He is the father of two. He works three jobs. He has no health care insurance. There are many people, men and women, like him. Hard workers, underpaid, and anxious. He worries about how much the next illness or injury will cost.
We need public universal health care for him, and for all of us. In the U.S. House, HR 676, would provide that. I know that President Obama has a plan that would include an insurance option. I can’t agree with that. It is more of the same. Costs will shoot up from the excessive paperwork insurance companies generate. Then we’ll be told, “see, it doesn’t work,” or “it’s too expensive.”
I hope our Congress members will put us before the promises of reform from the insurance industry.
Marion Mengert
Exeter
CSW Still Needed
To the Editor:
It is perfectly clear that we are experiencing a severe economic crisis in this country. Consequently, state governments are forced to review and cut budgets more rigidly than ever. It is also perfectly clear that in harsh economic times, women who are single parents, have shorter employment histories than men, who are the majority of lower-wage earners and who frequently have little or no health insurance are hardest hit. Their vulnerability is heightened by the economic downturn.
The history of gender discrimination provides the context for the particularly disadvantageous situation New Hampshire women now find themselves in. Fortunately, however, the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), which was formed 40 years ago to advocate for and seek to remedy gender disparities, exists. The work of the CSW is more critical for advocating and protecting the rights of women than ever before.
The recent CSW initiative "Better Jobs for New Hampshire Women" is an example of responsiveness to the current harsh economic times. Not only does the Commission provide strategies and connections for increasing job recruitment, training, hiring and retention of women in non-traditional occupations, CSW has the ears of the legislature and governor where effective policy can emerge.
The Commission accomplishes an enormous agenda, from a frequently updated Legal Handbook for Women (in English AND Spanish), to improving training and communication for women inmates in NH prisons, to productive partnerships with organizations and agencies that address gender issues in education as well as domestic violence and drug treatment programs. And all of this with a staff of 2 plus 15 dedicated volunteer Commissioners!
In this period of dire economic stress, it is essential that the budget and staff of CSW be fully retained. It is perfectly clear that 40 years of significant work be recognized for the huge service this agency provides this state. We must maintain their vital work because it is, especially now, sorely needed!
Patricia Yosha
(Former Chair
NH Commission on the Status of Women)
Exeter
Thank You Plaistow Lions:
To the Editor:
Plaistow Recreation would like to thank the Plaistow Lions Club for rebuilding our shelter on Ingalls Terrace in Plaistow. The shelter needed a new roof, posts and beams; it had to be torn down this spring. The Plaistow Lions Club raised the money for materials and members of the club donated their time to build a new shelter.
This summer the shelter will be appreciated by all who come out to picnic, need a break from the sun while playing and by the summer recreation program. Thank you so much for all your organization does for our Town.
