Testimony: Raise cig tax, preserve home care, care for most vulnerable
Kevin Nye of Meridian urged lawmakers to raise the cigarette tax. Jill Payne of Idaho Falls said cutting services to the disabled would harm the economy; "Such an ill-informed decision to remove millions from the economy is unconscionable," she said.
John Chambers of Gooding told of caring for his two developmentally disabled sons in his home for most of his life. "Certified family homes you get the best bang for your buck, no doubt about it," Chambers told lawmakers. He kept his oldest son at home until two days before he died. His voice breaking, he said, "He had the care and love he needed at home. It was a lot cheaper. ... This was very economical."
His younger son has a job and pays taxes, Chamber said. "He feels he's important and he does a good thing. ... We do not take services that we do not need. We have never taken food stamps or any other services. The services we receive are for my son and nothing else."
Monsignor Andrew Schumacher, a Catholic priest and chairman of the board of Catholic Charities of Idaho, told lawmakers, "Through no fault of their own or of their parents, people with disabilities, together with children living in poverty, are the most vulnerable segment of our state population. Therefore, they must be given first priority in the formulation of the state budget."
