The little white lie of the Brownback administration is that its mantra of compassionate conservatism has the welfare of Kansans at heart.
Ever since he was elected as governor, Sam Brownback has worked to impoverish the state in every arena — mind, body and soul.
Before legislators this session are a myriad of bills designed to take Kansas further down this ignominious path.
Not the least is a bill to once again reduce welfare benefits, this time from three to two years. Only last year, Kansas lawmakers passed the euphemistically termed “HOPE Act” that cut food stamp eligibility from four years to three. Federal law extends the lifetime benefits to five years.
To date, more than 5,000 Kansas families depend on cash assistance through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program. Last year’s cuts affected about 200 families. If this session’s law passes, another 425 families are expected to lose the aid.
Brownback touts the decrease as a positive.
Dear Governor, restricting the aid does not eliminate the need.
The same can be said for the evisceration of our public schools, state hospitals, roads and bridges, prisons, and other programs. Reducing support for these programs is causing real harm to those who need it.
BUT FOR Brownback and his ilk this is the plan.
The underprivileged, don’t you know, are such a drain on their personal finances.
In their world of private schools, private health insurance and private investments, those that depend on government programs such as public schools, Medicare and Social Security, much less Medicaid, are losers.
And as for regulations — think environmental and banking — well, they’re holding back a chance for even higher profits.
That’s why in Kansas, the governor is focused on blocking regulations sought by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on coal plants. Our health comes second to the bottom line of Koch Industries.
THINK BACK across the five years that Brownback has been governor and recall the sectors that have benefited from his administration.
Public education? Today, Kansas schools are underfunded at best by an estimated $164 million. Last year, schools closed early because of a lack of funds. Programs have been cut, and our teachers remain among the least paid in the nation.
Health care? Conservative legislators continue to deny the expansion of Medicaid despite its benefit to not only the poor but also the state’s health care system.
As for mental health, the state hospital in Osawatomie has lost federal funding because of mismanagement. Some accuse state officials of purposefully running the program into the ground in efforts to drum up support for its privatization.
