Letters on taxing hospitals, NFL protests, four governors, tax appeals

Taxing hospitals is not the answer

The KanCare Advocates Network, a coalition advocating for children and adults served by KanCare, objects both to Gov. Sam Brownback’s cut to the Kansas Medicaid program and his proposal to tax hospitals.

Taxing hospitals does nothing to improve reimbursement rates to Medicaid providers, most of whom have not had an increase in more than a decade. Doctors, dentists, mental health providers, hospitals and providers of home care to frail elders and Kansans with physical and intellectual/developmental disabilities have seen their rates deteriorate to a point that threatens their financial stability and quality of care.

The governor suggests using federal funds to cover his Medicaid cuts but rejects using federal funds to expand KanCare, an opportunity strongly supported by a majority of Kansans. Why is using federal money acceptable to implement a tax that benefits no one but is unacceptable to provide health coverage to 150,000 Kansans? This federal money belongs to Kansas taxpayers and should be returned to benefit Kansans.

The governor suggests that providing assistance to “able-bodied” Kansans somehow prevents the state from serving those with disabilities. The truth is the majority of these “able-bodied” Kansans are working, often in more than one job, but still can’t afford health insurance. This isn’t an either/or choice.

The governor calls on us to work hard to find solutions to these problems. He should recognize the solution is right in front of him.

Don’t use people with disabilities as an excuse not to expand KanCare.

Bad place to protest

I enjoy watching football. I find it relaxing and a way to escape the pressures of living for a few hours on the weekend. I don’t appreciate players that drag the very thing I’m wanting to escape from into the game.

I’m not sure what to say about the protests of those players during the playing of the national anthem. It’s true there are issues that need to be addressed, but to me, this venue is the wrong place, and these guys are the wrong people, to address them.

Outside the field of play, they can do or say anything they please. But I find it despicable that a group of overpaid athletes is disrespecting the only country in the world where they can earn so much money for the so little that they do. I believe their actions are disparaging the sacrifice of all those that have died fighting for what our flag and nation anthem stand for.

I want the NFL, the media, the advertisers and those hocking merchandise to know that when I see these protestors. I change the channel and watch something else or shut it off and do something of value with my time. I encourage others to do the same, because honoring those who have given their life for all of us should be far more important than whatever the cause of the moment is for these players.

Barnstorm state

I read various news articles about the four former governors of Kansas – John Carlin, Mike Hayden, Bill Graves and Kathleen Sebelius – supporting the retention of justices of the Kansas Supreme Court (Sept. 7 Eagle). Though I applaud the former governors for speaking out, I was displeased that one of their venues was Union Station in Kansas City, Mo.

To get their message across to Kansas voters, they need to conduct speaking tours in all corners of the state, including western Kansas.

The manner in which they are conducting their anti-Brownback crusade is fraught with “preaching to the choir.” The governors need to fan out and barnstorm the state to protect Kansas from becoming a quasi-theocracy under Brownback. They need to spread the message that justices should not be intimidated by fear of organized political ouster by a political machine, such as those allied with Brownback.

Pay taxes first

A recent Opinion Line wondered about the total dollars involved in the delinquent property tax list. It has got to be a huge amount.

Another contributor mentioned that many of the properties were under appeal and should not be considered past due.

The best solution to this is very simple: Property owners should pay by the due date, period. Then the appeal process starts, and if there is a reduction in value, the difference is remitted back to the owner.

It is time to make a change in the way counties collect taxes. There’s just too many worthless appeals as a way to delay payment.

History lessons

I appreciated Mark McCormick’s letter, “Don’t forget the sacrifice of martyrs” (Sept. 11 Letters to the Editor). It was an excellent reminder for all of us of the sacrifice made by so many.

I, like many others, miss the commentaries on life in our community by McCormick, who used to be an Eagle columnist. But I know he is busy doing an outstanding job as executive director at the Kansas African American Museum. His words are always rich with history and human kindness.

I also enjoyed reading the long list of famous people who have been influenced by our high standard here in Kansas and who have gone on to inspire others to greatness (Sept. 11 Insight). What a great history lesson.

This story was originally published September 14, 2016 at 5:02 AM with the headline "Letters on taxing hospitals, NFL protests, four governors, tax appeals."