Wean schools of health benefits aid
Regarding “Bus drivers seek to keep state insurance” (News, Jan. 26), I question why the state is subsidizing health insurance for any county employees, not just bus drivers. In Forsyth County, approximately 75 percent of my real estate property taxes are to support the school district. Why do they need state subsidies at all? I suggest a 10 percent annual reduction in all state subsidies for non-state-employee health care so that it is eliminated in 10 years and counties have time to adjust. Include a responsible means test so poorer counties continue to receive appropriate assistance.
STEVE HAVEY, CUMMING
Don’t strip drivers of health coverage
I think Gov. Nathan Deal’s reasoning behind taking the insurance away is a red herring. The real reason is to cut costs. What is unfair is to give people a benefit they need and rely on, and then all of a sudden take it away. Those who are getting it should not have it stripped from them. There are a lot of bus drivers already unhappy with the system and the shortage of drivers, having to cover for them and not being able to take sick days or personal time. Cobb County, for example, is down 10 drivers at the moment.
If the removal of health insurance goes through, there will be a major backlash, with a large number of bus drivers quitting and looking for other work. This will create a mushroom effect where the remaining drivers will be overworked, having to pick up additional runs, covering for the lack of drivers, etc. The hornet’s nest this will result in will be ugly, plain and simple. We’ll have kids missing their rides because of no shows, being late for school, not making it home on time and many outraged parents. The decision to take health insurance away from current bus drivers is a major mistake.
CHRIS HINTON, HIRAM
Patchwork won’t solve traffic woes
“No new taxes” pledges have trumped common sense. Republicans repeated that mantra until they lulled voters into a magical belief our traffic woes could be solved without additional revenue. All recognize relieving road congestion will cost billions, but none wants to admit taxes must be raised. Schools, hospitals, public safety and other essential services should not be cut more. Under the Gold Dome’s current philosophy, however, taxes must be “revenue-neutral.” If one is raised, others must be lowered equally.
Stop waiting for magical solutions; let’s wake up and face reality. Our infrastructure has been neglected for so long, patchwork efforts will not suffice. We learned as children that “a stitch in time saves nine” and, “Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today.” Yet we, as adults, have not applied those lessons to real life.
BETTYLEE MARTIN, CLARKESVILLE
