For my policies class, I was asked to write a letter to the editor of a newspaper in response to a news article. The article should regard a Florida policy and should state my opinion regarding it. I chose an article about a FL bill recently passed that allowed for eviction notices to be distributed or evictions to be performed during holidays. Law makers considered this bill to be fair to all in the population. Well, how about the children affected by the evictions? Are they going to understand that it is a "fair" thing to happen on a holiday? I was simply so upset after reading the article. I tried to think of the good that can come from this bill, but I simply cannot think of any.

I understand that evictions need to be performed. I understand that people who cannot afford their homes will suffer the consequences regarding lack of payment. However, this is more than just a business transaction. I know lawmakers have a different mind set regarding these situations. Lawmakers find these measures "necessary". Yet, do they stop to think of how these events affect people? Losing a home is a traumatic event in people's lives. To top it off, people need to go through a traumatic eviction on a holiday. Is this necessary? 

There is no good reason for lawmakers to have to impose such laws on homeowners. Everyone can fall victim of the economy. I know of many successful people who have been laid off and cannot find another job. This is not the way people should be treated on a holiday. A little sympathy from politicians for members of our community would be nice. 

Here is the letter I wrote to the Editor of The Palm Beach Post. The link below is to the article I discussed. 

Dear Editor, 

Recognized holidays are days that most people hold dear to them. During holidays, people try to forget their sorrows and give themselves hope. Now that this bill passed (HB 921), people will be reminded during dear times that they have become victims of the economy. The families affected will have to put an end to their celebration and focus on the cruel reality of their lives. Losing a home is not something that people want to face, especially not on a holiday, but unfortunately it is part of the recession. However, would it be too wrong to ask lawmakers to make it so, that at least on holidays, people may enjoy a glimpse of hope? Is it truly necessary for the Sheriff’s department to come knocking on people’s doors with notices of eviction on Christmas Eve? This Bill allows eviction notices to be delivered promptly, but it does nothing to improve a person’s psycho-social status. I believe that all people deserve the right to hope for a better tomorrow. It is simply morally wrong to deprive people of hope with a thought of homelessness. At least, during holidays people should not be tormented by the thought of eviction. 

http://www.palmbeachpost.com/news/state/bill-allowing-holiday-evictions-passes-house-2207347.html

Andrea B.

Sunrise, FL

954-643-3017

Last week, I wrote a policy brief on the topic of child maltreatment. The bill I chose to discuss was "The Supporting Child Maltreatment Prevention Effort in Community Health Centers Act (S.54)" which was introduced by Senator Daniel Inouye of Hawaii. The bill was introduced in 2011 and is currently being reviewed by the Committee of Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Hopefully after its review in the committee, the bill will make its way to congress, senate, and President. 

The S.54 bill, if passed, would place government funded community health centers that would serve to promote family well-being. These health centers would develop different programs geared to the prevention of child maltreatment in communities by helping families develop better family dynamics. All people in a community would be able to receive services from such health centers despite their economic status. These health centers would provide adequate mental health screenings for parents with at risk of child maltreatment behaviors. The sole focus of this bill would be for the prevention of psychological, physical, and sexual abuse as well as neglect and other maltreatment of children. S.54 would implement programs targeting factors and behaviors that place children at risk of abuse, as well as treating those children who have already become victims of maltreatment and their families. 

For the most part, children see their parents or guardians as the absolute law and view the parent’s behaviors as acceptable. When parents abuse or neglect their children, these children don't necessarily view these behaviors as wrong but as "normal". Not only do children often think that the maltreatment is "normal", but they might even imitate these behaviors until adulthood. The point is that children cannot advocate for themselves. The reason for this is simple, children do not have the knowledge required to know that not all behaviors exhibited by adults should be deemed acceptable. Even when children are taught that their parent's behaviors are not the norm, the fear of the trauma lingers as a side effect of the abuse. 

The Supporting Child Maltreatment Prevention Effort in Community Health Centers Act (S.54) would give children the opportunity to seek treatment, receive counseling, become involved in programs with other children who have gone through similar experiences, and it would provide their parents with the right psychological help needed to fight learned behaviors. In order to fight a problem, we need to target the root of the problem. This bill would provide the help and resources needed in order to improve family dynamics in communities for the prevention of child maltreatment. Sure, the bill could implement a few other things, but the main focus is there... to promote wellness in the children of America. 

This week in class, I was asked to give my opinion on my experience with social security, unemployment benefits, and other federally funded programs or the sort. To be 100% honest, my family has never applied for any of these government programs. Luckily, we have always found jobs when he needed them or helped each other out to help with health costs. I did apply for government assistance in 2010 after resigning from my position as a Surgical Technician. I was denied any form of government help. So, needless to say that I have no had the personal experience of dealing with federally funded programs. So, in order to write my blog this week, I asked my Fiancee if his family has ever taken advantage of any government programs. Fortunately, his family has a long line of service men who have taken advantage of VA benefits. The closest relative to my Fiancee that is currently seeking VA benefits is his brother. He only receives about $300.00 a month, and has most medical expenses covered as long as he goes to a facility where they evaluate VA members. Now, don't judge me, but although I don't know his exact situation and why he receives $300 dollars a month... I find it to be simply not enough money for the years that he risked his life for our country. He spent five years in the navy and he only gets $300.00 monthly? I wouldn't risk my life for five years for that amount. Again, don't judge my thinking; I truly don't know the basis for deciding how much VA members are given. 


My fiancee also told me about his Grandparents receiving social security. His grandparents were very responsible people with very good stable jobs in their prime. His grandma just passed away last month, but she was using her social security benefits to cover her costly health bills. She took advantage of the many resources available through social security. The social security wasn't much but at least it helped her. 


I truly haven't lived any of this myself to have a better formed opinion on federal programs. However, it is  my strong belief that a lot of government programs are outdated and need revision. A plan proposed in 1935, cannot be 100% beneficial for a person in 2012. I think it is important to remember that much has changed in societal living since the times most of these programs were established. From 1935 to 2012, huge technological and medical advances have been achieved to improve people's lives. People are living longer and healthier life-styles. It is time to go through federal programs and make them more current. 

This week in class, I read about poverty and what our government considers poverty. I looked over the 2012 US guidelines for poverty and Self-Sufficiency Standards. The government guidelines basically depict what the government believes is poverty by taking in account certain costs such as food. I wasn't very impressed with the chart the government provides to show these guidelines. It isn't very easy to understand. I couldn't tell what costs it took into account. Reading a little more on the US guidelines, I realize that they are quite outdated. It would be beneficial for these guidelines to be updated and to include factors such as those included in the Self-Sufficiency Standards. I felt more comfortable reading the Self-Sufficiency Standards chart. It is broken down by state and county. I looked at Broward County's chart and it was very descriptive. The chart provided the income amount families need based on different family structures. The chart had single families with no children, families with one or multiple children, one parent families, etc. The Self-Sufficiency Standard chart was very easy to understand.  The Self-Sufficiency Standards takes into account costs such as food, day-care, and other necessities that families are faced with paying on a monthly basis. The price for these necessities keeps climbing making it harder for families to afford these necessities. If the government does not take these factors into account, how can they make an accurate prediction of what it is like to be poor in the US?


I have met several families with both working parents making a decent living. Some of these families, despite of working good jobs, have been faced with hardships and needed assistance. The only problem is that government doesn't consider these families "poor" and therefore will not assist. I remember when I moved out of my parent's home, I was working full time as a surgical technician and living in a one bedroom apartment by myself. The minute I applied for financial aid to start college, I was denied on the basis that I "made too much" to be considered in need of help. Well, due to the fact that I was not given any financial aid, I had to take out loans or pay out of pocket for my education which left a bigger dent in my pocket. I was living paycheck to paycheck, but to the government I was well off. How many people out there in this country want to further their education while continuing to work a full time job, but are faced with the inability to pay for school out of pocket? Shouldn't the government help people better themselves? 


I have been fortunate enough to have never lived in poverty, but I have seen it and been around it. I come from Chile, a place where poverty is not hidden. A place where you might be well off but a close family member may live in poverty. There, the government doesn't offer any help for education or living standards. The US is a great country to live in without a doubt. Still, I find it imperative that the government stay current with the times and continues to improve their programs. 

After watching the State of the Union address on Tuesday, January 24th, I am convinced that President Obama is just a good speaker. His speeches always sound great. They make you believe that things will indeed change. His speeches also give hope to those losing their homes and those without jobs. Everything President Obama says in these State of the Union addresses sounds amazing. On Tuesday, I'm sure everyone is thinking to themselves that on Wednesday the country will be renewed. Unfortunately, Wednesday comes along and things are still the same. The person without a job is still jobless by Friday. Since he has been in office, President Obama has talked the talk. He has given hope and made headlines. This week for my Welfare Policy class, I had to watch a video on Clinton giving a speech about a reform he has worked on when he was in office. As I watched and listened to President Clinton, I felt empowered and I felt that not only was he honest in his words, but he was also going to actually make a change. In contrary, when President Obama speaks, all I hear is a good speech. Sadly for the population, the days go on by and we are still in the same mess. 

I read an article this week about the rate of unemployment improving. The article talked about how the rate can help or hurt Obama in the upcoming election. After reading the article, I realized one or two things; the economy is going to improve at a very slow rate if things in Washington don't improve. I understand that it has been a challenge for the President to communicate with the house and senate on important issues. I find it critical that President Obama improve his relationship with the rest of the people in Washington responsible for our well-being, so that changes in unemployment and other areas are not so slow to improve. I also find that Obama's State of Union address on unemployment came at the perfect time to make him "look better" in the eyes of the public. The truth is, most of the new jobs created, have been created by the same big huge companies that he wants to raise taxes on. It hasn't been President Obama the one coming up with new policies or new programs to create new jobs... it is still corporate America that is doing so. 

All in all, I try to always watch the State of Union address live. I also try to read comments on it and become more aware of what the President is truly saying and how it relates to what the he is really doing. I'm very glad that the unemployment rate in the country has improved. But, let us not forget that it has been mostly to corporate America that has facilitated these new jobs. Let us also look back on the last four years that President Obama has been in office, and let us remember how well he speaks but how little he really does.