Be encouraged to get involved

The first month of the year has not even ended and already, we as a state, nation and global community, are being faced with daunting challenges.

The Governor released his budget for the State and we are facing a $20 Billion deficit. While quite different from last year's $40 Billion deficit, it is also much different from the years not long ago when we had surplus budgets and were able to contemplate growth and programs rather than reductions and pain. It is amazing to me that just a few seasons ago, we as a state had $128 Billion in revenue and now we struggle with making ends meet with 1/3 less. Volatile and shrinking revenue streams only hurt the people who need help the most. The poor, children, the disabled and ill all suffer when government support is stopped, but at the end of the day, we all suffer, because we all rely on the government for something. Roads, tolls, stoplights, the police and fire departments, sanitation and more. They all are courtesy of government. Nonetheless, I worry about the choices that will have to be made to balance this budget.

On a national level, we just witnessed a rather historical election in Massachusetts, which was won on a single issue: health care reform. Millions of people in this country are under-insured. In California, 6.6 million people are uninsured, many of whom are children. And yet, as a nation, we encourage healthy living and wellness, and yet we also seem quite reluctant to want everyone to have a basic right: universal access to healthcare. I don't understand that, especially when studies all show that it is far cheaper for a society to be well than it is to be sick. At least in the long run.

And then in the midst of all of this, a horrifying and shocking natural disaster strikes the country of Haiti and reminds us all that we are human, and that we must work together; because at the end of day, we are all connected. It has been sad to watch the news coverage on this tragedy. For me, it brings up memories of Katrina. And yet, as always, it has been touching to see the human spirit rally together in kindness and courage to help one's fellow man, woman, and child. Regardless of the distance.

I hope you will consider getting involved in life in 2010. And in February, that means getting involved in local and state conversations about this state budget and what cuts will mean and why social programs are so critically important. I hope you will also get involved in local and national conversations about health care because we all need access to affordable coverage. There is dignity in being able to be healthy and we deserve that. And lastly, I hope you will get involved in helping Haiti; by giving (we have a link on our website), or just by learning more about the country. Because the children of the world need us & are counting on us to do the right thing - Give.

Happy January.