It seems a lot of people have thoughts on what to do with the surplus money in the state budget. I will always support better education, but here is one that people are less aware of. As a worker in a Medicare-dependent nursing home I have not had a raise in nine years. Minimum wage has gone up several times and yet nursing homes have not received any additional funds to cover the increased cost. Health-care costs have gone up over 400 percent and nursing homes have had to deal with it with no added money from the state. How many businesses are still in business with the same budget they had in 1998? How many people in 2007 are making the same wage they made in 1998?
The elderly and disabled people of this state have taken a back seat to roads and schools and every other issue for far too long. People need to know just how desperate the situation is for nursing homes. My voice alone, however, will not do it. If the loving care of your family members is important to you, then make your voice heard. Write your legislators, write letters to the editor, log on to the legislative Web sites and tell our lawmakers that the care of human lives is a priority. Your voice is needed. These people who have no voice need yours. The elderly and disabled of this state have been pushed aside and forgotten long enough. They need to know that you care. Speak up, they need you.
Ed Moore
Granite falls
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
