Interesting because it is both a “fiscal” issue and a “social” one. According to the Legislative Budget Board, for the 2010-11 budget, Texas lawmakers budgeted $16.3 billion in General Revenue funds and $45.0 billion when combined with Federal funds. Obviously a fiscal issue. What happens if we “opt-out” but don’t “walk away”?
Hmm. First off, we forget about those federal funds, so we have to start at $16.3 billion and work down from there to save money. We are already what, 49th in spending on subsidized healthcare? Sure, ditching the Federal contribution (your money, btw) will get us the top spot of 50th but what does “can’t just walk away” mean?
How low are we willing to go? Like I said, it is both fiscal and social. Chopping that much off and providing a state funded only program will get us what? I’m curious because I can’t see how it will save us money. I get that we’ll cut the social services spending and that is fine because as Cravens says I’m an unfair person to begin with, but how does it save us money? Seein’ as how I’m unfair and all, why not “just walk away”? I don’t want some kid in poverty visiting the doctor on my dime, no-sir-eee.
Will one of Chisum’s supporters please answer that? Thank you in advance.
Big Unfair Jolly