new fight. With the talk of the government being too big and interfering in personal freedoms, it is astounding that a program designed to help those with the most needs is first in line for demolition.  However, efforts have sunk to a new low to push personal agendas concerning abortion over the health and welfare of thousands of women.

 The government is scheduled to shutdown the Texas Women’s Health Program. Though the Obama Administration is pulling the plug on the funding, initially it was the Texas Legislature that included restrictions in the Medicaid Funding Bill. This bill was passed in 2011 but included a mandate that no funding could be used for facilities that provided abortion services. Even if the abortions at these facilities were not directly paid for with state funds, this mandate applies. 

Texas is the first state to have its Medicaid Family Planning Demonstration Program canceled by the federal government. Though Governor Perry is accusing President Obama of putting the needs of abortion providers over the well being of 100,000 women, it was the Texas Legislature that included the restriction in the bill in the first place. The Obama Administration is forced to withdraw funding.   

Governor Perry now plans to play the hero stating he will fund the women’s services even without aid of federal funding.  Texas is not a fan of federal government monies because the federal stimulus was turned down. Governor Perry wanted to play by his own rules.  Although  the Obama Administration can be applauded for standing its grounds, it is appalling that women will be left to fend for themselves in the already high cost health care arena. The state set the standard for the refusal of funding for clinics that provide abortions. Government Perry will do well to continue to fund the programs that he allowed to be cut.

No Bigger Fish to Fry

I am not sure if there is any problem bigger than the education of our children. Children truly are the future of this nation. Young people grow up to become adults who run the country.  Academic programs are cut across the nation. Teachers have lost their jobs across the nation. Most school districts have had to become creative with the strain on their educational budgets. It is not a matter of whether the parents can afford it; it is whether or not they are willing to make the sacrifice. Though parents traditionally make huge sacrifices to put their children through college, sacrifices may need to be made much earlier to secure a decent education for their children. I cannot speak to the NPR article reference because there is not enough information about where the $800 is coming from. 

Regarding why we are not using some of the $5 billion dollar rainy day fund took a bit of research. According to the Statesman, the House budget-writing committee approved to use some of the $9.4 billion reserve fund to help with the current deficit.  However, Governor Perry emphatically insists no rainy day funds will be used for the 2012-13 budget.  A portion of the rainy day fund, $3.11 billion has been approved for use.   There is an amendment by State Rep-D Donna Howard, Austin, to pull an additional two billion dollars from the rainy day fund specifically for education.  There is a catch to the $2 billion. The rainy day fund must accumulate over $6.5 billion; the excess will go to education, if the amendment is passed. 

The author must be aware that someone is concerned about all children receiving a quality education and that there are those fighting for finances for education. Overcrowded classrooms always have been a problem, I agree. However, it is sad that there is no concern expressed for the "self-motivated and bright students." An overcrowded classroom can de-motivate the brightest student and his grades can begin to suffer as a result. I would hate to think that my daughter would get less of an education because she is a bright child.  I would hate to think that my daughter would have less compassion and concern because she is a bright child.  She was born a bright child.  No, she was born talented and gifted and I would hate to think that just because she is part of the Gifted and Talented program and self motivated that there is no concern for her. If parents and Texans should be concerned, they should be concerned with all students not just the students who need extra help.