What is it that should really be cut?

As I mentioned in one of my posts early, Texas government is economically liberal and socially conservative. It mainly focuses on economic growth, and does not involve in social issues very much. There are not as much funds to education and health care from states as other states do. It believes the growth of economy will put people in better financial situation in order to control one’s own life and problems. Texas constitution requires a balanced budget. Right now the state's budget shortfall is estimated to be as high as $27 billion. Therefore, budget cut is happening.

One of the major cut would be medical cut, such as Medicare, Medicate and state children health insurance. There would be 33 percent cut on this industry. Is the cut necessary? I would say no. There is one most important reason I would like to point out – illegal immigrants. How is this related? Former President Bush by his negligence or ignorance is allowing Illegal Aliens to step to the front of the line in the United States Medical System. According to the Texas Hospital Association, Texas hospitals spent $393 million treating illegal aliens in 2002 alone and increasing yearly with $225 million to be paid by taxpayers. If we really do the math, 33 percent of $27 billion (this number is total budget cut, not just on health care itself) is $891 million and it is way less then what we paying for treating illegal aliens alone. There are not many researches on exactly how much the tax payers are paying for the illegal aliens medical bills in recent years. However the number from 9 years ago is shocking enough.

Illegal immigration is a problem. Where does the state law stand and what are the polices on these? Illegal aliens are taking jobs from legal citizens and taking advantage of U.S. forgiving healthcare systems and played key factor in putting people and children who deserve the benefit of their own country in a tight situation.

Should we not to treat the sickened illegal aliens or should we keep on playing the savor of all and put its own citizens in lack of medical assistance that they deserve and have been paid for by their hard labor tax? Taking care of its own citizen should be the priority of the state regardless the nation polices.

Before the state cutting the funding on health care programs, I think it should really take care of how the funding for medical programs has been spent first, and then establish a black and white policy toward this issue. If illegal aliens do not have to pay their hospital bills, why should we pay for it? Just because we have a social security number and we are in the system?

So, State of Texas, what is it that should really be cut?