My first impression upon entering the trailer was that of a family with great
pride in cleanliness. Everything was clean and in order, and I suspect the
trailer was not cleaned up just because I came to visit, but there is a great
deal of pride and value that Ms. Z has in keeping her trailer clean and in
order. The children are well dressed and well behaved. Even the two year
old put away his books on the shelf without prompting.
Ms. Z has been married twice. One ex is not working and the other receives
pay under the table for his work so she receives no child support. She works
part time as a waitress (10 hrs/week/$5.25 an hour without tips). She also
works 30 hrs/week as a certified nursing assistant in Moscow at $6.20/hour.
Her total earnings for a year (if her hours remain constant) are about
$12,900. This puts her below the poverty level. She spends about $170/month
for food (I'll be going grocery shopping with her next week). She manages to
get clothing for her children through local clothing banks and also some
food.
Ms. Z. is not on welfare. When she had her twins she went on welfare, medicare,
and food stamps. She detests welfare and has vowed to support her children
by working at two jobs. Her experiences with the H & W office has not been
helpful. She applied for health insurance through the new Idaho Children's
Health Program (approximately 18,000 children in the state have no health
insurance). The case worker told her that her children qualified and then
two weeks later she received a letter saying that the children were not
qualified. Her son needs $2,000 for an operation for ingrown toenails. Ms.Z
has a heart condition and takes antibotics before going to the dentist for
dental work. She gives the antibotics to her son to help his medical
condition. For this family, there is no margin. The health insurance
problem is critical. If a major health problem strikes this family then
then trailer and the van would be sold to pay expenses. (I will be looking
into the health insurance situation with H & W).
Ms. Z has home schooled her children until this year, and three of the
children are in public school. The public libraries are their cultural
salvation for books, tapes, and videos. Ms. Z. is an example of a head of
family living under the poverty line who does not want to receive welfare.
She has two years college training in languages and would like to complete
her degree, but taking care of her children and working to support them
gives her no time. Health insurance is her first primary concern for her
children, and, of course, she needs it as well. Under welfare reform we need
to provide health insurance assistance, child care when needed, transporation,
and training to assist citizens such as Ms. Z. to enable her better support
her family. I'll be grocery shopping with Ms. Z. next week and report back.
Rep. Tom Trail
Dr. Tom Trail
International Trails
2039 Mt. View Rd.
Moscow, Id. 83843
Tel: (208) 882-6077
Fax: (208) 882-0896
e mail ttrail@moscow.com