Letters: Have commissioners no shame?

Editor:

Re: “County to see $340K spike in health-insurance rates,” Aug. 10 Wilson County News

The actions taken by the commissioners court concerning health-care benefits for county workers illustrate the mindset that has taken our country to the brink of bankruptcy. No action to contain costs by increasing the deductible, decreasing the amount of coverage, or employee contributions was taken.

It should be noted that most persons on Medicare pay from about $96 to approximately $114 per month for 80 percent coverage. They either pay the extra 20 percent in cost or buy a supplemental policy at their own expense. These people will also pay increased property taxes to provide health coverage to county employees.

Any private business confronted by the same situation would surely have required employee contributions or reduced the benefits. I guess it’s easy to spend money when you don’t have to earn it.

I wonder if demonstrations like the teachers unions in Wisconsin would have happened in Wilson County if the employees were asked to share part of the costs?

Have you people no shame?

JIM BRANUM

Grand Prairie