Parish
Instead of 'No New Taxes,' Texans Should Do It Right
RECEIVED Mon., Feb. 28, 2005
Dear Editor,
In regard to Family Protective Services: Young and old people are being abused. Young and old are dying unnecessarily. We haven't provided enough competent caseworkers to handle their needs. Each of our caseworkers is now assigned approximately 74 cases. Our best caseworkers don't have a chance to do an efficient job. To meet national child welfare accreditation standards the caseload would be limited to between 12 and 15 cases. The national average is 20 cases. Our immediate goal should be to assign fewer than 20 cases to our caseworkers. Texans want to be better than average!
Many young and older citizens are sick and lack the health insurance needed to see a doctor. Every Texan should have health insurance, allowing preventive medicine and medical advice. Every Texan living in poverty should have access to a doctor provided through the state.
In regard to public education: The Robin Hood system for redistributing wealth solved many of the inequities and is approved by a majority of Texans. There should be some simple basic changes to make it constitutional. Another alternate solution is to adopt a simple state income tax where every family and business could pay their fair share. Most of the leading states use this taxing method. Texas should be the leader! Do not be hesitant about putting this to a vote. Let us drop the mantra “no new taxes” and adopt “Texans do it right.”
Don't start with a limited amount of funding for these programs. Find out what's needed, and find the money to do it right.
In the end, let it be said by everyone that you were selfless and did everything possible to help and protect the sick and needy as well as planning good things for our youth and the future of Texas.
In regard to Family Protective Services: Young and old people are being abused. Young and old are dying unnecessarily. We haven't provided enough competent caseworkers to handle their needs. Each of our caseworkers is now assigned approximately 74 cases. Our best caseworkers don't have a chance to do an efficient job. To meet national child welfare accreditation standards the caseload would be limited to between 12 and 15 cases. The national average is 20 cases. Our immediate goal should be to assign fewer than 20 cases to our caseworkers. Texans want to be better than average!
Many young and older citizens are sick and lack the health insurance needed to see a doctor. Every Texan should have health insurance, allowing preventive medicine and medical advice. Every Texan living in poverty should have access to a doctor provided through the state.
In regard to public education: The Robin Hood system for redistributing wealth solved many of the inequities and is approved by a majority of Texans. There should be some simple basic changes to make it constitutional. Another alternate solution is to adopt a simple state income tax where every family and business could pay their fair share. Most of the leading states use this taxing method. Texas should be the leader! Do not be hesitant about putting this to a vote. Let us drop the mantra “no new taxes” and adopt “Texans do it right.”
Don't start with a limited amount of funding for these programs. Find out what's needed, and find the money to do it right.
In the end, let it be said by everyone that you were selfless and did everything possible to help and protect the sick and needy as well as planning good things for our youth and the future of Texas.
Sincerely,
Gene Thomas
Hurst
Gene Thomas
Hurst
