Medicaid expansion is a women’s rights issue
For many Georgia women, Medicaid expansion would transform their current spotty Medicaid coverage into health insurance coverage throughout their childbearing years. Most women with Medicaid only have health insurance while pregnant and for a brief period after pregnancy. This brief and episodic insurance provision for basic health care does not provide the coverage necessary to diagnose and treat health conditions that might arise when they are not pregnant. Such treatment could improve the health of the mother and babies produced during later pregnancies. Continuous health insurance coverage supports women developing a long-term relationship with one doctor rather than use of the emergency room as the main source for health care. Many Georgia women who would benefit from Medicaid expansion already pay income taxes.
GEORGE W. BUGG JR., DECATUR
Colleges can help better our climate
I was pleased to see the op-ed, “Higher ed can lead climate effort,” Opinion, Oct. 25). The poor and minorities are more adversely impacted by changes to climate (flooding, more severe storms and food insecurity). Education helps with preparation and prevention (reduced carbon emissions). Educating students to advocate on behalf of those most impacted has broad implications. All segments of society will be better prepared and informed. I urge Clark Atlanta University to go one step further itself by divesting from fossil fuel stocks. Divestiture acknowledges the harm greenhouse gases cause and taking action like this will complement education and advocacy. Climate justice is a natural extension of Atlanta’s civil rights champion, the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. I hope other Atlanta area colleges will follow quickly. Time is of the essence.
JEFF JOSLIN, ATLANTA
Stem tide of big money in elections
Increasing the opportunities for the people of Georgia to cast their ballots is undoubtedly a good thing, but ultimately voters would still be left to choose between candidates beholden to a few wealthy megadonors. “Thousands turn out to vote Sunday in Georgia,” (News, Oct. 26). For example, of all the contributions that went to candidates in Georgia’s Congressional primary races, 72 percent came from large donors giving $1,000 or more. As U.S. Supreme Court decisions have lifted limits on political spending by extremely wealthy donors and special interests, there’s little incentive for candidates to pay attention to the wants and needs of ordinary Americans, no matter how well-informed they may be. It is past time to take meaningful action to stem the tide of big money in our elections at the local, state, and federal levels. In a democracy, the size of your wallet should not determine the volume of your voice.
MICHAEL SIKOA, GEORGIA PIRG, CAMPAIGN ORGANIZER
