Published: February 22, 2009 12:58 am      

LETTERS: Feb. 22, 2009

Paying support while out of work



I wanted to let everyone know that I have recently added something to my child support/visitation petition that will really help a lot of people.

I am asking for a government-funded child-support assistance program. First of all, this program is not for the deadbeats and those playing the system. I stand firm that they should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

This program is for those people who are unemployed or underemployed through no fault of their own, because of the poor economy, and have a good support payment history. This program would pay the child support obligation or a portion of it as long as the parent shows proof he/she is actively seeking employment or better employment.

I have asked for this because with all of the layoffs and cutbacks, good, hardworking support-paying parents are worried about how they will pay the support obligation and still take care of their family. If they do not pay support, they could suffer legal consequences.

And even if they don’t suffer legal consequences, the child support will get way behind, and the children are forced to go without that income they rely on.

In times like these, child support could be the difference between the children having food for the week or going hungry. We cannot let hardworking parents and their children suffer from these things they cannot control. These parents want to pay the support. They try their best and still come up short.

Before I start getting letters and e-mail from people who don’t agree with this, let me say this. I know that some people abuse any government program. I know that some of those people will slip through the cracks with this program, just like the rest of them. I still believe that the pros of this far outweigh the cons. We cannot punish thousands for the irresponsibility of a few hundred.

I also know that this type of program could mean a slight increase in taxes for all of us. Let me just say this. I am not a support-paying parent. I am dealing with one of the deadbeats playing the system. This program would not help me in the slightest. And yet, I would rather pay an extra $5 in taxes each week than see innocent people put in jail and children starving or living on the streets.

If you would like to support my petition or if you are interested and just want to see the whole petition, send me an

e-mail to 79trm@comcast.net. Or write to me by mail: 4818 South Scott Road, Claypool, IN< 46510.

The petition covers a number of different issues. If you are having any problems with child support or visitation, let me know. I may already have a plan in my petition that addresses it. Or I can work with you to come up with one. I am trying to help as many people as possible with this. I am also trying to stay fair to everyone.

— Tambi Manns, Claypool



Medicare Part D is working



Open enrollment for Medicare Part D, the prescription drug component of Medicare, recently closed throughout the nation. For the third consecutive year, Hoosiers have been able to enroll and reap the benefits of the Medicare Part D prescription drug benefit. In fact, Medicare Part D has helped nearly 500,000 Hoosiers pay for their prescription drugs that many could not otherwise afford. Medicare Part D has proven to be an effective way to help seniors stay healthy and give their families peace of mind in knowing their loved ones have the medicines they need.

Many seniors in Indiana are pleased with the way Medicare Part D is working to help them pay for prescription drug coverage. Ninety-one percent of Part D beneficiaries say they believe the Part D program is working, and they are glad they signed up. In addition to the plan working for beneficiaries, it is also working for the nation. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services released information showing that spending for prescription medicines in 2007 was at an historic low of 4.9 percent, the lowest growth the country has seen since 1963.

It is up to our legislators both here in Indiana and in Washington, D.C., to see the impact that Medicare Part D has had on Indiana’s seniors. Without this program many would not be able to afford insurance or prescription medications. This program has helped countless seniors throughout the state and the nation. It is imperative that seniors continue to have the opportunity to take advantage of its benefits and that our legislators continue to support it.

Please let Medicare Part D keep working on behalf of Indiana’s seniors.

— Dorothy Paden, Rockville